DIY Effects

[crompers]

I have soldered before but not extensively, I just want a good sounding fuzz pedal that will give me something reasonably close to Queens of the Stone Age / Kyuss / Truckfighters / Sleep.

I like the idea of putting it together myself and its cheaper.

Any other suggestions?

[Sibob]

It's a great place to start, or take a look at the Fuzzdog kit offerings, there's a LOT on there, but each kit has a full walkthrough etc.
Their Muff gives you all the options to build whatever era of Muff you want (it's just component changes really), although I'd stick with a Green Muff if it's for bass:

http://shop.pedalparts.co.uk/Big_Muff_Pi/p847124_6674585.aspx

The thing with DIY stuff is that you can build something, and then be like "oh what if I add cheeky clean blend....and some oscillation....and a mids control", there's a LOT of mods for a muff.
I'd say for the music you're citing, a straight green muff will be fine though....you can always build more

Si

[Johnny Wishbone]

[quote name='Sibob' timestamp='1490192596' post='3263090']
It's a great place to start, or take a look at the Fuzzdog kit offerings, there's a LOT on there, but each kit has a full walkthrough etc.
Their Muff gives you all the options to build whatever era of Muff you want (it's just component changes really), although I'd stick with a Green Muff if it's for bass:

[url="http://shop.pedalparts.co.uk/Big_Muff_Pi/p847124_6674585.aspx"]http://shop.pedalpar...24_6674585.aspx[/url]

The thing with DIY stuff is that you can build something, and then be like "oh what if I add cheeky clean blend....and some oscillation....and a mids control", there's a LOT of mods for a muff.
I'd say for the music you're citing, a straight green muff will be fine though....you can always build more

Si
[/quote]

Haha surprisingly accurate! Just to add that I would heartily recommend the Fuzzdog muff kit - I got the Green Muff version and it's ace (and I did add a clean blend and a mid control just for the hell of it!)

[PeteWalbass]

[quote name='FretNoMore' timestamp='1490119373' post='3262365'] Sounds quite useful. Do you have an approximate price in mind? [/quote] - This device will combine a chromatic tuner, programmable metronome, USB audio interface, two stereo ins and outs plus a visual feedback image of your timing that can be transferred to a larger screen - should retail at £99 - Still in development, so many thanks for your question! - Here is the survey if you would like to help! - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1LYkSrbZqq5D5jOKohjFrUGknUQAk6PWhJUf_NOj8aRA/edit

[PeteWalbass]

[quote name='dannybuoy' timestamp='1490125817' post='3262450'] This isn't really the right thread to post that, but my 2p: - I would rather play to a drum beat than practice to a straight metronome. - I would not be interested in visual feedback on my timing. I can use my ears to judge how I'm doing, I guess if I can't tell my timing is poor then nobody else can either! Also for some styles a bassist will intentionally play slightly behind or in front of the beat. [/quote] - Good comment - thanks! - I posted here because I am designing and developing my own product, seemed a good place to start! - Think of this device as a pitch tuner, but one that measures your timing, which will indeed show you if you are on, infront, or behind the beat - I would be grateful for any further comments - thanks! - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1LYkSrbZqq5D5jOKohjFrUGknUQAk6PWhJUf_NOj8aRA/edit

[PeteWalbass]

[quote name='skej21' timestamp='1490128556' post='3262501'] Huge plus one. Additionally, music is either going to be strict in the nature of timing (i.e., required to follow a specific beat which you would use to judge yourself against, making the device redundant as you'd have the metronome and your ears as a reference) or there would be a natural (musical!) fluctuation in timing to the music as the instrumentalists bounce off each other (which, again, makes the device redundant as it would be more important to follow the other musicians than try to keep a strict time whilst everyone else around you doesn't). It appears that this kind of device offers at best, a crutch to the musician who wants to solely judge their timing against a non-musical source or at worst, would create a device that discourages the development of crucial aural skills and natural communicative elements of time/feel. IMO, This video by Victor is a great example of how time should be approached in order to develop overall musicianship rather than just a single skill without application or context; http://youtu.be/f_LKWFvpr0o [/quote] - Thanks for a very interesting comment - It is interesting that you that you consider that this device will offer a crutch to a non musical source, because the source itself will be the musician themself (or themselves) who are playing the music - think of this device more as a reference tool, as in a tuner for pitch (if you have ever practiced pitching exercises on fretless or double bass against a tuner, you will know what I mean), or a car speedo when a speed camera is coming up - it is simply a guide to your own precision. Consider also a live situation when a band could be playing in front of an audience, but be aware that their tempo is increasing due to dynamic increases, or other reasons - being able to be visually aware of any subtle changes in tempo, you are able to correct as a group, this of course is the same in any practice situation on your own. Metronomes are not for everybody, neither is this device, but it does offer an alternative, in that you do not have to watch it all the time, but more importantly, use your ears. Like the car speedo, it just tells you how well you are doing! - I would be grateful if you could do the survey for me - opinions like these are very educational - Thanks again! - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1LYkSrbZqq5D5jOKohjFrUGknUQAk6PWhJUf_NOj8aRA/edit

[Guest FretNoMore]

I must disagree with the opinion that this would not be musical or not a useful tool. I know it's hard to stay on time when practicing different, and changing lines; it's easy to fool yourself and not hear that you are slowing down or speeding up depending on how difficult or varied the line is. Also, to be able to play ahead or behind the beat you first need to know where the beat or pocket is, and I've yet to play with a drummer who isn't speeding up when I try to push it a bit, or slow down when I'm draggig a bit. And even if he didn't, he'd hardly have the patience to be my practice partner. I'd use this when practicing, in addition to playing with a drum machine or recorded track, not for live playing.

Edited March 23, 2017 by FretNoMore

[pete.young]

[quote name='dannybuoy' timestamp='1490125817' post='3262450']
This isn't really the right thread to post that, but my 2p:


[/quote]

Plus another one - I'd prefer to see discussion of commercial product development in another thread. This thread is for DIYers buidling their own kit.

[crompers]

[quote name='Sibob' timestamp='1490192596' post='3263090']
It's a great place to start, or take a look at the Fuzzdog kit offerings, there's a LOT on there, but each kit has a full walkthrough etc.
Their Muff gives you all the options to build whatever era of Muff you want (it's just component changes really), although I'd stick with a Green Muff if it's for bass:

[url="http://shop.pedalparts.co.uk/Big_Muff_Pi/p847124_6674585.aspx"]http://shop.pedalpar...24_6674585.aspx[/url]

The thing with DIY stuff is that you can build something, and then be like "oh what if I add cheeky clean blend....and some oscillation....and a mids control", there's a LOT of mods for a muff.
I'd say for the music you're citing, a straight green muff will be fine though....you can always build more

Si
[/quote]

Looks good cheers, may well jump on this come payday, will let you know how it goes if i do!

[Bigwan]

The fuzzdog muff is a great kit. I personally preferred his musket clone (muff gun kit), but it's a more challenging build for sure.

[PeteWalbass]

[quote name='FretNoMore' timestamp='1490304656' post='3264243']
I must disagree with the opinion that this would not be musical or not a useful tool. I know it's hard to stay on time when practicing different, and changing lines; it's easy to fool yourself and not hear that you are slowing down or speeding up depending on how difficult or varied the line is. Also, to be able to play ahead or behind the beat you first need to know where the beat or pocket is, and I've yet to play with a drummer who isn't speeding up when I try to push it a bit, or slow down when I'm dragging a bit. And even if he didn't, he'd hardly have the patience to be my practice partner. I'd use this when practicing, in addition to playing with a drum machine or recorded track, not for live playing.
[/quote] - Thanks for the great feedback!

[mSz]

Hi guys, I want to build a simple bypass looper. Can anyone could advise on the best online store, where I could buy all the necessary bits? Cheers

[El_JimBob]

[quote name='mSz' timestamp='1490649097' post='3266813']
Hi guys, I want to build a simple bypass looper. Can anyone could advise on the best online store, where I could buy all the necessary bits? Cheers
[/quote]

Give [url="http://www.bitsbox.co.uk/"]Bitsbox[/url] a go - quite a small range compared to the likes of Rapid and Farnell, but you'll find what you're looking for easier... Are you working from a particular design?

[Sibob]

I used to get all my stuff from Doctor Tweek:

[url="http://doctortweek.co.uk/epages/f6b73913-c261-421c-ad34-915e1cccc9ce.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=Categories"]http://doctortweek.c...Path=Categories[/url]

Although looks like the site isn't open yet (see the message on his site), I'll see if I can see what the deal is. Really nice guy and a great selection. I'd also use Banzai in Germany for the more esoteric parts, only really works for larger orders though.
But yeah, lots of little suppliers popping up now, which is great.

Si

Edit:
Unfortunately he's not trading anymore

[mSz]

[quote name='El_JimBob' timestamp='1490700946' post='3267141']
Give [url="http://www.bitsbox.co.uk/"]Bitsbox[/url] a go - quite a small range compared to the likes of Rapid and Farnell, but you'll find what you're looking for easier... Are you working from a particular design?
[/quote]

Thanks, I might try them next time. I did order all parts at Tayda this time, as they have very good prices and a big range of components. Will see how is the quality.
I want to do a very simple bypass for one of my pedals. Something like this.




[quote name='Sibob' timestamp='1490705443' post='3267193']
I used to get all my stuff from Doctor Tweek:

[url="http://doctortweek.co.uk/epages/f6b73913-c261-421c-ad34-915e1cccc9ce.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=Categories"]http://doctortweek.c...Path=Categories[/url]

Although looks like the site isn't open yet (see the message on his site), I'll see if I can see what the deal is. Really nice guy and a great selection. I'd also use Banzai in Germany for the more esoteric parts, only really works for larger orders though.
But yeah, lots of little suppliers popping up now, which is great.

Si
[/quote]

Thanks, Si. Looks great!

Edited March 28, 2017 by mSz

[bobbass4k]

Bitsbox are great, reliable, fixed postage cost and no minimum order quantities. They're more expensive if you're stocking up and you'll struggle with more unusual/obsolete ic's/transistors, but if you're buying last minute for one or jobs (as I invariably do) they can't be beat.

[Johnny Wishbone]

[quote name='Sibob' timestamp='1490705443' post='3267193']
Unfortunately he's not trading anymore
[/quote]

Was starting to look like this was on the cards - his site's been down for ages. My go-to ebay seller has jacked it in recently as well. Bugger!

[El_JimBob]

[url="http://dsmcz.com/prestashop/"]DSMCZ[/url] is worth a look too - the guy who runs the shop is a regular on the DIY Stompboxes facebook group which is how I found out about them. Done several large orders with them and no issues at all. Barring the week it takes the package to arrive from the Czech Republic they get a big thumbs up from me...

[Sibob]

[quote name='Johnny Wishbone' timestamp='1490776450' post='3267792']
Was starting to look like this was on the cards - his site's been down for ages. My go-to ebay seller has jacked it in recently as well. Bugger!
[/quote]

Steve has basically said he's retiring after some ill health unfortunately.
He has mentioned that he'll be selling off stock in bulk at sale prices though. I've asked him to let me know when that is, so I'll post the details of that sale when it's happening. Could be some bargains for peoples projects

Si

[Rich]

[url="http://www.rshelectronics.co.uk"]RSH Electronics[/url] are another good source. I've dealt with them a few times and their service is very quick. Very reasonable prices and free P&P for orders over £30.

[mSz]

Thank you guys for all the suggestions! Hopefuly, soon I will be able to post here something more exciting than bypass looper.

[Owen]

Any bodgers in here? I have 3 Fdeck HPF filters which I would like to plumb into some cheap DI boxes (like these https://www.thomann.de/gb/millenium_di33.htm). If I could power the Fdeck aspects by phantom that would be great, but it would also be handy to screw a 9v socket in there + a mute switch which was silent. One of the Fdecks has a vol control on it, the other two do not. I would like them all to have a volume and a passive roll off. It this the stupidest idea in the world?

[rmorris]

[quote name='owen' timestamp='1492867316' post='3283774']
Any bodgers in here? I have 3 Fdeck HPF filters which I would like to plumb into some cheap DI boxes (like these [url="https://www.thomann.de/gb/millenium_di33.htm"]https://www.thomann....lenium_di33.htm[/url]). If I could power the Fdeck aspects by phantom that would be great, but it would also be handy to screw a 9v socket in there + a mute switch which was silent. One of the Fdecks has a vol control on it, the other two do not. I would like them all to have a volume and a passive roll off. It this the stupidest idea in the world?
[/quote]

I think we'd need to see the inside of the DI and the size of the HPFs to give any advice...

[Owen]

[quote name='rmorris' timestamp='1493028806' post='3284882']
I think we'd need to see the inside of the DI and the size of the HPFs to give any advice...
[/quote]
I will get busy with my phone camera and a screwdriver.

Thanks

[mSz]

My first "proper" build on the way!



Where do you guys get transistors from? I struggle to find any good supplier in UK.

Cheers,
m