Monday 29 August 2016

VFE Pedals Triumvirate

A great and unique distortion pedal by VFE.
Unfortunately, with 10 internal trimmers, I didn't manage to make this layout comfortably fit in a 1590B box like I did with the others.
Original description:
The TRIUMVIRATE is a unique take on a distortion pedal. The guitar signal is first separated into three pathways (lows, mids, and highs) where the range of each is set via internal trimpots. Next, each pathway goes through its own distortion engine, with full control over the amount of gain in each band. Finally, each band is independently mixed together at the end. In short, the Triumvirate is a multi-band distortion, which works great for guitar, bass, synths, even cellos!
You can find more info and schematic on their website here.


Friday 26 August 2016

VFE Pedals Fuzz Duo

A great (soon to be discontinued) fuzz by VFE Pedals.
You can find more info on their website here and schematic on their FB page.
01/07/2018 Layout updated!


Wednesday 24 August 2016

HAO Sole Pressure

It's been a while but I saw this little one was missing, and as I own the pedal and like it, I think it's a worthwhile addition.  So thought I'd try to get back into the game even if it's a bit diddy and embarrassing compared to what the other guys are posting :o)

Info about the original:

Like the Rust Driver, the HAO Sole Pressure was designed to recreate the classic sounds of one of the most desirable guitar amps in history – in this case, the legendary ’59 Tweed Bassman 4x10 combo. The HAO Sole Pressure contains carefully selected components that allow the user to dial in the smooth, creamy overdrive of this classic amp, right down to the characteristic low-end sag unique to the combo version. Dual knobs control Output and Drive levels while three switchable EQ curves offer plentiful tonal options without compromising your guitar sound. This dual control configuration also allows to the Sole Pressure to act as a semi-clean booster to coax more character out of your amp. If you’re looking for the classic Fender amp tone that defined a generation, the HAO Sole Pressure will let you achieve it with any guitar and amp in any playing situation, without the hassles of owning vintage gear.






Lovetone DoppelGanger (Gigahearts FX Doubel Ganger)

It's been a while since I've uploaded a monster layout. Therefore...
Here is LaceSensor's version of Lovetone DoppelGanger analog phaser.
You can find all info, build doc, bom and manual on Madbean Forum here (free login required)
(http://www.madbeanpedals.com/forum/index.php?topic=19190.0)
You could also buy PCBs when available.
29/11/2016 Layout updated & Verified: removed cut next to bottom right corner TL074 pin 11.
Here is a video of the original pedal (slightly different from this version)


Friday 19 August 2016

VFE Pedals Merman

Another great overdrive from VFE Pedals based on the Klon Centaur.
You can find schematic and info on their website here.


Monday 15 August 2016

Tone Factor Cream Pie

A small Germanium Booster/OD.

Original using NPN Germanium Transistors.


Since PNP Germaniums are more readily available, cheaper, and reliable here's a PNP version. Remember you can NOT daisy chain this with NPN devices.



And here's a layout that's a touch larger, but includes an onboard inverter to give you the ability to daisy chain it.


Suggested hfe for the transistors is between 90-120hfe. The trimmer is used to set the collector voltage. Suggested between 3-5V, with a lower voltage giving a dirtier boost. You can replace it with an offboard pot to allow for on the fly adjusting, like the layout below.


Top Gear Fuzz Sustain

A super rare pedal from the UK from 75-77. When they come up for sale they go for stupid amounts of money, >$700. The only information I could find about it.

This interesting pedal is Top Gear’s most dynamic, and combines both their Fuzz and Treble Boost circuitry into one versatile effect. Even though the pedal is capable of producing an incredibly large palette from which to choose, it is quite accessible, and sounds really good with any combination of control settings. Earlier Top Gear pedals are likened to concurrent better known fuzz pedals, and often draw inspiration from such simple circuitry, however, this circuit is completely unique to the Fuzz Sustain, and while it is similar to other late-’70s Colorsound and Eurotec models, there are significant differences. UK-made Top Gear pedals are inherently rare, and rarely are they available.

There was a request to trace it and create a layout.






Sunday 14 August 2016

Carlsbro Fuzzbox

I came across this on FSB forum last night and it peaked my interest and seems to be a unique part of the fuzz history. As the emperor of the Germanium Deathstar, and as a loyal follower of fuzz I couldn't not make a layout for this. And come on, who doesn't love dirty, nasty vintage fuzzes, especially of the Germanium kind.

Note: this is PNP, do NOT daisy chain.

And one with onboard inverter so you can daisy chain it without any worry.


Saturday 13 August 2016

VFE Pedals Dark Horse

A great sounding heavy distortion by VFE Pedals.
You can find schematic and info on their website here.


Thursday 11 August 2016

VFE Pedals Blues King

Another great pedal from VFE.
You can find schematic and info on their website here.


Tuesday 9 August 2016

VFE Pedals Alpha Dog

Here is a layout for their latest version.
You can find schematic and info on their website here.


VFE Pedals Pale Horse

Here is a layout for their latest version.
You can find schematic and info on their website here.


Saturday 6 August 2016

Roland AG-5 Funny Cat

Here is a "heavily modified" layout for the old and weird Funny Cat.
The original pedal sounded a bit...
Me and Gavin (Hozy31) have been working on this to try to improve the sound.
We added Moosapotamus mods, a buffer at the "Normal" side input to avoid "tone sucking" problems and a boost (SHO) at the SDS/Normal switch output that works only when the Harmonic Mover is switched off, to avoid volume loss when using the fuzz on its own.
Gavin has tested the final result and he's very happy with it.
There are videos of the original AG-5 on YouTube but we prefer not to add any here cause this version sounds quite different (in a good way)
You can find more infos and sound clips of Moosapotamus modded version on his website here.

Moosapotamus Dirty Bird

Here is a layout for Moosapotamus Dirty Bird.
You can find all infos and sound clips on his website here.