Tools, Tones and Toys for Guitarists
Documenting another Bell & Howell amplifier conversion. While it has a different model number and a shiny red faceplate, it’s the same amp as the 621 and others in the series. Quite often, variations of the model number has more to do with the projector than the amp. BELL & HOWELL 622 PROJECTOR AMPLIFIER Stock … Read more
The Colorsound Overdriver / Power Boost family went through a few different versions over the years. This layout is for the classic 1971 9V Overdriver version – essentially the 9V successor to the earlier 18V Power Boost, with the same basic three–transistor topology but set up for a standard single-supply pedalboard. It makes a huge, … Read more
Just a Fuzz Face layout that I used recently and want to make note of – it’s based on the one knob fuzz line, which is a handy little layout, but didn’t quite suit my needs. With some minor adjustments, it can be used for most fuzz face variants – component table here. FUZZ … Read more
I’ve had a couple of questions about these recently, and out of curiosity I decided to take a closer look. In 2024, Sola Sound released a few versions of a hybrid MKI, built by Dave Main of D*A*M. So what is it? It’s essentially a standard MKI circuit, but with the first two germanium transistors … Read more
I know right – a regular vero layout for a change. While it’s called a fuzz, it has quite a bit of range. Clean(ish) to an overloaded squishy fuzz Schematic is here FAIRFIELD CIRCUITRY ~900 FUZZ Just be sure to use J201 from a reputable source, and always check the pinout. Do not buy your … Read more
Since I’m doing boosters at the moment – the D*A*M Supa Rooster. I’d suggest placing a 1m resistor on the input and output if you get switch pop – a lot of people do this all the time for their rangemaster type circuits. If you want it to look true to the original, use … Read more
Nothing groundbreaking today—just a variable-gain germanium booster I through together this afternoon, heavily inspired by the D*A*M Red Rooster. I built mine on a slightly different layout, but if I do another one I’ll use this version; it’s cleaner and a bit easier to wire. And if you like the idea of incorporating a trim … Read more
Sorry it took so long… apparently this can be tricky to make, so hope it goes well. Maybe breadboard it first. SELMER BUZZTONE 0.15″ VERO LAYOUT
Despite saying never again – I now have another Bell & Howell projector amp. This is a 621 model from 1951, which as far as the amp is concerned, looks almost identical to my 601 from 1949. I believe the main differences were with the actual projector itself – the 621 being a later and improved model. … Read more
The James tone stack is one of the more common bass/treble tone controls. You most often see it in hi-fi equipment, or in guitar amps that sit outside the usual Fender and Marshall mould – although both Fender and Marshall did use similar circuits on rare occasions. Probably the best-known guitar amp examples are Orange … Read more