benadrian wrote: Thu Mar 26, 2026 1:27 pm My only concern is that the soft touch momentary relay circuit will default to ON when the pedal powers up. If that's no, then Dr. T. Balls is right as usual.

I would think that it would default to OFF when powering it up. All Boss stuff does this, but it's a different switching mechanism. Still, Chris can try this before unplugging it to make sure.

benadrian wrote: Thu Mar 26, 2026 1:27 pm Also, it always fills me with sadness when I see classic, simple, analog circuits done with surface mount parts. I know it sounds fine, is cheaper to make, and in some cases is the only way to find the right parts as through-hole versions reach end of life. But emotions aren't rational.

I agree, but that's probably obvious given the way that I build stuff.

tallchris wrote: Thu Mar 26, 2026 1:38 pm If this doesn't work, then I'm probably gonna have Dr. B build me a combined Distortion+/Rat pedal, because there's something I really dig about having one pedal on the floor (and uh, using a clip on tuner when needed)!

Here if you need me.

If the soft touch defaults to “on” the you could also just unscrew the nut, and stick the loose footswitch to one of the inner walls of the pedal with some blue tack and party forth (which would also take care of the vestigial switch).

mdc wrote: Thu Mar 26, 2026 3:43 pm If the soft touch defaults to “on” the you could also just unscrew the nut, and stick the loose footswitch to one of the inner walls of the pedal with some blue tack and party forth (which would also take care of the vestigial switch).

This is such a dumb easy solution I have no idea why I didn't think about it!!!

Will report back next time I get to my practice space to try these out.

tallchris wrote: Thu Mar 26, 2026 1:38 pm If this doesn't work, then I'm probably gonna have Dr. B build me a combined Distortion+/Rat pedal, because there's something I really dig about having one pedal on the floor (and uh, using a clip on tuner when needed)!

I've said this recently for my band. I just plopped an SD-1 in font of whatever amp is distorting already and rocked. If I play well, no one cares about my tone.
Also, I clipped my clip-on tuner to my amp handle. Works great .

Dr Tony Balls wrote: Thu Mar 26, 2026 1:47 pm

tallchris wrote: Thu Mar 26, 2026 1:38 pm If this doesn't work, then I'm probably gonna have Dr. B build me a combined Distortion+/Rat pedal, because there's something I really dig about having one pedal on the floor (and uh, using a clip on tuner when needed)!

Here if you need me.

The "Black 1000" or whatever it's called (it's still in a box and I'm unpacking) that Tony built for me is CHOICE for this sort of thing. Rat-style with multiple clipping options plus a boost. Wonderful "one box solution" there.

four_oclocker_2.2 wrote: Fri Mar 27, 2026 8:58 am
The "Black 1000" or whatever it's called (it's still in a box and I'm unpacking) that Tony built for me is CHOICE for this sort of thing. Rat-style with multiple clipping options plus a boost. Wonderful "one box solution" there.

Oh man, if you're talking about a Balls Super Black, then I totally agree. I got one a while back. I'm no guitar player and it makes my crappy noodling sound cool. It's especially awesome on my old Supro lap steel

djimbe wrote: Fri Mar 27, 2026 10:13 am

four_oclocker_2.2 wrote: Fri Mar 27, 2026 8:58 am
The "Black 1000" or whatever it's called (it's still in a box and I'm unpacking) that Tony built for me is CHOICE for this sort of thing. Rat-style with multiple clipping options plus a boost. Wonderful "one box solution" there.

Oh man, if you're talking about a Balls Super Black, then I totally agree. I got one a while back. I'm no guitar player and it makes my crappy noodling sound cool. It's especially awesome on my old Supro lap steel

The Black 1000 is a Super Black with an added switchable boost. A custom order from FM four_oclocker_2.2, and later another was made for Jon San Paolo, who may be on here?? Dunno.

Dr Tony Balls wrote: Fri Mar 27, 2026 12:07 pm

The Black 1000 is a Super Black with an added switchable boost. A custom order from FM four_oclocker_2.2, and later another was made for Jon San Paolo, who may be on here?? Dunno.

(eyes wide open emoji) whoa. Ok then. I wouldn't need that but I can see how real players and performers might. The OG Super Black is pretty great, Tony. My 11 year old is learning bass right now and she loves plugging into it just for fun