Fuzzbox, Distortion, Phaser, Chorus, Echo and other Guitar Effects Info

This is a pair of completed pc boards (opamp multi-purpose) that are configured for use as direct boxes. The sockets are empty as I have not yet decided what opamp chip to use. I may experiment with several different parts before putting the boxes into regular use in the studio.

If you have purchased the Opamp Multi-Purpose pcb, you should check the construction page again since I have changed a few values on some of the projects. The link was emailed to you after you bought the board.

This is the assembled V-Dub pc board with all parts in place. A quick test revealed it was providing 16.7 volts at 8.7 milliamps. There is always some loss because of the series diodes, so the voltage cannot quite reach 18v.

A test of the negative voltage output gave -9.0v when driving an LED with about 5ma. There is no diode drop on the negative output so it gives the full voltage.

More info

This is one of the designs in a vacuum tube amplifier patent filed in 1949. The first gain stage (V1 & V2) forms a type of mu-follower.
(more…)

You may remember my previous article about salvaging parts from compact fluorescent bulbs that no longer function. Today a bulb blew out in my office so naturally I pulled it apart to see what was inside. The parts in this lamp base appear to be better quality than in the previous units that I disassembled.

I’m sure I can find a use for some of these components. Salvage those parts and recycle!

If you are looking for a guitar signal booster that is not entirely clean and can add some grit to the sound, then you should consider the new Dirty Boost, which can be built on the AMZ Multi-Purpose pcb.

The circuit adds low level harmonics (predominantly even) to the boosted guitar signal. If you drive the booster hard enough, it will produce a mild overdrive effect with a range of harmonics.

Anyone who has already purchased the Multi-Purpose pcb can review the instructions page for the latest update with this new circuit.

OCT Distribution has released a new module based on the FV-1 delay chip. It comes pre-programmed with 8 reverb and delay programs. This module would be easy to integrate into a guitar amp or even a pedal. Check it out:

OCT Distribution