GGG Brassmaster Clone Build

[Rickett Customs]

I don't post in FX much, but I figured it could be helpful for anyone else, that might want to try a kit from "general guitar gadgets". Granted, they only have 3 bass pedals ( http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/effects-projects/bass/ ).

It was about $72 and change (shipping included), to order one. Once I received the package, I set aside
some time, to go through all the components and test them all with a multi-meter, for accuracy and time saving, when I populate the board later on today. *Disclaimer*, I have built 2 low wattage tube amps, from kits (as well as being a luthier), so I'm not exactly a stranger to this.

First things first, I downloaded and printed out the cut sheet (from the website), so that I could tape the components to the sheet, for better identification and to ensure that everything is accounted for.

More to come.

 

[Rickett Customs]

Now that I have more time aside, I started populating the board:

Started with the transformer. Good news is that the transformer, resistors and non-polarized caps are not specific to directional placement on the board.

Populating the resistors first

I primed the chasis with a sandable primer.

After 3 coats of primer and sanded, I put a few coats of red (purchased both from Autozone). This will be temporary, until I know that the pedal is 100% functional.

 

[Rickett Customs]

part 2


Populated the rest of the components to the board.

After the paint on the chassis (sorry, that I misspelled it in the previous post) dried, I placed all the parts on (although it was very tight). *Note*, I could have traced a piece of cardboard, from the chassis and eliminated the tight spot, for the most part.

I opted to run the wires from the bottom of the board, instead of the top (wanted to avoid the "spaghetti" look).

At this point in the pic, the switches and jacks were not wired.

Completed and tested by 9v and 9v power supply, works as expected. A damn dirty fuzz too!

 

[jwb39]

Did the same build a while back. Wasn't my cup of tea but I found it was too loud and added an additional master volume control.

 

[Rickett Customs]

Did the same build a while back. Wasn't my cup of tea but I found it was too loud and added an additional master volume control.

Wasn't there an option, to add an internal pot for overall volume, on the board?

 

[Rickett Customs]

Some quick tracks..... Settings maxed out basically.....First two a fretless, final 2 are fretted.

 

[JimmyM]

Crazy! Never knew it had an actual power transformer.

 

[johnk_10]

it that pedal it's not a power transformer.
the Tycrobrahe Octavia uses one too.

 

[Rickett Customs]

Crazy! Never knew it had an actual power transformer.

John is correct, it's an audio transformer.

 

[JimmyM]

Well what do I know? Looks like a really cool pedal, though...quite nasty and gnarly.

 

[bassbrad]

Nasty and gnarrly indeed, not my favefuzz but nice to have in the trikbag. I have one Karter 2000 built. Also sounds bitchin on guitar and electric piano.

 

[Rickett Customs]

Yeah, it is quite nasty. Didn't feel like paying for a malekko (or a vintage maestro). I'd rather absorb the extra effort and pay a bit less. I may try a few more of their pedals.

 

[Rickett Customs]

Came up with the decal concept, just gotta go get some ink for my printer tomorrow......

 

[bigmoosepi]

have heard some of the circuitry in these kits isn't quite right as the schematics on the original pedals were incorrect too. Hence malekko claimed to have reverse engineered their b:assmaster from an original pedal.

Does anyone know more about this or whether it's a myth?

edit: quick google finds this: http://www.geofex.com/FX_images/BrassBlaster2.pdf