TC Electronics Reliability?

[hudpucker]

I've taken apart a couple of TCE 'switches' and they're really just actuators for small PCB-mounted micro-switches.

I'm sure many work fine but it's not exactly a robust design.

not my pic but...

 

[VicodinDream]

Mine have actual switch type switches. I've got 3 that went bad. I've been tempted to replace the switches. I have since phased them out and off my board. I don't like cheap designs. IIRC they are on their 4th generation of switches. I've also noticed a few "pro's" use a switcher to switch them on and off. I have wondered if this is the reason they do this.

 

[rjshare]

I have two Polytunes, a HOF, Corona Corus, and a Sentry Noise gate. I've never had a problem. However, I've read the horror stories, I think overblown. Some forums make it sound like TC is putting out junk, and these are the same posters who rave about their Joyo and Donners.

I'd guess that most builders use the same switches. In a small enclosure, they might be surface mount. I don't jump on my switches.

people posting their own opinions on forums like this one generally arent doing anything other than relating first hand experience.

most people who rave about donner/joyo etc always attach the caveat "for the price" and align their levels of expectation to what they paid for it. i rave about a joyo pedal because it sounds good and works - and no it doesnt have its switch mounted on the main pcb, it is a proper wired footswitch that would be easy to replace should the need arise - unlike my hof mini reverb.

if you pay 20-30 bucks for something you accept that it may not last forever - if you are putting over 100 into something as straight forward as a guitar pedal you have every right to expect it be of a certain level of quality. the design of tc switches is a weak link - it isnt overblown. tc themselves can't repair them and have changed the design several times already in the relatively short space of time that they have been in business. compare tc with a growing reputation of failing switches to boss who have made the same enclosures for over thirty years and give you a five year guarantee because they are so confident of the design...

 

[VicodinDream]

This is the switch in 2 of mine. If anyone knows of a solid replacement, let me know.

 

[VicodinDream]

http://www.fullcompass.com/prod/243919-TC-Electronic-7E56602699 is the part anyone would need for the pedal switch (the Alpha like I posted). Their a PITA to unsolder.