Not For Sale
Model Description:
The DOD FX17 Wah‑Volume Controller Pedal was manufactured in Utah, USA between 1982 and 1995. Most DOD FX series pedals generally conform to a consistent form factor. They vary, of course, by model; some have two controls, some three and some four, usually placed across the front top of the enclosure. While the electronics tended to remain unchanged, DOD was continuously changing graphic details on the FX series. It can be a minefield if one would attempt to obtain every minor variation. Moving on specifically to the FX17, it is the major exception in the FX series. It is also not descended from a ‘first series’ model. Think you know DOD effect pedals? Think you know wah‑wah and/or volume pedals? Not one like this, I’ll wager. DOD did something very different with the FX17. It isn’t an on‑off effect operated by a footswitch; the FX17 is a continually variable analogue pedal operated by a hinged rocker treadle. Aesthetically early FX17s were finished in dark grey metallic, while later ones were in paler silver. Where to start? Well, it is fully active rather than a normal wah‑volume pedal, powered either battery or 9V DC input. It has three basic modes, i) as a wah‑wah/variable tone, ii) as an active volume/swell pedal, and iii) as a 0‑5V analogue voltage controller pedal (only on DC input, as a battery isn’t strong enough). It doesn’t use traditional potentiometers and inductors like most wah-wah pedals, giving it a distinctive ‘modern’ clean filter sound. Instead it relies on two internal PCBs and a whole bunch of components that I cannot hope to understand – sorry tech nerds – it’s something to do with variable capacitance. Most wah‑volume pedals rely on a normal footswitch to go between wah and volume functions. DOD didn’t. It has a small press button switch on the side to swap mode. It does have a switch under the treadle – weirdly at the back of the pedal instead of the normal front – which bypasses the wah function. Then there’s more. There are two small holes on the front through which internal trim pots can be adjusted with a small screwdriver – one adjusts wah sweep and the other output volume. The FX17 is also very compact for what it is, slightly larger and heavier than other DOD FX series pedals. In summary, the DOD FX17 is unique, innovative and built to last, with very few moving parts to wear out. If something does go wrong, though, maintenance will be complicated. It is relatively rare to find one in good condition and, if you can, they are not hugely expensive on the vintage guitar effect market, making it a below‑the‑radar bargain. DOD hasn’t seen fit to re‑issue this fascinating, ingenious little oddity in vintage effect pedal heritage. Grab one and discover what it can do for yourself.
Pedal Description:
Now… this here is a 1991 DOD FX17 Wah‑Volume Controller Pedal and it represents something of an eccentric entry in the vintage effect pedal canon. I will be upfront here; I think this is a fabulous bit of kit that dares to be different and doesn’t conform to most accepted ways of doing things. First impressions are that it is remarkably small compared to its competitors. It won’t take up much room on a pedalboard. It is also heavy for its size, giving a solid feeling of confidence. The rocker treadle, being short, also has a relatively small amount of travel. The volume effect is noiseless and provides a good strong output. It needs subtlety to get the timing and sweep synchronised effectively. The wah is very clear, precise and sweet, unlike many vintage passive pot/inductor wah‑wahs, also with quite a sudden sweep because of the short pedal travel. The switch between volume and wah modes can be a fiddly pain in a gigging environment, being a small button on the side that requires finger, rather than foot, operation. The wah bypass switch works noiselessly but its location at the back of the rocker treadle is counter-intuitive. I haven’t tested the variable voltage output but assume that it works as described. This example is all‑original and in spectacularly pristine condition. It also has its original box (a bit scuffed) but, sadly, no documentation (a PDF copy of the manual can be found easily online). Comparing the FX17 to older, conventional wah‑volume pedals, I would definitely recommend giving this one an audition. I suspect that the innovative technology inside the enclosure is what gives it its unique sound. The FX17 may not be a ‘famous’ icon like a Cry Baby Wah‑Wah but, in my subjective view, The DOD is more versatile, sounds better and should prove to be more reliable in long‑term use, a bit like Morley wahs (which use a different technology again). My view may well be heresy to some conservatives who would (proverbially) sacrifice their children at the altar of tradition and reputation, but it is my perspective and I’m sticking to it. All‑in‑all, I think it’s a great pedal and one of DOD’s standout FX effects. Sadly, very few people know it even exists, how it works or what is so unique about it. I am biased, I love it. CRAVE Effects has spoken.
Features:
- Made by DOD in Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A. in 1991
- Rocker treadle with ‘bobble’ rubber step
- Side‑mounted wah/volume switch
- Rear/top mounted wah bypass switch
- Two internal trim pots – min/max volume and wah sweep
- Standard ¼” input and output mono jack sockets
- 3.5mm centre positive 9V DC power supply input or 9V battery
- 3.5mm 0-5V control output for external gear
- Dimensions: 6½” x 3¼” x 2” – 165mm x 89mm x 51mm (L x W x D) NB. Not as stated in the DOD manual
- Weight: 2.2 Lbs – 990g
- Original box, no instruction manual or warranty card
Note: Although not purchased with the FX17, CRAVE Effects also acquired an original (mid‑1990s) vintage DOD PS‑50 Power Supply Adapter to ensure compatibility. The FX17 benefits from a dedicated PS‑50 PSU to provide a consistent, strong 9V DC power supply necessary to power the 0‑5V control output. The PS‑50 can also be used with any DOD FX series effect pedal, so it is handy to have around anyway. Unlike the usual BOSS 5.5mm centre‑negative barrel jack, the DOD PS‑50 uses a 3.5mm centre‑positive mini‑jack (much like vintage Electro‑Harmonix PSUs).
Detail Gallery:
