This is the basic configuration that should work for anyone:
Guitar —> Buffer —> Any pedals —> Buffer —> Amp
The first buffer is providing an interface for the guitar and its long cable to the pedalboard. The final buffer is a line driver for the cable back to the amp. In between, you can put any pedals you like.
The buffers can even be buffered bypass pedals and not specifically buffer-only circuits.
Like any rule of thumb, this one is subject to change based on your guitar, cables, pedals and amp. This is just a starting point: Let your ears be your guide.
Use good quality, low capacitance guitar cords!
The AMZ 2-resistor mod for the Boss DS-1 Distortion pedal.
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The Build Your Own Clone 5-Knob Compressor is an expanded version of the classic Ross compressor that has been cloned by many boutique builders. It has some extra circuitry that serves to mix the direct signal with the compressed output. The mixer portion of the circuit is illustrated in the schematic above.
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This is not the optimum way to connect an LED to your stompbox circuit.
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Convert your Tube Screamer clone distortion to use a buffered bypass instead of the more typical true bypass with a 3PDT.
Buffered bypass for the TS Clone
I frequently see talk on the forums about the HFE of a transistor. One thing to consider is that the HFE specifications on transistor datasheets are usually measured at much higher current levels than is found in the typical effects pedal.
Higher current usually equates to higher gain and the specs can be misleading. Take a look at the image above, which is from the datasheet of the common 2N4401 bipolar transistor.
At 150 ma. collector current (Ic), the HFE is 100 minimum, and as the current goes down, so does the gain. The typical booster or fuzz pedal is probably using the transistor at low currents - 1 ma. or less. This means the gain of 100 that you were expecting is more likely in the range of 20 or 30!
I have added a page with dc voltages for the mini-booster pc boards that I sell. If you bought one of the boards, you were emailed the link to the page of info and it is linked beside the “Troubleshooting” header. Use the voltages to test your board before mounting it in a box.
Fuzz: The Sound That Changed the World
Directed by Clif Taylor
I bought a copy of this DVD and finally got time to watch it last night. I must compliment the producers on making a very professional video that all pedal enthusiasts will find interesting. Not only do you get to see some guitar playing legends such as Billy Gibbons and Peter Frampton, but the film features many current pedal builders talking about tone and design. There are also short demos of numerous custom effects pedals (mostly fuzz and distortion).
It is great to be able to put faces with many of the forumites you have only connected with through their text posts, and to be able to hear them talk about pedals and guitars.
I give it two thumbs up! Anyone who is seriously interested in pedals should see this film!
Check it out: Fuzz: The Sound That Changed the World
The big heat sink AC128s are gone, though I have some others available. Click here…
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Just for fun, there is a page at HCFX with cartoon images of pedals that can be used to make a graphic representation of your pedalboard. Plenty of excellent user-submitted images are free for downloading. Make your own pedalboard graphic:
Cartoon Your Pedalboard
