aen wrote:I see where you're coming from, but let me steer you to my neighborhood.
Pedal Parts Plus has the essentials, including a New sensor/EHX enclosure for $5.50 or something, and a ROHS compliant 3pdt for $4.50 or something.
Pedal Parts Plus has the essentials, including a New sensor/EHX enclosure for $5.50 or something, and a ROHS compliant 3pdt for $4.50 or something.
I would be suspicious of a 3PDT switch for $4.50. There's no misery like a failed switch.
But hey - if, for the sake of argument, we agree that an LPB can be made for $25, I still don't think that's necessarily a big enough savings to be a financial motivator. The extra $14 you'd spend on a new EH micro isn't that much for what you get. So personally I don't buy the "it's cheaper to roll your own" argument. Too many asterisks after that statement.
And yes, the SHO is a linear power booster (with tweaked component values) and a pair of diodes added.
An additional pair of diodes? That's like 20% more components! HUGE increase.
I have a zvex fuzz factory, and it's great for what it is, but he does get away with a lot. "Boutique" is a very appropriate word, and not necessarily one I want associated with pedals myself. I'd probably be more sympathetic if it weren't for the hippy paint job, though.
Statistics: Posted by Uncle Ovipositor_Archive — Fri Jul 18, 2008 12:38 am
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Pedal Parts Plus has the essentials, including a New sensor/EHX enclosure for $5.50 or something, and a ROHS compliant 3pdt for $4.50 or something.
I suppose, if you haven't got a drill, that adds a bit, but I think predrilled boxes from PPP are like $8.
And yes, the SHO is a linear power booster (with tweaked component values) and a pair of diodes added.
And I'll admit, I'm a little detatched from the "starting pedals" situation, I drilled 11 cases last night, and insulated another 13 circuitboards.
Beware! If you start selling pedlas it becomes a lot less fun!
Statistics: Posted by aen_Archive — Thu Jul 17, 2008 9:13 pm
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aen wrote:
I'll have to disagree there. For example, you can build a "Super hard on" aka, a clean boost, for about $25 in parts.
Uncle Ovipositor wrote:4) how much does it cost to get all the components together?
About as much as a pedal from the store. Maybe a little less, but you'll make up the price difference in your time, and probably exceed it by a lot.
I'll have to disagree there. For example, you can build a "Super hard on" aka, a clean boost, for about $25 in parts.
Looking at pricing at small bear:
$10 - pre-drilled aluminum case
$1 - breadboard
$10 - quality 3PDT switch
$1.25 - trim pot
$1 - knob
$3 - jacks
That's more than $25, and doesn't include any actual components.
You could throw it in a cookie tin and save $10, but then you're going to want a uni-bit to drill it out ($12). Of course, unless you buy a pre-drilled case, you're going to need that anyway. You could use a cheap 2PDT switch and probably save $6, and you could use some extremely cheap JFETs (201s are always classic and usually about .40), and the other parts are going to be maybe $2.00 total, assuming you go with the simplest design possible.
All this assumes you already have a soldering iron, solder, and wire and consider your time a learning experience and not an expense.
So sure, it's possible* to build the simplest gain circuit for under $25. Or, you could buy one new for $39. It would be in a better enclosure, with better soldering (sorry), and won't take any of your time.
While I've never cracked open a super-hard on, I'm pretty sure that it's not the same circuit as the ol' LPB-1, and would probably cost you a bit more. Likely not as much as zvex charges, but with him you're paying for the groovy paint job, which apparently some people like.
For $15 you can get any number of Danelectro distortions in plastic cases, some of which sound pretty good. Buy 2 for when the first one breaks and you're still only out $30.
The only reasons to roll your own are if you want to learn about these circuits, enjoy making things, or want to do something specific with the sound. The only instance in which you're guaranteed to save money is if you compare manufacturing a clone of a classic with buying a vintage one on ebay. But buying NOS parts isn't cheap, and that's still going to be an expensive recreation. Worth it, but not cheap.
Statistics: Posted by Uncle Ovipositor_Archive — Thu Jul 17, 2008 3:48 pm
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Kayte R. wrote:If you recycle parts you can build things for free, or nearly - just the cost of solder and wire.
I've always wanted to make stompboxes with stupid housings, like an old telephone base or a cookie tin or an old modem.
Like, what's this? A wireless router? No! It's a superfuzz.
I'm a start working on that.
I've always wanted to make stompboxes with stupid housings, like an old telephone base or a cookie tin or an old modem.
Like, what's this? A wireless router? No! It's a superfuzz.
I'm a start working on that.
I have a Fuzz/Ring Mod built into a 10" black and white television.
Statistics: Posted by japmn_Archive — Thu Jul 17, 2008 2:43 pm
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Like, what's this? A wireless router? No! It's a superfuzz.
I'm a start working on that.
Statistics: Posted by Guest — Thu Jul 17, 2008 2:32 pm
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Uncle Ovipositor wrote:
About as much as a pedal from the store. Maybe a little less, but you'll make up the price difference in your time, and probably exceed it by a lot.
.
4) how much does it cost to get all the components together?
About as much as a pedal from the store. Maybe a little less, but you'll make up the price difference in your time, and probably exceed it by a lot.
.
I'll have to disagree there. For example, you can build a "Super hard on" aka, a clean boost, for about $25 in parts.
Statistics: Posted by aen_Archive — Thu Jul 17, 2008 2:11 pm
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SecondEdition wrote:I do adore fuzz. It's just a beautiful sound to me.
So probably stuff like the Fuzz Face, the Tone Bender, the Superfuzz, the Guild Foxey Lady...all great.
So probably stuff like the Fuzz Face, the Tone Bender, the Superfuzz, the Guild Foxey Lady...all great.
The circuit for a Fuzz Face or a Tone Bender are pretty much the same and very easy to build. The geofex site has a little downloadable document on what the circuit is and what a lot of the common variations are, but first I'd say order a kit from GGG and build it. Assuming you don't need a case I'd say you can put it together inside of a couple hours, even if it's your first project.
However, there's also heavier distortion that I'm into as well. A lot of this Boss distortion stuff doesn't really appeal to me. I'm sure they're extremely reliable, but the distortion often feels tinny and generic when I play it in the Guitar Center I go to after my guitar lessons.
Players with distorted sounds I love: I'll try and keep this short. Hendrix, Rowland S. Howard, Eddie Hazel, Fripp, Bruce Gilbert on Pink Flag, Iommi, Jonathan Donahue/Wayne Coyne on In a Priest Driven Ambulance, Jimmy Page, Bob Mould, Santiago Durango, Neil Young...it's a long list.
That's a pretty wide range, there.
I would suggest maybe taking a different approach and buy an old, boxy big muff (the green or black ones from the 80s). You can get them for extremely cheap on ebay (under $50), the circuit board is the same as a classic muff, and they have lots of room to maneuver. Swap in some different components - play around with it and see what works best for you. I learned a lot about how distortion (and specifically the muff) works this way. I think there's a document on GGG that outlines what components they recommend experimenting with - use that as a guide, try things out, see what they sound like. I think geofex also has a pdf for sale about how this circuit works, and that might also be useful to learn about the gain staging etc.
Statistics: Posted by Uncle Ovipositor_Archive — Thu Jul 17, 2008 11:06 am
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Benny wrote:
Scottbox. it only can have this name.
endofanera wrote:scott wrote: quest for tone and whatnot.
You are certifiable.
Please post a schematic of the Scottbox when you are completed.
Scottbox. it only can have this name.
And I hear it pronounced with a Chicaaagoh accent: Scatbax.
Statistics: Posted by Lonesome Bulldog_Archive — Wed Jul 16, 2008 8:51 am
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Uncle Ovipositor wrote:SecondEdition wrote:1) Which kind of distortion sound is easiest to get a quality sound out of, distortion, fuzz, or overdrive?
Your first box might not be that good. Try easy first, then move up to sounding good. There are a bunch of kits for Fuzz Faces, and that's pretty easy. And if you like fuzz, it's a classic.
You'll have to define "good sound" before I can recommend you something that might be what you're looking for. Perhaps there's a pedal out there that does what you want that you can refer to?
I do adore fuzz. It's just a beautiful sound to me.
So probably stuff like the Fuzz Face, the Tone Bender, the Superfuzz, the Guild Foxey Lady...all great.
However, there's also heavier distortion that I'm into as well. A lot of this Boss distortion stuff doesn't really appeal to me. I'm sure they're extremely reliable, but the distortion often feels tinny and generic when I play it in the Guitar Center I go to after my guitar lessons.
Players with distorted sounds I love: I'll try and keep this short. Hendrix, Rowland S. Howard, Eddie Hazel, Fripp, Bruce Gilbert on Pink Flag, Iommi, Jonathan Donahue/Wayne Coyne on In a Priest Driven Ambulance, Jimmy Page, Bob Mould, Santiago Durango, Neil Young...it's a long list.
2) how easy is it to make your own stompbox if you've got no experience?
Not that hard. Learning to solder isn't too difficult, it just takes some practice.
Is it kind of like using a hot glue gun, except with molten metal?
3) how good do you need to be with machinery in order to do it?
What kind of machinery are you asking about, specifically?
A soldering iron, mainly.
4) how much does it cost to get all the components together?
About as much as a pedal from the store. Maybe a little less, but you'll make up the price difference in your time, and probably exceed it by a lot.
Hmm...shit, I was hoping it would be less expensive. But it makes sense that it wouldn't be - certain desirable parts and all that...
5) what kind of stuff do you need to make one?
Depends. Soldering iron, needle nose pliers, solder, and all of the parts of the pedal (case, jacks, pots, wire, circuit board, components). Kits are nice to start with because they'll send you all of the parts for a specific pedal. If I remember correctly, PAiA used to sell kits with a pre-made steel case for the pedal, which was great because it already had the holes in place, so you didn't need to do any drilling or anything.
Shit. I don't have any of that stuff. Guess I'll need to start saving up sometime soon.
General Guitar Gadgets will sell you PCBs, which makes things a lot easier, but you'll still have to order the parts off of that list. I recommend Small Bear for ordering parts for pedals, but Mouser is pretty good as well. Both GGG and SB sell kits as well.
Thanks so much! This has been very helpful.
Statistics: Posted by SecondEdition_Archive — Tue Jul 15, 2008 8:47 pm
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SecondEdition wrote:1) Which kind of distortion sound is easiest to get a quality sound out of, distortion, fuzz, or overdrive?
Your first box might not be that good. Try easy first, then move up to sounding good. There are a bunch of kits for Fuzz Faces, and that's pretty easy. And if you like fuzz, it's a classic.
You'll have to define "good sound" before I can recommend you something that might be what you're looking for. Perhaps there's a pedal out there that does what you want that you can refer to?
2) how easy is it to make your own stompbox if you've got no experience?
Not that hard. Learning to solder isn't too difficult, it just takes some practice.
3) how good do you need to be with machinery in order to do it?
What kind of machinery are you asking about, specifically?
4) how much does it cost to get all the components together?
About as much as a pedal from the store. Maybe a little less, but you'll make up the price difference in your time, and probably exceed it by a lot.
5) what kind of stuff do you need to make one?
Depends. Soldering iron, needle nose pliers, solder, and all of the parts of the pedal (case, jacks, pots, wire, circuit board, components). Kits are nice to start with because they'll send you all of the parts for a specific pedal. If I remember correctly, PAiA used to sell kits with a pre-made steel case for the pedal, which was great because it already had the holes in place, so you didn't need to do any drilling or anything.
There are a few threads here and there on the subject. Do a search on this forum and you'll find all sorts of info. All of the links posted here are also very useful.
General Guitar Gadgets will sell you PCBs, which makes things a lot easier, but you'll still have to order the parts off of that list. I recommend Small Bear for ordering parts for pedals, but Mouser is pretty good as well. Both GGG and SB sell kits as well.
Statistics: Posted by Uncle Ovipositor_Archive — Tue Jul 15, 2008 4:16 pm
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1) Which kind of distortion sound is easiest to get a quality sound out of, distortion, fuzz, or overdrive?
My tubescreamer TS9 clone
2) how easy is it to make your own stompbox if you've got no experience?
It'll probably be a pain in the ass. You are going to need some basic knowledge like how to solder and what the components are that you're working with.
3) how good do you need to be with machinery in order to do it?
If you are drilling your own enclosure or making your own PCB you'll need to be handy with a drill press.
4) how much does it cost to get all the components together?
If you are buying a kit it'd be the cost of the kit plus your soldering tools. If cost is a concern then stay away from DIY. In the long haul it can save some money, but until you have all the tools you'll ever need it's expensive! I've spent thousands on tools to build my projects.
5) what kind of stuff do you need to make one?
Some sort of substrate (PCB or perfboard), an enclosure, soldering tool, drill press, hand tools, board components, wire, etc.
I'd check out the following sites:
runoffgroove.com
diystompboxes.com/forum
tonepad.com
Statistics: Posted by WindyCityMastering_Archive — Thu Jul 10, 2008 2:34 pm
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anybody wants to make a PCB and a parts kit, that's great. I got no interest in that. I just have a box that I need that i've never heard of anybody else making, so i'm making it for myself. cause I need it.
Statistics: Posted by scott_Archive — Wed Jul 09, 2008 8:57 pm
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