My first effects build - GGG Brassmaster

floundah · #1 01-15-2010, 07:54 AM

After reading a lot of the DIY effects threads here on TB, I've decided to give it a shot. I just purchased a Brassmaster clone from GGG as my first build and it came a few days ago. I haven't touched a soldering iron since high school (20 yrs ago) so it'll be a challenge for me. I'm going to practice a little with some breadboard and parts from radio shack to make sure I do a decent job with this, especiaily if I include picks of my work! I'd hate to be ridiculed for sloppy soldering.

I'd also love any input from TBers who have done this build before, and I'm willing to take suggestions on any part of the build, including the design. Only thing I know for sure is it will be metallic blue (had a can of rustoleum around the house).

While I practice my soldering, how about some suggestions for a name and design?

rratajski · #2 01-15-2010, 09:38 AM

You picked the wrong pedal to start on...
Did you look at the wiring diagram?! It's in 4 stages...
It's a long build w/ a ton of wiring...

All in all, it's a challenging build, but fun at the same time. Good luck!

What about the Cobaltclasper? B:lueblaster? The Gonzo?

rcubed · #3 01-15-2010, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rratajski

You picked the wrong pedal to start on...
Did you look at the wiring diagram?! It's in 4 stages...
It's a long build w/ a ton of wiring...

All in all, it's a challenging build, but fun at the same time. Good luck!

What about the Cobaltclasper? B:lueblaster? The Gonzo?

Agreed. It's one of the most, if not the most, complicated fuzz circuit you could build.

Pitbull Growl · #4 01-15-2010, 09:43 AM

Not to derail (like I so often do) but...

what's the deal w/the transformer in this circuit anyway? what's it's purpose? Could someone PM me w/the 411 on that?

rratajski · #5 01-15-2010, 09:51 AM

It's more than meets the eye.

Pitbull Growl · #6 01-15-2010, 09:54 AM

LMAO!!!!

Energon cube power transformer?

rratajski · #7 01-15-2010, 09:57 AM

It makes Megan Fox not talk.

Back on track...I don't know what it does, but Josh Holley would fir sherr.

karter2000 · #8 01-15-2010, 10:10 AM

I've just completed my GGG Brassmaster kit, and I must have done everything right as it sounds great (IMHO). Like rcubed said, it's definitely not a beginner project. The only advice I have is to take your time and be patient. There isn't a lot of room to work with in the enclosure either, so plan out your off-board wiring before you start soldering anything.

Slight derail, but I have a question for anyone familiar with this pedal. How much boost should be available for the clean (or bass) volume?

jimmy rocket · #9 01-15-2010, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by karter2000

I've just completed my GGG Brassmaster kit, and I must have done everything right as it sounds great (IMHO). Like rcubed said, it's definitely not a beginner project. The only advice I have is to take your time and be patient. There isn't a lot of room to work with in the enclosure either, so plan out your off-board wiring before you start soldering anything.

+1 meeeeeellion

Take your time. Also be careful with the jacks and the switches as they come a little too close IMO. JD makes great kits, but he could have spaced that one a little wider.

Quote:

Originally Posted by karter2000

Slight derail, but I have a question for anyone familiar with this pedal. How much boost should be available for the clean (or bass) volume?

Not sure in terms of decibels, but it's a pretty significant boost.

karter2000 · #10 01-15-2010, 10:20 AM

Yeah, I actually broke out my dremel and "made some room" here and there in the enclosure. I also replaced the stereo input jack with a mono one, and I felt there was too little room for the jack, pot and 3DPT switch. I don't use batteries anyway, so there wasn't a need for the stereo jack/battery clip.

jimmy rocket · #11 01-15-2010, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by karter2000

Yeah, I actually broke out my dremel and "made some room" here and there in the enclosure. I also replaced the stereo input jack with a mono one, and I felt there was too little room for the jack, pot and 3DPT switch. I don't use batteries anyway, so there wasn't a need for the stereo jack/battery clip.

I left out the battery as well. Maybe I'll think about the jack swap.

rcubed · #12 01-15-2010, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pitbull Growl

Not to derail (like I so often do) but...

what's the deal w/the transformer in this circuit anyway? what's it's purpose? Could someone PM me w/the 411 on that?

Just a guess, but I think it has to do something with modulating the signal, either the amplitude, phase (most likely) or frequency. The with the Q3 transistor, the output is taken from both the collector and emitter. Thus the signal is out of phase 180 degrees. Both signals then go into the diode rectifier and certain parts of that go to the transformer (perhaps as trick of clipping the two signals?). I should take my circuit to work and look at the signals on an oscilloscope. I don't know much about transformers, they never covered them in my EE classes.

floundah · #13 01-15-2010, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rratajski

You picked the wrong pedal to start on...
Did you look at the wiring diagram?! It's in 4 stages...
It's a long build w/ a ton of wiring...

All in all, it's a challenging build, but fun at the same time. Good luck!

What about the Cobaltclasper? B:lueblaster? The Gonzo?

Yeah, I knew it was complicated, but it's a pedal I've wanted for a long time. I thought I would kill two birds with one stone. I just have to be very patient on this one. The directions on GGG, although copious, gave me some confidence that I can pull it off. Honestly, I'm thinking 6 weeks, so multiply that by 2x for errors and redos and I'll have it done by June.

B:lueblaster is now on the short list for names.

Pitbull Growl · #14 01-15-2010, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcubed

Just a guess, but I think it has to do something with modulating the signal, either the amplitude, phase (most likely) or frequency. The with the Q3 transistor, the output is taken from both the collector and emitter. Thus the signal is out of phase 180 degrees. Both signals then go into the diode rectifier and certain parts of that go to the transformer (perhaps as trick of clipping the two signals?). I should take my circuit to work and look at the signals on an oscilloscope. I don't know much about transformers, they never covered them in my EE classes.

That sounds plausible. I'm so used to seeing them as impedance matching x-formers for Escobedo circuits, but didn't see how that would apply to the BrassMaster based on it's location within the circuit.

rratajski · #15 01-15-2010, 11:47 AM

I found that adding a overall volume pot made a MASSIVE difference.

chicago_mike · #16 01-15-2010, 03:37 PM

The transformer a 1to1 ratio is also used in older octavia pedals. THis is one reason you get an octave above'ish tone with a brass master. along with the bridge rectifier.

walker rosewood · #17 01-28-2010, 05:07 PM

I'm going to Hijack your thread just a bit...

I just bought this (http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2734154) and I have a really dumb question. It came with double adhesive backing, and a separate metal plate. I know the plate is for grounding, but what do I do with it? Does it attach somehow?