Wah Wah Mods! ie : Boutique Inductors

[Frankgb]

Hi,

I have a friend with a Crybaby GCB-95 that he wants me to try and make sound like the 'Fulltone Clyde'. I've told hime that the main 'voodoo' comes from the inductor.

I guess I really need to know what all these different Inductors sound like???

Do they really make a difference, and what do people recommend???

Many Thanks

Frank

[Torchy]

http://www.geofex.com/Article_Folders/wahpedl/wahped.htm
http://www.green-fuz.freeserve.co.uk/wah.html

Good starting points ...

[phillip]

The inductor does lend a LOT to the "voice" of the wah pedal, with some inductors being smoother, some being more throaty, etc.

To sound like the Vox Clyde McCoy, which has the "muted trumpet" sound,  you'll need Stuart's Halo replica inductor, which is built to the specs of an original Vox Halo inductor.

You'll also need some transistors with a lower gain than the original MPSA18s.  For the Clyde sound, the gain range of 300-350 works the best...and one of the best transistors for the job is the BC109B.  Put the highest gain device in Q1 and the lowest in Q2.

Phillip

[Arno van der Heijden]

Phillip,

Have you ever considered adding sound samples to your site?
Don't get me wrong, it's already a great site and an invaluable source, but I REALLY like to hear some of your pedals, among which the Clyde McCoy.

[Paul Perry (Frostwave)]

If anyone had access to both a range of Wah inductors, and a bridge analyser (that can give a reasonably accurate value for inductance and resistance), why, that would be nice!  :wink:

[RedHouse]

What is a bridge anylizer? can one be homebrewed like RG's neat little jig's?

I have wanted to do some comparison testing too, but so far have only been able to come up with a (new) Red Fasel, an old TDK5103 and my friend likes to loan me his newer Dunlop.

[Fret Wire]

This should be fine for testing inductance. The range is perfect for wah inductors:

http://circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/3394