Electro-Harmonix came out with the Nano line in 2006, complete with the Small Stone Nano, the Small Clone Nano, and the Muff Nano. Around this period, Electro-Harmonix and other large pedal companies started using surface-mount components in their pedals.
The Small Stone Nano on the bench today is one of those pedals! Join me as I repair a Small Stone that only intermittently phases. It’s phases has phases. It’s like phase-ception.
Enjoy!
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Small Stone Nano Symptoms
In this particular case, the symptom was that the Small Stone was not switching reliably. Sometimes it would switch states, other times it wouldn’t – no matter how hard you stomped!
Troubleshooting the Small Stone Nano
The first thing I like to do when an intermittent issue like this comes up is look for any mechanical devices that are directly involved in regenerating the problem. Remember, when you repair things you need to start with what you know. Right now, the problem is with switching between states. So let’s check the switch!
But how do we check the switch? Great question.
How to Check a 3PDT Switch
The Small Stone Nano uses a 3PDT switch: “3PDT” stands for 3-Pole Double-Throw. That means there are three, two-way switches inside the plastic housing. The graphic below shows how a 3PDT switch works.
From that information, we need to check which state the switch is in now. Then, when we press the actuator, we need to test whether it switches state. To do this, you need a multimeter. I use a 2-in-1 Handheld Multimeter/Oscilloscope, it’s great for small repairs like this. You can find one on Amazon here.
First, put your multimeter in continuity mode. Then, place a probe on one of the middle lugs. Next, place the other probe on the corresponding top or bottom lug, as indicated in the graphic above. Which one makes the multimeter beep?
If placing probes across the top and middle lugs makes it beep, then the switch is in Position 1. If it beeps when placing the probes across the bottom and middle lugs, then the switch is in Position 2.
Once you know the current position of the switch, you need to press it and make sure it changes state. If the switch was in position 1, then make sure it’s now in position 2, and vice-versa.
Troubleshooting the Small Stone Nano Switch
In my case, I tried regenerating the problem by applying a signal to the pedal and turning it on. The signal dropped out yet the LED indicator stayed on. Applying pressure to the shaft of the footswitch resulted in reviving the signal. So, on intuition, there is probably a loose connection internal to the switch that was shaken up from excessive use.
Repairing the Small Stone Nano
In the end, a replacing the 3PDT switch was enough to get the pedal phasing once again! In my case, I used a hot air soldering tool to heat the pads and remove the switch from the circuit board. Soldering in a new one was a piece of cake.
If you’re having a similar problem with one of your pedals, you can find a 3PDT switch at LoveMySwitches.com, or on Amazon.
Meet the Author:
Hi, I’m Dominic. By day, I’m an engineer. By night, I repair and modify guitar effects! Since 2017, I’ve been independently modifying and repairing guitar effects and audio equipment under Mimmotronics Effects in Western New York. After coming out with a series of guitar effects development boards, I decided the next step is to support that community through content on what I’ve learned through the years. Writing about electronics gives me great joy, particularly because I love seeing what others do with the knowledge they gain about guitar effects and audio circuits. Feel free to reach out using the contact form!
Spotlight
This fix was done for Cody Morse. Cody operates Afterglow Studios in Tonawanda, NY & is soothing souls in the Buffalo, NY-based band, Deadwolf.
The Tools I Use
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