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

I have updated the LED calculator to show the wattage required for the resistor that is in series with the LED. A 1/4w resistor should be enough for most stompbox indicators, however, I am currently using a lot a 1/8w resistors and this allows me to verify that the resistor is operating within safe limits.

Try out the AMZ LED Calculator

A couple of years ago I posted an article about a revised version of the Little Angel Chorus, which uses the PT2399 delay chip. I finally got around to doing a few mods on it to see if I could further improve the sound.
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The yellow cloth-insulated wire was left over from an amplifier project. Not sure if I like the pushback wire for use in pedals. (more…)

I’m building a standalone buffer in a 1590A box. (more…)

This is a pre-assembled jfet buffer. It has a clean, transparent sound and can be used in numerous ways on your pedalboard or even used to mod existing effect pedals. As can be seen in the photo, the board is not much larger than a postage stamp.

Read more about this buffer board available now for purchase.

6 Reasons Guitar Pedals Pop When Switched

It is a common complaint that guitar effects pedals make a pop or click sound when the bypass switch is actuated. This can occur with different types of switching systems and there are a number of causes.

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I installed one of the Mosfet Booster modules in a small 1590A enclosure to make a tiny clean boost pedal.
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I often read posts on the pedal forums that claim that guitar effects circuits cannot be patented. The truth is that they certainly can, and many patents have been issued in the past, including those for the design of the Cry Baby wah, Univibe, Mutron Envelope Filter and the Pignose amp.

Tom Scholz from Boston, who created the Rockman line of effects, held a number of patents on circuit design for his electronics. Fender has a number of patents for circuits in their amps. Even vacuum tube circuits are still being patented.

I’ve made a page with links to over 50 audio related patents. Enjoy!

Pre-assembled AMZ Mosfet Booster modules are here and I’m excited about them. I connected up a module last night and did some bench testing and it was terrific!

These are pc boards with all parts installed. No worries about hard-to-find through-hole mosfets or other parts. Small enough to fit in a 1590A aluminum box. This is the classic AMZ booster circuit and complete assembly instructions are sent to all purchasers of the modules. (Fairchild BS-170 transistors used on module.)

Modules are now available for purchase.

Pre-assembled Mini-Boosters now available for purchase.

These are pc boards with all parts installed. No worries about hard-to-find jfets or other parts. Small enough to fit in a 1590A aluminum box. This is the classic mini-booster circuit and complete assembly instructions are sent to all purchasers of the modules. (Fairchild J201 transistors used on module.)