How Good? and Where to Learn?

[bopplayer]

Hi,

If I were to buy a kit and solder it together and get it working, how do I improve from there?

For example:

1) To build an op-amp distortion/fuzz with numerous gain stages, how difficult?
2) A large box with two or three fuzz pedals seperately switchable? would that have to
be three seperate perf boards? or could you add more transistors and have each switch
operate the different sets of transistors?
3) To copy a schematic, source the parts>(I know that can be tough) and clone anything I wanted? how difficult?
4) To tighten up or widen a distortion. Know what I mean? some overdrives and
distortions just have too wide and flabby of a signal. (I don't mean bass) how could
that be tweeked?

Guess my biggest question is, after that initial simple DIY build, how do you improve from
there? community colleges don't offer pedal courses know what I mean?

Thanks for your help in the other thread and here.

[spaceace76]

Those questions are very broad... You don't want to overthink this, as you may overwhelm yourself in the process.

Start with a kit. BYOC kits are nice, and a kit is a good place to start because so much thinking is done for you.

After that, order a PCB (John Lyons on this board is highly regarded, as well as many others, and there are GGG boards, and, and, and, and...) and source the parts for yourself. You'll have seen what's necessary to build a pedal, and will hopefully have the confidence to take matters into your own hands.

the idea is to start slowly, and once the foundation is there you'll be able to take bigger chances, and expanding you skills and knowledge base will come much easier.

all the information is readily available, and folks on this board are consistently helpful. this is a place for beginners as well as experts, so don't feel afraid to ask ANY question.

[bopplayer]

I understand what you are saying, thanks. Just wondering how you get to the next level or two after that.

[aron]

I would start with the beginner project because you will learn a lot more than simply plugging parts into a board. Then I would start reading. The Wiki is a great place to start - especially the FAQ.

http://www.diystompboxes.com/wiki/