how many of us build/mod our own effects?

[runmikeyrun]

I've been building and modding effects (and to some degree, tube pedals/amps) for about 10 years now. I'm just putting the finishing touches on a BMP variant which is allegedly from the supercollider schem but it doesn't really sound like a supercollider, hence the modding. I've probably built 30 or 40 pedals in the last 10 years. I was just curious how many of us actually build and mod. It seems like there's lots of threads on people looking to buy boutique pedals, but not a lot on building them.

We could also create a bit of a resource with this thread, with links to where we find schematics, parts, and info. Myself, I frequent diystompboxes.com and buy most of my stuff from smallbearelec.com. There's a wealth of info at geofex.com and muzique.com. Many projects at tonepad.com and generalguitargadgets.com. Tim Escobedo's circuit snippets also offers some interesting ideas http://www.jiggawoo.eclipse.co.uk/gu.../snippets.html There's way more but I can't think of them now.

[Explorer]

I think it's fascinating when people build from scratch, or even mod in an intelligent way.

For my own purposes, I realized that I can always get more money, but I can't get more time. So, I buy gear and invest that time in making music.

I'm *definitely* glad there are those who build. Otherwise, where would I find neat stuff like my Oxide or my Groove Regulator?

[TomA1234]

I built my own Zvex Woolly mammoth. My only build so far, and a great pedal to start on.

I need an updated pic soon, so will upload it as soon as I take one.

[warwick.hoy]

I'm personally just getting started. Spinning my wheels a little bit as I get back to a full time job and start pulling in the money to invest in tools. I hope to do everything in house from the design process all the way up to powder coating and silk screening.

My goal is to start a company and build in small batches and sell them (no custom orders,...no pre-ordering or deposit taking). The goal is not really to make a bunch of money, but to have excellent customer relations and be able to use the money I make to fund GAS purchases,...that way income from the job can be saved for more pressing matters.

Check out my blog:

Heavy Drone

and also: DIY Effect Makers (club?) here on TB.

[karter2000]

Definitely me!!! I love to build and mod pedals.

[Pollinator95]

I started this summer, so far I´ve made a Red Llama, a Beavis Board, and have just started a Dual Oscillator going into a Bazz Fuss. And I´m planning on making a Valvecaster sometime soon.

[arginator]

Me too! Well, I have the PARTS to buildy first pedal, a bazz fuss. Just need the time to actually build it. I'll keep you guys posted.

[Swimming Bird]

Built a couple kits from BYOC, circuit bend old DODs for friends, etc. Just dabbling.

[runmikeyrun]

Originally Posted by Swimming Bird

Built a couple kits from BYOC, circuit bend old DODs for friends, etc. Just dabbling.

bending old DODs is fun, and you can get the pedals pretty cheap off ebay. I had a stereo chorus that I bent the heck out of... I had a couple extra toggles and an extra pot crammed into that thing. I got some CRAZY sounds out of it! Should have never sold it...

[solarplexus]

Been building my own effects for 7 years. All those ressources you gave are dead on. But you forgot www.runoffgroove.com

[Schlatte]

for the most part I draw the schematics by myself... trying to do something that has never been done before... (yeah.. good luck on that one... i know..)
most of the parts I use I get from my local electronics stores, mammoth electronics and ebay.
good sources for schematics:
Analogguru / Schematics
Fuzz Central -- Schematics and PCBs

[arginator]

Don't forget Beavis Audio.

www.beavisauduo.com

[arginator]

Originally Posted by arginator

Don't forget Beavis Audio.

www.beavisauduo.com

Oops, that's

www.beavisaudio.com

[keith millman]

I'd love to mod some pedals, and I'm pretty handy usually....but something intimidates me about noodling around in there. I need to get over that...

[cheapbasslovin]

I've hacked a couple, but no major modifications to anything. Usually I mod pedals I like, and don't want to ruin them, so I keep it simple.

[Testing_123]

Another pedal builder and modder here. My projects include some DIY designs, a HotCake clone, a Tremulus Lune, and a modded TS9 TubeScreamer (brought to TS808 specs, then another cap change for meatier low-mids). Haven't built anything lately, but am getting the itch for a new project soon.

I learned A TON by lurking and eventually posting questions on the diystompboxes.com forums.

[HeebHammer70]

I lowered the frequency range on my BOSS DS-1 to work on bass guitar. I don't play anything lower than drop D so I can't say if it works on a 5-string. Also doubled up the clipping diodes for 4 total. I think I did something to the tone knob circuit tho since after a few days it stopped working and I haven't opened it up to check. The lower half of the gain knob stays at the same level so I can't go for a mild overdrive, but it still sounds really good like a Lemmy or Cliff tone.

[audiomitch]

I've done a lot of the Monte Allums mods for my guitar rig. The difference is amazing! The best part of the Monte Allums kits are the clear and easy instructions. I'm pretty sure the mods would work sell for bass too, but I don't use much fuzz bass.

[Darkglass]

Building is the best! Even after building hundreds of pedals, I still love it!

Keep up the good work DIYers!!!

[jumbodbassman]

one of these day s i will start but first i need tofigure out how to read a schematic....