Tools, Tones and Toys for Guitarists
From ROG: This project has returned from beyond the grave for a tune-up. Compressed, harsh, and ’80s sounding are fitting descriptions of its sonic character. Yes, it is a niche sound which is quite the opposite of some JFET-based distortions developed by the ‘groove, however we feel it is a great time capsule of an … Read more
As. Requested. Info from ROG: There has always been much talk about the mystical hand-built amps that a particular man sells for around $10,000 each. Some claim these are the greatest amplifiers known to man, while others maintain it’s all hype. The runoffgroove.com team doesn’t know for sure, because neither of us can plunk down 10 … Read more
Big Daddy and Grace circuits have this at the end of their document page: The two circuits are very similar and it may be possible to use a switching system to alternate between the buffer and the gain stage versions. (ROG) Now did i really have a choice? 🙂 Instead of using some monstrous 4PDT switch, … Read more
Continuing Grace Overdrive article at ROG: During the testing of this circuit design (meaning the Grace Overdrive), the thought occurred to try a Jfet gain stage before the 386, instead of the buffer. The impedance would still be high and the 386 would see more signal and clip harder. The result is a pleasing grind and … Read more
From ROG: A few months ago, Aron Nelson released the Smash Drive. The circuit ingeniously used an LM386 audio power amp chip to produce great distortion sounds. Aron based his work on that of Tim Escobedo. Tim’s Stupidity Box was another great sounding unit and beautifully simplistic. The Smokey Amp by Bruce Zinky was another design … Read more
If i recall correctly, someone requested this a while ago. I think that’s enough for today 🙂 Runoffgroove’s current take on emulating the classic Marshall 100W Super Lead. Read the complete description and history of the circuit from ROG.
Simplified Tube Screamer workalike. ROG soundclips and info about the circuit: The first incarnation of the Tube Reamer was developed as a stripped-down, yet edgier version of the classic Ibanez Tube Screamer. We removed the input and output buffers as well as the tone control stage, plus implemented a different gain control. Many builders enjoyed … Read more
Continuing with the amazing Runoffgroove library, this time with Omega treble booster. The description below points out that this may be the last treble booster you’ll need to build. ROG sound clip is here. From ROG website: This project began as a search for a FET treble booster similar to the well-known Dallas Rangemaster. We … Read more
Adding to the Runoffgroove library. From ROG: The idea behind this project is to create a natural sounding overdrive sound using minimal components. It should also be suitable for a booster for an already driven amp. *snip* Please take note of the transistor pin voltages shown below, specifically the source of the J201 JFET. It … Read more
From ROG:The Tonemender is a very flexible, yet simple clean boost with a 3-knob tonestack that allows the user to re-create the classic Fender, Marshall and Vox responses. We suggest using a TLC2272 for the dual op-amp. The TLC2272 is rated for low-noise and rail-to-rail output, which will offer the highest possible clean boost and … Read more