The Project Thread 3.0

Danny G · May 07, 2015, 09:38:08 PM

Not sure exactly what number we're on, but who cares.

What are you building? What are you fixing? What are you tweaking?

About to build some pedals for first time in awhile.

I've been using a TS-808 clone I built as a lead boost/extra gain stage but its adding a little too much gain.

So building some boost circuits to try some out. First in line is the AMZ Minibooster and the EHX LPB-2. Mainly because I have most parts laying around.

Will try out the EP Booster and MXR Micro Amp clone circuits next if neither of these work.

Also rewired both my Les Paul Studio and Paul Stanley Iceman to fix some issues with them.

The bad news is it fixed neither problem (grounding issue on neck pup, weird switch issues, respectively) but at least I know the wiring is solid after years of Frankensteining both.

Also just had the handles break on both cases on the same weekend. Next on my to do list.

RacerX · May 09, 2015, 12:13:32 PM

Quote from: Danny G on May 07, 2015, 09:38:08 PM
Also just had the handles break on both cases on the same weekend. Next on my to do list.

If the ends are still attached, a piece of steel or aluminum tubing & some epoxy to bridge the gap is a good fix.

Just cut most of the middle out first & make sure the diameter of the tubing is not too large.

Danny G · May 09, 2015, 10:22:07 PM

Looked up some mods to the TS808 clone, lots of good things that would make it more a boost than an overdrive. And turns out I built the circuit with these mods in mind (socketed the parts in question). Cool, go me!

...and now it is not working at all. Well shit.

And looking for stomp box enclosures to repurpose for the boost builds, turns out I already built an AMZ mini booster.

Trying it out on the practice amp, it sounds like a distortion pedal :/

Oh well. On to completing the LPB2 and getting to work on the EP Boost.

Danny G · May 09, 2015, 10:22:28 PM

Cool, thanks Racer

Danny G · May 10, 2015, 02:03:25 PM

Redid some grounding on the TS808. Still inoperable.

Completed the EP Booster and wired it up. Something is wrong with it.

Oh yeah. Now I remember why I stopped building shit...

RacerX · May 10, 2015, 04:26:35 PM

$:-\$

Maybe take that case to a luggage repair joint, instead, Danny.

dogfood · May 10, 2015, 06:05:29 PM

Found a local cat to finally build me a swanky pedal board and case.
Need to put the new pups I bought a year ago for the LP Custom in and redo all the wiring.
Need to get the new 6505 JJ tubes in the #2 YBA1.

justJon · May 10, 2015, 06:29:18 PM

Working on rebuilding/refurbishing an '80's vintage, 6-ply maple Ludwig shell pack that just fell into my lap! Didn't really need another drumkit, but I went to the local music-go-round, these shells were sitting on the front walk. I asked what was up, the manager said, "can you use 'em? They're yours! Get 'em off my porch!"

Apparently, someone had them sitting in a shed for years, disassembled, pieces missing, a little water damage, etc, and the store just didn't want them. The owner didn't want to take them home, so I did!

2(!) 24"x16" bass drums, 13" and 14" rack toms, (the 13 was pretty well destroyed by water damage) and an 18" floor tom. Each tom is missing one rim, the kicks are missing both hoops, spurs, and all drums are missing heads, t-rods, and for the kicks, claws, but I cleaned up the wood, applied a bit of beeswax to the bearing edges, and as I can afford/find the pieces and parts, it'll be a pretty cool double-bass kit for minimal investment!

Danny G · May 10, 2015, 07:04:24 PM

Nice!

Danny G · May 11, 2015, 11:41:39 PM

So went pedal shopping today, mainly for recon as I really don't want to spend money.

Liked the MXR Custom Audio Electronics booster tho I didn't actually get to try the EP Booster on my rig.

Went home and built a second EP Booster circuit to save $100. It worked but fucked up. Damn.

Luckily the shop I tried stuff out at was open til 8 \m/,

If I had to give my money to anyone, I wanted to give it to Calaveras Guitar Boutique over Guitar Center.

So I said hell with building shit for now, and did.

xayk · May 12, 2015, 11:46:38 AM

Sometimes just buying a pedal feels so good.

I've gone through long drought periods where every pedal/cable/amp I build or work on just fails miserably. So I'll take a week off and re-approach whatever and try again, and usually score a victory. Usually.

I just ordered my first batch of PCBs for a small pedal run. Eagle has an annoying learning curve but actually doing the layouts is oddly satisfying in a puzzle sorta way. (Which is not to say that I didn't royally fuck something up, but hey, we'll see.)

Jake · May 15, 2015, 09:56:37 AM

Just finished the next step of my Eastwood project — making the pickguard. I don't have a proper router, so it was done with a Dremmel, files, sanding block, and a lot of patience. It's not perfect, but it's rock n roll, so close enough.

Next step will be putting in new electronics. Good 500k pots are the real key to opening up those reissue Fender WRHBs. Then I will mount an aftermarket Gibson Maestro vibrola tailpiece cover behind the stock bridge, strictly for cosmetics, ala the Derek Trucks SG.

Danny G · May 15, 2015, 10:02:59 AM

Bad ass, Jake!

Tried the MXR boost in Ocean of Stars rehearsal yesterday.

Wasn't a true field test (don't need much boost for them) but holy shit this thing is loud.

It provides up to 20db of boost. I think I'm using 2db of boost because at 3 it was stupid fucking loud.

Very pleased so far!

Out of curiosity brought in 2 old pedal builds I had laying around. One an AMZ mini booster and the other a mystery circuit.

Mystery circuit had a bad hum to it. AMZ mini booster didn't work. But duh, I had pulled the transistors from it for use in something else. Oops.