Mod a dime distortion

[5StringDelirium]

I have one of these and I didn't know if any one had specifically worked on this pedal. Also if there is a huge difference between circuit structure of any other distortion\overdrive.

 

[bongomania]

I'm not sure I understand the second part of your question, but if you were asking how much difference there is between distortion circuits, there's a couple of ways of looking at it. On the one hand, there really are only a small handful of basic distortion/OD "methods" used in most pedals out there, so if you are familiar with those basic methods you will be able to figure your way around inside many pedals. OTOH those basic methods can be implemented in an infinite number of ways, in conjunction with all kinds of extra features such as switching, filtering, blending, and other processes that can make each circuitboard look completely different.

So I'd say go over to diystompboxes.com and do some reading, learn about the basic different distortion methods (typically clipping of diodes, LEDs, transistors, or FETs), and see if you can find those functions in the circuit of your pedal as a basis for knowing what other circuit designs it resembles, and what types of mods are commonly done to those circuits.

 

[5StringDelirium]

i was trying to ask what the big changes (if any) were between 2 different dis\od pedal circuits. I'll have to look at diystompboxes.com when i get home. It's blocked at work.

 

[B.C.]

I'm not sure I understand the second part of your question, but if you were asking how much difference there is between distortion circuits, there's a couple of ways of looking at it. On the one hand, there really are only a small handful of basic distortion/OD "methods" used in most pedals out there, so if you are familiar with those basic methods you will be able to figure your way around inside many pedals. OTOH those basic methods can be implemented in an infinite number of ways, in conjunction with all kinds of extra features such as switching, filtering, blending, and other processes that can make each circuitboard look completely different.

So I'd say go over to diystompboxes.com and do some reading, learn about the basic different distortion methods (typically clipping of diodes, LEDs, transistors, or FETs), and see if you can find those functions in the circuit of your pedal as a basis for knowing what other circuit designs it resembles, and what types of mods are commonly done to those circuits.

+1

Usually, the amount of OD or Distortion is really determined by the clipping stage diodes. For example, your typical Ibanez Tube Screamer has two clipping. While the Boss SD-1 has two stages but with assymetrical clipping using a varying number of diodes. Both sound very different, even if there is only one Diode difference. I would go to www.tonepad.com and compare the schematics for the Tube Screamer and the Fuzz Face etc. and see how they are the same and different.