DIY guitar pedals
- vO)))id
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DIY guitar pedals
I’ve been thinking about getting into building some myself and I am going to start getting things together.
My knowledge of electronics isn’t much.
Anyone here experienced with such?
I’ve found some websites with kits, schematics and tips. Should be a lot of fun
Poor man’s outboard gear
My knowledge of electronics isn’t much.
Anyone here experienced with such?
I’ve found some websites with kits, schematics and tips. Should be a lot of fun
Poor man’s outboard gear
- Lavabug
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
I've done some half-assed builds. Currently using a diy channel switcher. Been procrastinating a build of a rangemaster clone (the thing tony iommi and kk downing/tipton used to boost amps on all the 70's records). Ultimately haven't built anything more complicated cause I haven't had the need. Silicon fuzzes and booster pedals are notoriously easy. There are several <10 parts count schematics out there.
Kits are the way to go for a total beginner if you don't know how/where to buy electronic parts and how to look for the right types and such (tayda is the best site for individual parts), and many freely available schematics only give you general ideas of what parts could work, best to buy a kit with tried-and-true values for all the parts.
The amount of electronics you need to know is relatively small, and soldering technique isn't awfully hard to learn if you have a temperature controlled iron. Much like cooking, you don't need to know all the science underneath and still be good at it, but it really helps if you have an understanding of kirchoff's laws and how a transistor works, because most of the famous beginner boost/fuzz circuits are something comparable to exercises in an analog electronics class in my experience. Basically it's only marginally harder than changing the pickups/wiring on a guitar.
One word of advice is if you get kits, get PCB kits. Breadboard/veroboard is harder to learn on. If you do go with vero use lots of space and don't worry about getting the circuit to fit in a small enclosure, bunching parts together as a beginner is a quick way to get stuff shorting out together if your soldering technique isn't great. Always use a hot iron (above 400 F) and apply heat for the shortest amount of time possible to avoid damaging parts when soldering.
There are a number of proco rat kits available, you should try one of those.
Kits are the way to go for a total beginner if you don't know how/where to buy electronic parts and how to look for the right types and such (tayda is the best site for individual parts), and many freely available schematics only give you general ideas of what parts could work, best to buy a kit with tried-and-true values for all the parts.
The amount of electronics you need to know is relatively small, and soldering technique isn't awfully hard to learn if you have a temperature controlled iron. Much like cooking, you don't need to know all the science underneath and still be good at it, but it really helps if you have an understanding of kirchoff's laws and how a transistor works, because most of the famous beginner boost/fuzz circuits are something comparable to exercises in an analog electronics class in my experience. Basically it's only marginally harder than changing the pickups/wiring on a guitar.
One word of advice is if you get kits, get PCB kits. Breadboard/veroboard is harder to learn on. If you do go with vero use lots of space and don't worry about getting the circuit to fit in a small enclosure, bunching parts together as a beginner is a quick way to get stuff shorting out together if your soldering technique isn't great. Always use a hot iron (above 400 F) and apply heat for the shortest amount of time possible to avoid damaging parts when soldering.
There are a number of proco rat kits available, you should try one of those.
- vO)))id
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
Yeah I’ve seen the proco rats (rodents) kits. Cool stuff. I’ve found a dutch site with a webshop that sells kits. I’m gonna start with those. Simple fuzz pedals.
- zim
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
I've been building my own midi controller board with an Arduino for my axe fx, not an actual pedal but still pretty cool
- zim
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
some pics of my project, it's super janky and messy but it's just something i've been poking at when i get bored. everything 'works' but i have to rebuild the midi circuits on pcb and finish up the programming.
it's actually not that complicated. sending midi is surprisingly easy but reading it requires special circuits (like an optoisolator) which makes it a little more annoying. the hardest part was programming some of the reading stuff from the axe fx
i'd really like to have a 3d printed enclosure which makes me not even want to finish this but i'll probably eventually finish this and just build another one. since it's just a midi controller i could set it up with a daw or something cool like that.
i bought this stupid box thing at hobby lobby because i couldn't be bothered to build my own
it's actually not that complicated. sending midi is surprisingly easy but reading it requires special circuits (like an optoisolator) which makes it a little more annoying. the hardest part was programming some of the reading stuff from the axe fx
i'd really like to have a 3d printed enclosure which makes me not even want to finish this but i'll probably eventually finish this and just build another one. since it's just a midi controller i could set it up with a daw or something cool like that.
i bought this stupid box thing at hobby lobby because i couldn't be bothered to build my own
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- vO)))id
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
How do you like the breadboards? Look simpler than a PCB
- zim
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
breadboards are the best way to go for prototyping, no soldering required. if you mess up then no materials lost. you can even buy these cool wires that don't require you to do any stripping and what not https://www.amazon.com/Smraza-Breadboar ... uino+wires
@lavabug, not sure what you mean by breadboarding being more difficult to learn on?
the process is something like this with a breadboard https://www.premierguitar.com/articles/ ... box?page=2
either way, just jump in and try something, it's a lot of fun. be aware of cheap beginner soldering kits though, they tend to burn out very quickly and stop working.
@lavabug, not sure what you mean by breadboarding being more difficult to learn on?
the process is something like this with a breadboard https://www.premierguitar.com/articles/ ... box?page=2
either way, just jump in and try something, it's a lot of fun. be aware of cheap beginner soldering kits though, they tend to burn out very quickly and stop working.
- vO)))id
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
Nice. Well I found some nice and cheap kits for a simple fuzz pedal. When I have some more experience I’d love to make a rat clone.
- Lavabug
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
sorry i meant to say veroboard, of course breadboarding is simpler.
I'm actually gonna try to build this little pedal-sized poweramp, it's essentially like a mooer babybomb, but it's ~$10 in parts and 60W.
I just bought mooer the day before I found that circuit. I'm not sure if I like how it sounds yet, I think it colors the sound of my s&k vhd (ampeg vh140c) preamp pedal noticeably and doesn't sound as clear at loud volumes as my rack poweramp, so I think it's not gonna work well for my portable live rig. If this build ends up sounding clearer/flatter, I'll probably sell off the mooer.
I'm actually gonna try to build this little pedal-sized poweramp, it's essentially like a mooer babybomb, but it's ~$10 in parts and 60W.
I just bought mooer the day before I found that circuit. I'm not sure if I like how it sounds yet, I think it colors the sound of my s&k vhd (ampeg vh140c) preamp pedal noticeably and doesn't sound as clear at loud volumes as my rack poweramp, so I think it's not gonna work well for my portable live rig. If this build ends up sounding clearer/flatter, I'll probably sell off the mooer.
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- vO)))id
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
Started on a simple Germanium fuzz pedal and an Acapulco overdrive pedal, based on the poweramp of a Sunn Model T.
Will post pictures of progress soon.
Will post pictures of progress soon.
- zim
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
I managed to crack the code with the axe fx, that was super challenging but I had issues with all of those buttons chaining together, I couldn't get it to work right. eventually learned how to do it but I'd have to start over at this point
- vO)))id
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
Crack what code?
- zim
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
i can't remember exactly but there was some specific numeric hex id that was required to interface with the axe fx and it wasn't listed in the documentation, it was a lot of trial and error
- vO)))id
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
First fuzz pcb done!
Now on to wiring and mounting.
Now on to wiring and mounting.
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- vO)))id
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
Done!!! Germanium/silicon fuzz that sounds pretty damn aggressive. Will do a demo soon.
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- vO)))id
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
Ok this thing with my telecaster (has 2 humbuckers) on neck pickup and tone all the way down = instant kyuss/QOTSA riffing jizzfest
- vO)))id
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
The insides. Again,, very first time for me ever doing this kind of work.
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- zim
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
very nice, where is the custom artwork
looks good inside
looks good inside
- vO)))id
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
Thank you! Yeah I need to learn about artwork, paintjobs, transfers, etc. I really dig the transfer stuff.zim wrote:very nice, where is the custom artwork
looks good inside
The Acapulco Gold clone is up next. I really want to implement some Sunn O))) art on it.
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- vO)))id
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
Acapulco Gold clone done
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- vO)))id
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
Deep Blue Delay clone almost finished.
Wiring it up for testing then painting the enclosure and ship it out to a fellating lover. This is my first commissioned build. This one is a lot of fun to make as well
Wiring it up for testing then painting the enclosure and ship it out to a fellating lover. This is my first commissioned build. This one is a lot of fun to make as well
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- vO)))id
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
Painted two enclosures this week.
Metallic black test for a ProCo RAT clone.
Metallic violet for a delay pedal.
The RAT will be in a different enclosure, more like the original.
I'll post a picture of the finished delay pedal this weekend.
Next pedal builds on the list:
- RAT
- Green Russian Big Muff Pi
- OpAmp Big Muff Pi (Smashing Pumpkins tone)
- Sunn Model T two channel preamp with EQ
Metallic black test for a ProCo RAT clone.
Metallic violet for a delay pedal.
The RAT will be in a different enclosure, more like the original.
I'll post a picture of the finished delay pedal this weekend.
Next pedal builds on the list:
- RAT
- Green Russian Big Muff Pi
- OpAmp Big Muff Pi (Smashing Pumpkins tone)
- Sunn Model T two channel preamp with EQ
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- zim
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
very cool. are you learning a lot about the electronic components and what not?
vahmpy pedal company when
vahmpy pedal company when
- vO)))id
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
Thanks!
For sure. Learning a lot while I build but studied all the basic electrotech stuff before I started the first one.
It's really a lot of fun getting to understand these components how pedals and amps are built. It always seemed like magic to me but everything is built by humans so why not learn it myself.
https://instagram.com/fuzzrodahpedals?i ... x798hxyo69
- zim
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
i've been wanting to build an amplifier, would love to get around that
- vO)))id
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- M.Bison
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
I'll buy a RAT vahmpy how much?
- vO)))id
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- M.Bison
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
Yeah i was gonna pick a RAT2 up, but having a unique DIY built one is much cooler. Are you using the LM308 chip?
I'm in the UK
I'm in the UK
- vO)))id
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
The RAT kits I order don't come with the LM308 chip but I could get it from ebay. I use heatsinks for all the opamps so replacement is easily done.
PM me if you have any wishes for enclosure type, colours and knobs, led colour, etc.
Just ordered 2 LM308 chips btw. I'm building a Rat for myself as well anyways.
- vO)))id
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
Finished the delay pedal today.
That white led is pretty damn bright!
That white led is pretty damn bright!
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- vO)))id
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
Missing one 4,7 uF elko capacitor and then the pcb will be done.
Also waiting on the enclosure.
But progress so far for M. Bison's RAT clone.
Also waiting on the enclosure.
But progress so far for M. Bison's RAT clone.
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- vO)))id
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
Since I'm also waiting on the enclosure for the RAT, I figured to start with the Big Muff Pi OpAmp pedal. It's THE Smashing Pumpkins sound of the 90's.
And for the soldering nerds, a picture of their bottoms.
And for the soldering nerds, a picture of their bottoms.
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- vO)))id
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
RAT in progress for herr M. Bison
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- vO)))id
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
And done!
Testing in a little bit.
Testing in a little bit.
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- happiness and harmony
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- vO)))id
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
My own "Black Nebula" ProCo RAT clone done.
Currently with the LM308 opamp but I prefer the OP07, which is tighter and more in your face.
Proud of this one and I'm keeping it for myself!
Going to build 2 more, a white one for my uncle and an all metallic-look one for Uni777
Currently with the LM308 opamp but I prefer the OP07, which is tighter and more in your face.
Proud of this one and I'm keeping it for myself!
Going to build 2 more, a white one for my uncle and an all metallic-look one for Uni777
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- M.Bison
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
Rat has arrived and I got some time to jam on it for a bit tonight... Sounds awesome through the Marshall. Very versatile, from bluesy breakup to all out doomy fuzz. The character of the distortion really changes with a boost tightening it up too.
Great job otsx
I've 'designed' some artwork for it. When I get chance I'll polish it up and see if I can get it stuck on.
Great job otsx
I've 'designed' some artwork for it. When I get chance I'll polish it up and see if I can get it stuck on.
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- vO)))id
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
Awesome man! Very happy you like the pedal
Did you check the inside/battery?
Did you check the inside/battery?
- M.Bison
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
That's awesome! Thanks
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- vO)))id
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
This is Uni777's RAT clone done.
Full Metal Jacket
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- Uni777
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
Nice work man.
Looks killer.
Looks killer.
- vO)))id
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
So this one is done. Best overdrive I ever had.
Friedman BE-OD so the layout is:
BASS - TREBLE - PRESENCE
VOLUME - GAIN - TIGHT
Tight being a hi-pass filter to tighten up the low end.
Friedman BE-OD so the layout is:
BASS - TREBLE - PRESENCE
VOLUME - GAIN - TIGHT
Tight being a hi-pass filter to tighten up the low end.
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- Svartmetall
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- M.Bison
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
Awesome
- vO)))id
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
My latest project I just finished today.
HM2 clone a.k.a. The Swedish Chainsaw Sound!
What a nasty little thing.
HM2 clone a.k.a. The Swedish Chainsaw Sound!
What a nasty little thing.
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- zim
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Re: DIY guitar pedals
killing it vahmpy that's cool as fuck
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