Diode Clipping

[MaxPower]

The LPB1/LPB2 should also work. Just add the diodes on the output like the Electra.

[Mark Hammer]

¨Electra distortion¨, its more of an overdrive than a distortion, but sounds good for how simple it is

Thanks this seems like a nice start, just a question if I change the 680r to a higher value that would give this circuit more distortion?

Actually, no.  In this design, the lower the value of the emitter resistor (the 680R in this instance), the higher the gain.
HOWEVER...you do not want to amplify DC voltage, only AC.  The simplest way of doing this, for a beginner, would be to run a 1k variable resistance in series with a 10uf to 22uf electrolytic capacitor, with the negative side of the cap going to ground.  That resistance/capacitor pair is then placed in parallel with the 680R resistor.

[RamonRivera]

How about a MXR D+ by making some mod to get fuller frequency response?

[RamonRivera]

What are some of the lowest forward voltage diodes, can anyone tell me?

[Fancy Lime]

1N5817 Schottky diodes start conducting low currents at around 0.2V and reach 0.45V drop at 1mA. That is the lowest of the commonly used and universally available ones that I am aware of.

Andy