Off Topic Anyone Ever Build One of These Kits? (Pedal Kit)

[Larry]

Thinking about building this:

overdrive2

I've been in the market for a Tubescreamer more specifically the Keeley modded ones. This looks like a great project and can potentially save me some coin versus the Keeley one which can run up to $250

 

[INMT]

I've built more than a few for people. Great quality all around.

 

[candid_x]

Larry, I've been happy as a clam with a TS from this guy westchestermusic2_svs.gif . I got the Maxon version because it already is true bypass, which is usually a $30 mod itself in an Ib TS9. Maxon used to make the TS9 for Ib. The original NOS JRC 4558D op amp, that it comes with, is by far my favorite, but it comes with three other op amps that were also used at different times in the TS9, in case you prefer one of those. The op amps just drop right in. Price was around $140 or so, as I recall.

 

[Larry]

I've buils more than a few for people. Great quality all around.

Think it might be a fun little project. Haven't had a good electronic project in a while. I think I'll end up ordering the ESV Fuzz and the Overdrive2.

If I end up doing it I'll update the thread with some pictures of the process

 

[ShaneV]

Been meaning to try one of those kits forever, I just never get around to it. I wonder if you can get them with undrilled cases. I make bypass and A/B boxes a lot and I love drilling the case myself so everything is precisly where I want it.


Off topic time: What color pickguard will your Silo Special have? A Candy red piezo equipped SSS silo special will probably be my next ball.

 

[morsecode]

The Keeley modded pedals are great...I have the TS9 modded pedal. I found it on the Gear Page for less than $100. If you're patient and look around, you should be able to find a lightly used one within your price range.

 

[Larry]

Been meaning to try one of those kits forever, I just never get around to it. I wonder if you can get them with undrilled cases. I make bypass and A/B boxes a lot and I love drilling the case myself so everything is precisly where I want it.


Off topic time: What color pickguard will your Silo Special have? A Candy red piezo equipped SSS silo special will probably be my next ball.

Do you have a schematic for a A/B box you could post as I've been looking to make one myself.

And the Silo Special has both a HSS and SSS pickguard in white pearloid.

Should be here Thursday too

 

[brownpants69]

I was looking at those build your own clone kits yesterday! I couldn't decide which one to go for. I'm a terrible solderer, and one of my guitar students- who is an electronics expert- has offered to help me to get my soldering skills up to par. My ultimate goals are:

a) Make pedals... Lots of pedals!
b) Make the greatest and most versatile overdrive pedal ever
c) Rewire my butchered Luke to a pro standard (my current solder job is shocking)
d) Wire up a new pickguard with some Dimarzios for my SS.
e) Build a tube amp.

The phrase "walk before you can run" springs to mind...

Personally, although it is adventurous, I think the compact 10 band EQ pedal looks like a cool kit to make.

 

[beej]

When I was a kid I bought a copy of "Electronics Projects for Musicians" by Craig Anderton. I built more than a few pedals from that book, my dad helped me with the hard ones (laying out your own PCB, etc.). Tons of fond memories of pedal building.

It can be really rewarding, and if you do a bit of research as you're building you learn how the circuit works and then are free to tweak to your heart's delight.

Forget the money ... it's just plain fun to build that stuff! Good luck.

 

[morsecode]

Building pedals does sound fun.

This is a new online community that has been created around these types of things:

The Solder Joint Forum • Index page

It could be worth checking out as well.

 

[GHWelles]

That looks great, I may try it and sell my Keeley and Analog Man TS's

 

[ShaneV]

Do you have a schematic for a A/B box you could post as I've been looking to make one myself.

And the Silo Special has both a HSS and SSS pickguard in white pearloid.

Should be here Thursday too

Can't wait for that NGD thread!

I don't have a schematic on hand, but it's super easy. You just need a DPDT switch and you wire it up like this:

Imagine these are the lugs on the switch:

A B C

X Y Z

Wire B to the input. Wire Y to ground. Wire A to the first output and to Z. Wire C the second output to X. You can use a SPDT switch and ignore the X, Y and Z lugs, but the version I use wires the unused output to ground when you switch, so it keeps you from getting ghost sounds or extra noise. Sorry for the poor explanation, but it really is very easy once you get to looking at it. I have an A/B box I made that also has an out for my piezo when I plug a stereo cable into it, and it's such a great utility piece.

When I was a kid I bought a copy of "Electronics Projects for Musicians" by Craig Anderton. I built more than a few pedals from that book, my dad helped me with the hard ones (laying out your own PCB, etc.). Tons of fond memories of pedal building.

It can be really rewarding, and if you do a bit of research as you're building you learn how the circuit works and then are free to tweak to your heart's delight.

Forget the money ... it's just plain fun to build that stuff! Good luck.

I love that book! The projects were so dated when I got it, but still loads of fun.

 

[Larry]

Can't wait for that NGD thread!

I don't have a schematic on hand, but it's super easy. You just need a DPDT switch and you wire it up like this:

Imagine these are the lugs on the switch:

A B C

X Y Z

Wire B to the input. Wire Y to ground. Wire A to the first output and to Z. Wire C the second output to X. You can use a SPDT switch and ignore the X, Y and Z lugs, but the version I use wires the unused output to ground when you switch, so it keeps you from getting ghost sounds or extra noise. Sorry for the poor explanation, but it really is very easy once you get to looking at it. I have an A/B box I made that also has an out for my piezo when I plug a stereo cable into it, and it's such a great utility piece.



I love that book! The projects were so dated when I got it, but still loads of fun.

Makes perfect sense. Where do you buy your SPDT switches from?

 

[ShaneV]

Makes perfect sense. Where do you buy your SPDT switches from?

I don't use SP, I buy DPDT from small bear electronics. They are crazy fast shippers.

 

[ShaneV]

Just found this offer for first time customers while I was poking around the BYOC site, not bad. firsttimecustomer

 

[Spudmurphy]

That is a very interesting link Shane - I am tempted.

 

[Larry]

Well I placed my order tonight.

Ended up ordering a

The first time customer kit (Confidence boost kit and continuity kit) - Free
ESV Fuzz Kit

Should be a fun project. I'll report back with a few pictures of the kit and assembly.

 

[brownpants69]

I'm definitely going for the 10 band EQ.

I was wondering whether it would be possible to upgrade the Caps and resisitors for the type they use in the Keeley and analogman type mods?

Do they use metal film something-or-others? I'm an electronics noob...

 

[Mincer]

I've built it- it kills any TS-type pedal I have tried, and was fun too.

 

[ShaneV]

I don't know which kit to go for, I'm not much of an effects guy but it looks like fun. Maybe the chorus.