Tools, Tones and Toys for Guitarists
Got a request for this one. It’s a effects loop buffer that’s a solid-state version of the Dumbleator effects loop buffer. It’s equipped with an internal charge pump that converts a +9v supply to +33v. Very useful for keeping your effects loop free from signal-loss. Since it runs at a much higher voltage than most effects, make … Read more
The Durham Sex Drive is a pretty versatile Tube Screamer variation. It can go from clean boost to medium overdrive. The traditional input and output buffers have been removed and there’s a toggle switch (SPDT on/off/on) to select between different clipping options–hard, off, and soft. Pots are board mounted and it’ll fit snuggly in a … Read more
From the Source: Here’s what the Phat Phuk is: A germanium/JFET booster. A unique sounding pedal which adds a beautiful sheen to your bass’ top end and a bit of grit to the overall tone. It’s a fantastic pedal for situations where you want a lift in your overall level, during a chorus or bridge … Read more
For Fuzz Friday here’s the Bellows from Earthquaker. I picked up one of these late last year and was able to trace it. It’s fairly simple but sounds really good. It’s really similar to an Electra circuit, but with a JFET going between the base and collector of the transistor. Here’s the schematic for reference. … Read more
Got a request for this one. It’s a nice boost with a 3-band EQ. Pots are board mounted and it will fit in a 1590B sideways (ala Zvex pedals) with the circuit board vertical. From the Run Off Groove article: The Tonemender is a very flexible, yet simple clean boost with a 3-knob tonestack that … Read more
Alright, back to the normal layouts. Here’s a really unique overdrive pedal from Hudson Electronics in the UK. It features an onboard charge pump to take 9 volts up to 24, so be sure to use appropriately rated capacitors (min 35v for electros). The transformer (the big yellow thing on the board) can be found … Read more
It’s Fuzz Friday once again, and in keeping with the week’s theme, here’s a silicon Tone Bender-style fuzz with board mounted pots, jacks, and LED. This one does use true-bypass switching and I’ve included a daughter board for a 3PDT footswitch. More info in the build document linked below. Firestriker Fuzz Build Doc I’ve enjoyed … Read more
“The Germania is Homebrew’s take on the classic Rangemaster treble booster from the 1960s, and offers up to 20dB of gain to drive your amp. In its ‘hi-fi’ setting, you get a full range boost, but a ‘lo-fi’ setting offers a more focused boost in one of three frequency ranges controlled with the 3Q switch. … Read more
Original info: “I designed the SEX DRIVE pedal to fulfill the very particular needs of good friend Charlie Sexton. The goal was to build a “clean-boost” pedal that would supply additional bottom end and sustain when needed. The pedal would have to provide a boost that would not alter the original quality of the amplifiers … Read more
Continuing with the board-mounted (almost) everything theme, here’s what I call the Switchback Delay. It’s my take on the Deep Blue Delay with a few modifications. More info in the build doc linked below. Switchback Delay Build Doc