Tools, Tones and Toys for Guitarists
Essentially a Rangemaster with a switch selecting the input cap (Hi/Lo) and another switch (Ge/Si) selecting between a germanium or silicon transistor. The bias pot helps to fine tune the bias (imagine that lol) differences between germanium and silicon modes. Other transistors can be used other than what’s specified. Something in the 100-120 hFE range … Read more
Here’s and interesting 3-band EQ from HomeBrew Electronics. They say it’s like adding a second channel to your amp, cleaning up a dirty signal with the level turned down. Think the opposite of an overdrive or distortion pedal. Should fit nicely in a 1590B or 125B. Schematic for reference.
Here’s an interesting Fuzz Face variation designed by Bjorn for Fuzz Friday. Here’s the schematic for reference. It can also be purchased as a kit from Moody Sounds out of Sweden. Should be an easy fit in a 1590B.
This is a rare one from the early 90s from Way Huge and is based on the Craig Anderton Frequency Booster. Stock it gives a mid range boost (800Hz), but that frequency can be altered by swapping the 2, 22nF caps: 220nF – 90Hz (lows) 100nF – 200Hz (low mids) 10nF – 2kHz (mids) 4.7nF … Read more
Here’s a cool little bass filter pedal designed by bleepboxes. Really low parts count should make for a pretty quick build. Original info here. Might be a good idea to put the 4.7n cap on a switch with a 2.2n for more tonal variation.
Here’s a big one, and just so happens to be the 700th layout on the blog 😎—the OKKO Dominator distortion. It’s a couple of JFETs pushing an opamp with active EQ, with a charge pump. Originals use a switch to select the range of the mids control, but it’s easy to swap out for a … Read more
Happy Fuzz Friday! Here’s the Spaceman Effects Titan II fuzz, traced by Dino (Digi2T). I simplified the polarity protection, removing the BS250 in place of a simpler 1N5817 diode. Transistors need to be pretty low gain—under 200 hFE. Should be an easy fit for a 1590B.
Here’s a good sounding lower gain overdrive from Friedman. Several options with this circuit with clipping and tone options on toggle switches. Fairly transparent, as they say.
Happy New Year, everyone! Some audiophiles have really gotten into preamps that use discrete opamp—basically using and bunch of individual transistors that make up the internal circuit in an IC. This trend has also made it’s way into the guitar world as well. One of the simpler circuits I’ve seen you can do this with … Read more