Gettin' Lovey-Dovey: A Thread About Some Lovetone Products

[andvari7]

I'm not an expert in any subject whatsoever, especially not in the field of Lovetone pedals. I've only seen two - the Wobulator and the Ring Stinger - and I only had enough time to try the Ring Stinger. While it is one of the most furious-sounding pedals in existence, I know that I will never be able to actually buy a proper Stinger, owing to its rarity, cost, and British origins (meaning most of the pedals are still in or near Europe). As such, I have to turn to one of two options: get a Moog MF-102, which I have done, or clone one. I need to get my eye in on the board-level modification/repair for my work, and what better way to begin than by copying one of the most difficult effect pedals produced in the last fifteen years?

But I want the Doppelganger. That's a project I would really like. Unlike the amazing Ring Stinger - did I mention I really liked that pedal - there is no clone project for the Doppelganger. Or is there?

Please, ladies (unlikely) and gentlemen (in all probability), would someone be able to point me, and all prospective solderers out there - in the right direction?

[Taylor Livingston]

I've built some Ring Stingers - definitely one of my favorite effects. A hard build. If you search this forum you'll find my thread about the build with sound clips I made on bass. There's also a lot of room to improve the design IMO. I also built a ? flanger for myself, and it's an entire level of complexity beyond the Ring Stinger, and a very unique effect. That one is a nightmare to build.

There's no Dop project all put together, but there is enough info available on the web to make your own. I started but lost interest when I discovered, from looking at the circuit, that it's not really all that IMO.

Build a 4MS Phaseur Fleur. It's very similar to the Dop, and there is a ton of information, including PCBs and kits, already available for it. 4MS also has published several mods for it that can get it doing even crazier things than the Doppelganger.

Similarly, the Wobulator really doesn't do anything that the 4MS Panneur can't do. You didn't say you wanted one of those, but if you do, go with the Panneur instead of the Wobulator.

Now, I didn't catch quite where you are with DIY electronics. If you haven't built several effects before, don't start with a Ring Stinger. Build some boosters and fuzzes first, then build some tremolo or phaser-ish stuff, and once your soldering and wiring skills are really good, then go for the RS. There is a ton of offboard wiring, and a lot of components, and your solder joints just are not going to be where they need to be without several pedals under your belt.

[markjazzbassist]

i've owned a couple meatballs and a cheese source. lovetone makes great stuff. there are DIY projects for both those and i've heard they are pretty accurate to the originals.

great pedals for tweakers.

[warwick.hoy]

For some reason my mind's ear hears the thread title with a British accent. Considering the topic I find it appropriate.

At any rate,...I just got an OLC Chunky Cheese which is a clone of the Lovetone Big Cheese,....and by all accounts sonically identical,...and I freaking love,...best fuzz evar.