| Author |
 Topic  |
|
Leeroyfunk
Silver Member
United Kingdom
400 Posts |
 Posted - 04/14/2009 : 23:08:47
|
I know there are many members of Bossarea that make their own fx pedals, but I've searched and couldn't find a dedicated thread so I thought I'd start one...
I am in the middle of my first proper (i.e. from scratch) stompbox build, and I'm interested in people's experience with DIY pedal construction: Essentially getting some tips for a successful build, and sharing some knowledge and resources. I know that several members have made truly professional-looking one-off pedals (Laurie and his FA-1 clone and PH-1r blender, and plautz with his CE-3 and OD-1 clones) and I'm sure there must be more out there.
So, some questions:
1) What have you built? Was it easy, and have you got pics?
2) What's your next project? What's your dream/fantasy project?
3) How do you finish your boxes? I'm looking for professional-looking results that are relatively easy to achieve: Transfers, painting?
4) What sort of switching do people use? Boss-style buffered FET switching is probably a bit complex for home builds, but have people done it, and is it worth it?
5) Where do you get your boxes? I'm not so keen on the basic rectangular MXR-style enclosures that are so common in DIY jobs, but where can I get a funky retro box for cheap?
6) Do people have a set routine for boxing up their project, i.e. install the pots+sockets, wire the switch, then fix in the circuitboard last, or something else?
7) Any particular do's or don't's for a first-time project?
8) Any recommended websites for information or supplies?
I'm going for a simple fuzz as a first project: I don't have one, and the circuit I'm going for is so basic it can be easily fitted on a 10x15 stripboard. I'm using a layout from www.freestompboxes.org, and have used www.beavisaudio.com for technical information and inspiration: Most of the components have come from www.bitsbox.co.uk which seems pretty cheap. I'm using a 3PDT wired for a grounded input and indicator LED. However, this first fuzzbox is really just an exercise to learn about building pedals, and I have much more ambitious plans for future builds - Maybe I'll see how this one goes first! |
Edited by - Leeroyfunk on 04/14/2009 23:10:28 |
|
|
nathanscribe
Silver Member
United Kingdom
376 Posts |
Posted - 04/15/2009 : 00:02:04
|
1) Plenty. Pedal-wise, though, not much. Here's a recent fuzzface copy:
It was a piece of cake.
2) Currently building a ring-mod with built-in osc for someone. Next is a similar thing with added BBD modulation circuits (flange/chorus/echo), again as an order. Then maybe I can finish my ASM-2 modular... my dream project is a bank of analogue sequencers with a huge modular synth, and a load of analogue percussion units. Oh yes.
3) Pedals are like the one above - purely for convenience I leave them plain, with Dymo labels (printed, not embossed, though I do occasionally use embossed for some things). Bigger things that need complex panels or when I just want a really nice finish, I'll use Schaeffer in Germany. Here are some panels raw:
And here they are in situ:
They're 2.5mm aluminium with engraved legending. You can download their panel design software and submit your files for maufacture. they come in a couple of weeks. Not cheap. but high quality.
4) simple bypass using DPDT footswitch.
5) Rapid Electronics and Maplin, usually.
6) Complete the circuit board, use connectors for leads to controls/jacks if there's room, but if not just solder them on - and then put it all in the box. If it's a bit tight, solder the switch and jacks last. Making a complete board with everything attached allows final testing before fitting the enclosure.
7) Do something simple, get used to making stuff, make something bigger. At least once, you have to try something completely mad that will take years, but then you'll know how keen you are on DIY.
8) For supplies:
http://www.rapidonline.com/
http://www.maplin.co.uk/
http://uk.farnell.com/jsp/home/homepage.jsp
http://uk.rs-online.com/web/home.html
http://www.schaeffer-ag.de/
Maplin are a last resort mostly, but do sell some decent enclosures. Rapid are cheap and quick, and fine for many things like resistors, caps, pots etc.
Farnell and RS are better, wider-stocked, and a little more expensive, but you will probably find yourself needing them if you get serious.
Schaeffer for nice panels...
Also, try these for odd bits you can't get from Rapid/Maplin:
http://www.esr.co.uk/
 |
 |
|
|
Laurie
Double Platinum Member
Canada
4854 Posts |
Posted - 04/15/2009 : 02:10:06
|
quote:
Originally posted by Leeroyfunk
1) What have you built? Was it easy, and have you got pics?
You have seen most of mine. So far it's the:
- Hi-impedance driver (HZD)
- FA-1 clone (several varieties)
- The "loop-mixer" (LM-10) for managing my PH-1
- SG-1 clone
- Tycho Brahe Octavia clone
- 5VDC "pulse" pedal
- 9VDC regulated pedal power supply
2) What's your next project? What's your dream/fantasy project?
Next project is I think a vibe pedal. Lots of good ones on the market, but I want something that sounds "just like" my Custom Fender Vibrolux amp that I can use in front of my Marshalls.
Fantasy project... maybe something that sounds exactly like a DD-2 but with 3 seconds+ delay time.
3) How do you finish your boxes? I'm looking for professional-looking results that are relatively easy to achieve: Transfers, painting?
Haven't figured that one out yet. Mine are blank - my production runs are so small and go to so few people that if you have one, you will know what the knobs do.
I've been looking at entry level screen printing kits...
4) What sort of switching do people use? Boss-style buffered FET switching is probably a bit complex for home builds, but have people done it, and is it worth it?
3PDT true bypass on all home made pedals, plus DPDT relay true bypass on the SD-1 love-pedal mod.
FET switching is easy enough to implement - just copy the Boss schematic.
5) Where do you get your boxes? I'm not so keen on the basic rectangular MXR-style enclosures that are so common in DIY jobs, but where can I get a funky retro box for cheap?
I just use the rectangular ones. Small Bear for the painted ones, and the local electronics wholesaler for the unpainted ones.
6) Do people have a set routine for boxing up their project, i.e. install the pots+sockets, wire the switch, then fix in the circuitboard last, or something else?
It is worthwhile spending a LOT of time thinking this through if you are making more than one of the same type of pedal... I have some short-cuts for assembling mine (that are different for each pedal) that have come from building a prototype and seeing what can be done better/faster.
7) Any particular do's or don't's for a first-time project?
DO's:
- Buy a scope. Period. Do it.
- Take the time to research audio-level/frequency board design. The first few probably won't work, and if you have done a bit of reading it will help figure out why.
- Take the time to work through some similar schematics and understand what all the circuit blocks do before starting your own design. My HZD design was enabled by my understanding of the FA-1.
- Take great care with your artwork and transfer process for making the circuit boards. A hairline imperfection in a small track can take a long time to find.
- Be prepared to build one as a prototype. By the time you solder/desolder/fault-find/experiment with the board, it will be dead. Make two PCBs. After you get the first one working properly - build the second board "right the first time" based on what you learned with the first one.
DON'Ts:
- don't give up. I spent maybe 100 hours on the HZD design with about 5 prototypes before I stopped it feeding back. Learned a heck of a lot about stomp-box layout in the process.
8) Any recommended websites for information or supplies?
www.smallbearelec.com for supplies here in North America.
www.buildyourownclone.com has good stuff, as does www.generalguitargadgets.com
Check out the links pages in the tech forum.
This first fuzzbox is really just an exercise to learn about building pedals, and I have much more ambitious plans for future builds - Maybe I'll see how this one goes first!
For what it's worth, that sounds lime an excellent plan to me. |
Edited by - Laurie on 04/15/2009 04:20:12 |
|
|
|
Scarymonsta
Bronze Member
United Kingdom
90 Posts |
|
|
Leeroyfunk
Silver Member
United Kingdom
400 Posts |
Posted - 05/10/2009 : 11:13:57
|
Woah - Those look pretty complex builds...
Finally finished my first box, a Coloursound One Knob Fuzz clone: About as basic as it gets.
It's a very simple circuit, as you can see:
I was very pleased (and not a little suprised) when the circuit worked first time, and it sounds great. Obviously not a particularly tweakable pedal, but the basic sound is awesome, so I'm happy. |
Edited by - Leeroyfunk on 05/11/2009 09:34:49 |
|
|
|
Laurie
Double Platinum Member
Canada
4854 Posts |
Posted - 05/10/2009 : 16:35:40
|
| Great looking pedal!! Really really neat and tidy! |
|
|
|
Leeroyfunk
Silver Member
United Kingdom
400 Posts |
|
|
nathanscribe
Silver Member
United Kingdom
376 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2009 : 11:09:48
|
| The link's dead... |
|
|
|
DasBeef
Gold Member
United Kingdom
704 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2009 : 11:28:00
|
quote:
Originally posted by Leeroyfunk
Woah - Those look pretty complex builds...
Finally finished my first box, a Coloursound One Knob Fuzz clone: About as basic as it gets.
It's a very simple circuit, as you can see:
I was very pleased (and not a little suprised) when the circuit worked first time, and it sounds great. Obviously not a particularly tweakable pedal, but the basic sound is awesome, so I'm happy.
Where did you get all your stuff from? Links please.... |
|
|
|
Leeroyfunk
Silver Member
United Kingdom
400 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2009 : 11:42:33
|
quote:
Originally posted by DasBeef
Where did you get all your stuff from? Links please....
The box was from Maplin, it's an Eddystone (Hammond) hammerite finish diecast aluminium enclosure, dimensions something like 110x60x30mm. The 3PDT and pot were sourced off eBay, and the components are from www.bitsbox.co.uk, which seems to be the cheapest parts supplier in the UK (certainly cheaper than Maplin): They don't do a massive range, and it's not specialised for pedal parts like smallbear in the US which does matched Germanium transistors and the like, but all the parts for this build are very common.
quote:
Originally posted by nathanscribe
The link's dead...
OK, try this:
http://leeroyfunk.fileave.com |
Edited by - Leeroyfunk on 05/16/2009 11:56:29 |
|
|
|
DasBeef
Gold Member
United Kingdom
704 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2009 : 13:27:13
|
Cheers for the link. Wish I had ot earlier. What a job I had getting a 3 way on/on/on switch a few years back in the UK. Ended up getting 5 from Japan!
Oh, and can I ask...
Can someone explain. If I want the true bypass switch, will it mention true bupass in the description? I have seen a number of switches that look the same, but don't mention this, and I have no idea if there is a difference?
|
Edited by - DasBeef on 05/16/2009 13:29:32 |
|
|
|
Laurie
Double Platinum Member
Canada
4854 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2009 : 15:13:08
|
quote:
Originally posted by DasBeef
[If I want the true bypass switch, will it mention true bupass in the description? I have seen a number of switches that look the same, but don't mention this, and I have no idea if there is a difference?
For true bypass plus LED switching, the description of the switch is "3PDT".
A 3PDT switch will have nine lugs on the back - 3 for each "pole".
Hope I've understood the question! Apologies if not.
|
|
|
|
Laurie
Double Platinum Member
Canada
4854 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2009 : 15:16:21
|
quote:
Originally posted by Leeroyfunk
Woah - Those look pretty complex builds...
Finally finished my first box, a Coloursound One Knob Fuzz clone: About as basic as it gets.
It's a very simple circuit, as you can see:
I was very pleased (and not a little suprised) when the circuit worked first time, and it sounds great. Obviously not a particularly tweakable pedal, but the basic sound is awesome, so I'm happy.
Hey Leroy... that wave file is for this box? WOW! Great build mate.
It's interesting how something in the circuit is making it "ring". Looks to be squared off (as expected) then where it might have been flat in the waveform, it has a little ripple.
|
Edited by - Laurie on 05/16/2009 15:22:10 |
|
|
|
DasBeef
Gold Member
United Kingdom
704 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2009 : 16:18:50
|
| Leeroyfunk - Am I kicking the a**e out of it if I request a schematic for this pedal from your bad self? If you haven't noticed I was asking about Fuzz in another thread. Making that pedal may quench my thirst for Fuzz, and Pop my pedal building cherry! |
|
|
|
Leeroyfunk
Silver Member
United Kingdom
400 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2009 : 17:14:54
|
quote:
Originally posted by DasBeef
Leeroyfunk - Am I kicking the a**e out of it if I request a schematic for this pedal from your bad self? If you haven't noticed I was asking about Fuzz in another thread. Making that pedal may quench my thirst for Fuzz, and Pop my pedal building cherry!
No problem: I built mine from a veroboard layout that was posted at www.freestompboxes.org - A fantastic website for building your own pedals (reading between the lines, freestompboxes.org was set up by a few people who didn't agree with the politics going on at www.diystompboxes.com, another awesome online resource, seemingly a very long story involving boutique pedal manufacturers who didn't want their [some would say] overpriced two-tranistor fuzz pedals being cloned). Regulars at freestompboxes.org share gut-shots of pedals, and some very talented and altruistic individuals trace the circuits, post up re-drawn schematics and sometimes even share veroboard layouts/pcb files, like in this case - Those guys rock.
The link to the actual Colorsound One Knob Fuzz thread is: http://www.freestompboxes.org/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=4931&start=0 and there are two different veroboard layouts on page 1 - I used the one biffa posts (actually the second down the thread). The layout doesn't show the switching arrangement, but for true bypass you can use a DPDT, or if you want an LED AND want to ground the circuit input (not a bad idea for high gain circuits to rule out squeal when bypassed) you'll need a 3PDT as Laurie suggests.
The switching and LED array was the only tricky/time-consuming part of this build - I used this diagram to help:
Green wire is ground, grey is input and bypass output, blue is circuit board input, and yellow is output from the fuzz (in the Colorsound and many other fuzz pedals, this comes from a lug of the volume pot). This particular diagram doesn't show a battery connection - I didn't have room in my box for a PP3, so it wasn't a problem. The tutorial i posted earlier shows DPDT (i.e. no LED) wiring on page two but ONLY has battery power. If you want a battery and DC jack, you need to look at something like Beavis's diagram:
http://www.beavisaudio.com/techpages/StompboxWiring/StompboxWiring.gif
...but this doesn't have input grounding, so you'll need to combine the battery part of Beavis with the 3PDT wiring shown in the first image: Phew. (www.beavisaudio.com is yet another superb DIY stompbox website - Check out the Fuzzlab, it's truly insane).
Good luck if you end up making this pedal: I found it technically quite easy (drilling was the only hassle since i don't have a pillar drill), if time-consuming and I'm already planning to make a short run of them for friends, as well as combinng this circuit with an Octavia clone in a single box with two stomp switches. |
Edited by - Leeroyfunk on 05/16/2009 17:48:43 |
|
|
|
Dr. Bob
Moderator
Australia
6593 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2009 : 19:04:32
|
Hi Leeroyfunk
Thanks for posting the "working link" to your audio demo.
And thanks for the pics of the bypass wiring.
It will help many pedal builders.
Can I suggest you tell us where that really great rendered picture came from, so I can add it to the post.
as in Picture from xxxABCyyyzz.com/
It always polite to reference the folks that do this great kind of work & share it.
There a some great tones coming out of that Coloursound clone, a little fizzy in places for my tastes.
Does it clean up if you roll the volume back a bit?
And what guitar & pickups did you use on your demo?
Nice playing by the way... 
Regards Dr. Bob  |
|
|
|
Topic |
|
|
|
DIY stompbox construction
stomper.JPG
stompswtichpcb.JPG