DIY distortion pedals.

[Steenamaroo]

Yeah man. I have the schematics and was happy to pick up the transistors and transformers, but it turns out I'd need to source loads of other stuff.
All the 1/2watt resistors, pots, heatsinks etc.

It just makes sense to buy the kit, even if just for the PCBs.
I'm not paying for their cab and driver though.

So I think I'll build my own cab (or get a hifi speaker), fit a mains - 9vdc transformer, and make a built in treble booster with gain and a bypass switch.


I've gone back and forth in my head between direct output or built in speaker, or both.
What would you (or jesus, or chuck norris) do?

[PRHunt]

Personally, I'd just buy the cab and dual-cone speaker from KAT. They've already done the hard yards to get a great sound.

Personalize the build with the built-in treble boost (make it bypassable) and a direct out.

Problem solved. Next?


Edit: these comments come from someone who can solder and work with metal cases, but sucks at wood-work.

[Steenamaroo]

Alright, I'll go built in speaker with direct out option, but man, they're not getting £90 off an unemployed guy for a chipboard box.
Even if it is genetically identical to Brian May's chipboard box.

Perhaps I could pay homage by pulling something out of a skip?

[PRHunt]

Perhaps I could pay homage by pulling something out of a skip?

That would be wonderful!

Actually, even if you bought the speaker driver from KAT, you'd probably find something to use for a cabinet at a Salvation Army or St Vincent de Paul second-hand store for quid or two.

[Steenamaroo]

Maybe that's the way to go then. I'll see if I can get reviews or comments about their driver.
Cheers Paul.

[Greg_L]

Haha that's awesome. You should put some cobbler or mashed potatoes in there with the wiring.

[Steenamaroo]

Blow me.

I should point out that even the pictured mess was a feat of engineering with a stitched up thumb!

[Steenamaroo]

One for the neatness snobs!
It's a little bit better organised.

d.jpg

[Steenamaroo]

I built my little treble booster today.
I'm gona go ahead with the deacy kit at the end of the month and I'll built this treble booster into it.
It's got pots for gain and output volume, so they'll eventually be "preamp gain" and "preamp volume" I guess.
There's a true bypass switch too.

It's in a little cardboard box for safe keeping until I get the other parts on the go.

Still don't have an amp . 15 days waiting = paypal claim.

This booster sounds like ass into a DI straight up, but it's actually pretty cool sounding through an amp sim.
Really it's far too hot to test without a guitar amp, but I guess that's the point.

Anyway....Here it is.
04 boxed.JPG

[PRHunt]

Good start!

How are you planning to power the whole project ie treble boost + deacy?