Hilton Tuner Mod

[Haddock]

Just managed to get around to doing the simple mod to my Hilton volume pedal to get a tuner out signal from the second output jack. Very easy to do and just needs a 0.1µF capacitor and a 300k resistor. Took about 5 minutes. Since getting my Peterson HD tuner I’ve always had it inline as it was nice and handy. Bad idea! The difference in both tone and volume was staggering and the tuner also seems much more stable with the direct signal. I think because the Peterson was so reassuringly expensive I just assumed it wouldn’t affect the signal much as I knew my previous Boss tuner sucked tone even through the bypass jack but I should have experimented earlier. Had to adjust both tone and volume on the amp after the mod. Highly recommended mod!
Cheers
Calum

[Danny Mitchell]

Any chance of a photo, of said mod, Calum? Intrigued of Hillington.

[Haddock]

Here you are Danny. The cap goes on the top of the sticky up resistor and you can use either socket for the tuner out.

[Danny Mitchell]

Thanks Calum, yer a toff sir!

[Jif]

Hi Calum, never thought to try bypassing the tuner as like you assumed that a quality tuner like the Peterson would not affect the signal. Well you know what assume did, made an ass out of u and me

I tried bypassing yesterday and although it didn't affect my tone it did seem to amplify the signal, it was definitely louder. Re the tone, I have a high impedance buffer built into my steel straight after the pickup before the output jack, so the pickup cannot be loaded by any device after the output jack, i.e. tuner, volume pedal, so maybe that's why it is not affecting my tone.

Shouldn't amplify the signal though, I may try taking it direct from the pedal tuner output jack on my passive Goodrich and see if it makes enough difference to go for that setup on a permanent basis.

[Haddock]

If any Scottish Hilton owners would like the mod done for free, I had to buy a pack of 5 capacitors and a lifetime supply of resistors so would happily do the mod for anyone who wants it. I’m going to try very hard to make the next ‘Cosh’ meeting so could bring a soldering iron. Reckon I could do it in the time it takes to play a verse and chorus of one of the tunes. Only 4 available so first come first served.
Cheers
Calum

[Donny Johnston]

Hi Calum, A very generous offer, but, I like my Hilton pedal the way it is, and, you need to play Canon before you do any soldering. LDN

[Haddock]

Hi Donny
I can do you a ‘variation’ of the Canon. Can’t be bothered learning the ‘real’ version. Also got a ‘proper’ country song worked out with the looper that will give you a laugh. And rumours of a Velvet Underground tune are at this moment unsubstantiated......
One set of mods gone, three left.
Cheers

[Danny Mitchell]

Hi Calum,
I'd like to take you up on your very kind offer, and make the effort to get along to the 'Cosh myself. In my role as music critic for The Hillington Bugle, though, as my psg's still languishing beside the chanty-po!

[Haddock]

No problem Danny but a shame you’re not giving us some steel. Perhaps as a penance, you could bring your mandolin and take a solo in my version of Cripple Creek?
Cheers
Calum