[HonkyTonkMichael]

I've been doing the internet research nerd-out on delay pedals for several months now and decided that the MXR Carbon Copy would be the next delay pedal for me to try. I have a Boss DD-6 that I've used for a few years, but it seemed to rob some of my tone. Since all I'm looking for is a good rockabilly slapback, I decided to look for something analog.

$150 for a new one was a little steep for me, so I've been checking Craigslist for a used one for the last couple months. I found some for around $100, and usually in California. (A couple hour drive from where I'm at in Reno) Anyway, long story short yesterday a guy posted that he was selling one in Reno for $75 and I jumped on it. I talked him down to $70, and he ended up only living up the street from me so SHAZAAM! I'm now the proud owner of a 4 month old MXR Carbon Copy.

All I can say is it's the best slapback delay I've ever used, or even heard IMHO. (Besides when I saw Setzer with the Stray Cats) Of coarse I've never played with a real tape delay and I can't say how it would compare. I definitely lost some sleep last night because I was up late playing around with the CC.

I love the dark green sparkle paint job and blue LED's too.

[Gros Ouaso]

You did darn good on that carbon copy...have fun now

[Lizardkinged]

yeah. its a good pedal. A little harsh on my ears, but awesome for making sonic farting noises with after you overload it.

[HonkyTonkMichael]

Originally Posted by Lizardkinged

yeah. its a good pedal. A little harsh on my ears, but awesome for making sonic farting noises with after you overload it.

Which will definitely come in handy for those songs that require a fart noise... How did you overload it? I've been abusing pedals for years and I don't think I've ever done that. I plugged the wrong voltage adapter into one once and fried it though.

[Lizardkinged]

its not an electrical overload. its a signal overload. you have to set the left knob all the way up, and the right knob all the way down, and then mess with it once it starts to overload. Basically it just becomes a little noise maker. I dont have one anymore, but it does become an art form controling the bleeps, clicks, farts, and buzzs you can make come out of one of those.

[FrankieSixxxgun]

I use mine exclusively for slapback too, it's amazing! Doesn't do the stadium solo leads so well, but it's really not for that.

[TV the Wired Turtle]

Some inexpensive analog delay's dont have a decent compander circuit built in and the chip isnt properly protected so it clips.. The newer carbon copy (Vs2) is suppose to have
corrected some bad issues including better modulation.
Is yours version 2? you'll get a bit more realistic sort of tape modulation.

[HonkyTonkMichael]

I'm not sure Tavo, the guy that I bought it from said that he had just bought it 4 months ago but who knows if that was true. It's in "like new" shape so he might have been telling the truth. I'll check the back plate when I get home... If I can get the Velcro off without destroying the sticker underneath. How recent is the VS2 upgrade?

[HonkyTonkMichael]

Just looked at the pedal closer, and there was no sticker or writing anywhere that said what version it is...

Add/Edit: From surfing around the net looking up MXR Carbon Copy version 2 it looks like the newer version came out sometime in 2008. I can't be certain, but I'm guessing mine was purched originally in 2010. Mine definitley doesn't have any of the problems that I've seen on other forums.

[mark t]

They're cool pedals. I keep needing to convince myself that i DON'T need one (I've got a Danelectro Reel Echo that I've finally warmed up to), but they are nice looking and sound nifty.

[TV the Wired Turtle]

Originally Posted by HonkyTonkMichael

Just looked at the pedal closer, and there was no sticker or writing anywhere that said what version it is...

Add/Edit: From surfing around the net looking up MXR Carbon Copy version 2 it looks like the newer version came out sometime in 2008. I can't be certain, but I'm guessing mine was purched originally in 2010. Mine definitley doesn't have any of the problems that I've seen on other forums.

your version # should be located just above R43 in the picture of the Carbon Copy's circuit below
(sheeze no way to fool around on these dang surface mount component boards)

[HonkyTonkMichael]

Originally Posted by TV the Wired Turtle

your version # should be located just above R43 in the picture of the Carbon Copy's circuit below
(sheeze no way to fool around on these dang surface mount component boards)

I'll crack it open and take a look when I get home from work tonight.

PS - Can't wait to hear what the Dyno Brain + Carbon Copy sounds like! I know, I know, I've still got a few days left before the paint sets up.

[Theo 413]

love the Carbon Copy....very nice paired up with my Nocturne!

[TV the Wired Turtle]

Originally Posted by Theo 413

love the Carbon Copy....very nice paired up with my Nocturne!

demo vid?

[HonkyTonkMichael]

Ok I took the back plate off of the Carbon Copy and this is what I found, I'm still not 100% sure what version it is.

Right above the R43 looks to be the part number. I think it's P/N 93503005906


The inside of the back plate has this sticker on it, that says:
AB12Y091. I wonder if that's the year it was made? Maybe Jan 09, or Dec 09?


Do any of these numbers mean anything to you pedal/electronics aficionados on the forum? (Tavo)

[araT]

Can you get to the pots? the only way I know how to date pedals accurately is to check pot codes & go by the latest one.

http://www.guitardaterproject.org/potcodereader.aspx

[HonkyTonkMichael]

That's a cool link, thanks Tara! I think that if I take the knobs and nuts off I could get to the pots. If I have enough time this weekend I'll take a look.

[TV the Wired Turtle]

Tara, looking at the pots give a general idea although say for example Fender
taking and using every extra nut and bolt for whatever knew direction they go..
I have 2 63' fender blonde bassman 6G6-B amps. One has parts from 62' when they were
building the 6G6-A yet all date stamps show 63'..then the other one that is the tuxedo transitional blonde has date stamps through early 64 (the 6G6-B was finished when the blackface august 64' came out "AA864") and parts from 62' when 6G6-A became 6G6-B
side note: some late 62' 6G6-B blondes still have 61' transformers which are 6G6 amps that use a tube rectifier and 8ohm OT for a single 1x12 cab!

...just sayin

[araT]

Yeah, you make a good point, but I'd think with more modern stuff (especially when mass manufactured) the parts are used closer to their production dates.. I just figured it was another good step in narrowing it all down - especially in things that don't have datecoded serials..

[TV the Wired Turtle]

okay...here's your needed info:
Version 2:
AB03-------- and up is V2. But the most telling difference is when you open it up, there should be a 000 ohm resistor in R7 for it to be Version2 (which is the modulation mod). Version 1 will have a 470 ohm resistor in R7.