Angry Charlie -squeal/feedback/noise

[CheapSuitG]

Hi!

Built an Angry Charlie, sounds cool but getting this crazy feedback squealing sound when have the gain cranked. Also the volume and mids cause it when cranked.

Even with the guitar unplugged it’s squealing. I can see it hitting the leds and engaging them.

I tapped on the case to see if there may be something stuck like a clipped capacitor leg and could hear the tapping through my amp. Also accidentally knocked over cellphone my desk/bench and the pedal picked that up as well.

Also a fair amount of hum, even with no guitar plugged in.

Tried:
Reflowing everything.
Reseating the ic.
Different power supply (saw the adhd post about the noise, it’s a different squeal, more feedback)
Left to the kitchen, ate a slice of pizza hoping that would help, it did not.

Thoughts?

 

[Robert]

Do you have a buffer (or pedal with buffered bypass) you can try in front of it?

A few folks have reported squealing at high gain settings... I need to build one of these and see if the layout needs revising.

EDIT: Just did a bit of Googling and it looks like a few folks have experienced squealing with the original JHS Angry Charlie as well as the Sweet Tea... So maybe it's "normal", but maybe we'll still try to fix it.

 

[CheapSuitG]

I knew it was a good idea to keep an un modified DS-1 around!

So - connected the ds-1 while unplugged from power, that reduces the noise. Powered it up with the ds-1 off and the angry Charlie started squealing again although different note.

That said, I’ll never dime the gain, there is plenty.

Do you have a buffer (or pedal with buffered bypass) you can try in front of it?

A few folks have reported squealing at high gain settings... I need to build one of these and see if the layout needs revising.

 

[Robert]

Does it stop squealing if you turn the guitar volume all the way down?

 

[CheapSuitG]

Yes, it stops.

That said, pulled the input plug and it does it then too.

Does it stop squealing if you turn the guitar volume all the way down?

 

[Robert]

In that case, I suspect an opamp based buffer with low output impedance will make it stop.

Do you have a Klone by any chance?

 

[CheapSuitG]

In that case, I suspect an opamp based buffer with low output impedance will make it stop.

Do you have a Klone by any chance?

I do have a kliche, yes. You don't have the dozens of pedals I've ordered memorized?!?!

That seems to work! Thanks!