06.10.18 Click here to go to latest update.
After my recent introduction to pedal building via a couple of
Bitsbox kits, I've gone a bit build crazy! I've been using the schematics from
Guitar FX Layouts and buying components from bitsbox, rapid electronics and ebay. Really enjoying building the pedals and is such a cheap way to sample loads of different FX, I haven't bought a pedal in over four months
.
Here's what I've built so far.....
Vico Vibe. Small trem unit mainly for live use as small footprint and doesn't make my fuzz sound bumble bee unlike my TR2...
http://i.imgur.com/1jhuVgx.jpg http://i.imgur.com/M1Z0qT0.jpgA Zen Drive clone.
http://i.imgur.com/utJ4Eg7.jpgAnother Sweet Honey clone, this time as a birthday present for a mate
.
http://i.imgur.com/A0SIeGo.jpgAn MXR Dyna Comp clone. Effective, but not sure if it's quite my sort of comp, might try an optical style one next.
http://i.imgur.com/1QXN6dN.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/VhF4ZTz.jpg....and my favourite so far... a Sun Face clone. I've used ASX12D Germanium transistors. The sun dial control can take you to some really glitchy and gated fuzz sounds. The main board is on the right and the board on the left is a to reverse the polarity so I can use it with a negative centre power supply.
http://i.imgur.com/XqiT37j.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/NhEDaia.jpgAt the moment I'm sticking with vero board. It's not always that pretty, but I like the total DIY aspect
and it start to get expensive when buying kits with PCBs. Just
finishing a Phase 45 with a univibe mod and bias/mix controls and next
on my list is a monster univide build... the Madbean Harbinger One! Just need to try and remember to fit in some guitar playing.
Comments
I started with vero as well but moved onto pcbs for the ease of building and neatness. You can also buy the pcbs without buying a whole kit to save a few quid. Going with pcb only ends up costing a few pounds more than vero if you source your own parts.
I do still use vero occasionally if I can't find a pcb for the circuit I want to build but the off board wiring is a pain in the ass.
Vero
http://i.imgur.com/GwDso3F.jpg
PCB
http://i.imgur.com/5ZzOBQy.jpg
The next thing I want to attempt is adding graphics to the enclosures. Not sure what the best approach is, have you done any?
https://www.bitsbox.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=200_202&products_id=1468&zenid=7acgeal1k9s0oknad5imr8t8i5
The easiest method I have for decals is Juansolo and Cleggys technique of self adhesive labels covered in envirotex. They have an excellent guide at John's site
http://juansolo.co.uk/stompage/finishing.html
Ive used water slide decals and clear coat in the past but have never gotten remotely as good a finish as I have using envirotex.
http://i.imgur.com/OEZ82SN.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/38lP1E9.jpg
So far, ive had varied success (WH Red Llama - good, Lovepedal - Woodrow - good, Madbean Cave Dweller delay - very good, Phaser - it phases, but not fabulously, Green Giant - lovely saturated tone with an ineffective control), but have only used the plain metal enclosures, and find that drilling the holes out to be the most frustrating part of the whole process.
Got a few more planned, once I get the phaser re-built. Im having issues with the vref, apparently...
Cheers,
Adam
Drilling enclosures was a complete nightmare until I bought an automatic centre punch, a pillar drill and step drill bits. From memory I think they cost about £100 all in but they've been totally worth it as I haven't messed up an enclosure since.
My wiring became a lot neater once I started planning builds properly instead of being really excited to get it working and just trying to throw it into the box. Once you get a system that works for you everything starts to fall into place and each build is a little bit neater than the last.
Stick with it and you will get better by August I'll have been building for 2 years and the difference between my early builds and now is huge both in terms of build and sound quality.
Website || Feedback Thread || PayPal
http://shop.pedalparts.co.uk/EPic_Boost/p847124_9589757.aspx
The alternative would be a bitsbox kit which is a bit cheaper though will involve drilling the enclosure yourself and wiring up the pot, switches etc offboard which isn't quite as noob friendly. It's £12.73 and you'll have to buy an enclosure and drill it yourself.
https://www.bitsbox.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=280_281&products_id=2497
Website || Feedback Thread || PayPal
Thanks for the info - I already have a pillar dril and centre punch, but have been using ordinary drill bits (though not cheap ones). I think it is time to invest in some step drills - any brand to go for or avoid?
I'll look out for some more enclosures - so far I have just used plain aluminium from eBay (whichever cheapest at the time) and I'd like them to start looking a little less 'homemade'. I have an airbrush, so might have a go with that and clear coat with one of the clear epoxies.
Regarding first builds, you could do worse than the Lovepedal Woodrow. A very small circuit, tweakable, and it works. You would have to buy the bits separately, however.
http://tagboardeffects.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/lovepedal-woodrow.html
Cheers,
Adam
Adam
Lovepedal Les Lius and EHX Small Stone clones...
https://i.imgur.com/om01nhe.jpg
Voodoo Labs Sparkle Drive, Mayer Axis Fuzz and Ge Sun Face clones...
https://i.imgur.com/N0Qe3Cu.jpg
you should give envirotex a go when you get a chance it really gives a wonderful gloss and is incredibly hard wearing.
AC128 (82hFE) in Q1 and ASX12D (120hFE) in Q2
https://i.imgur.com/sJahreb.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ZZlRNE5.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/G7JUW80.jpg