Beginnings

[jhabib]

Hey, What is some advice yall could give me.  I am completley new to pedal building and just would like to know some basics! Thanks!

[mth5044]

Learn how to solder and read schematics 

Build some kits then go from there.

[ianmgull]

Kits are nice because everything is documented and you don't have to worry about sourcing the correct parts. GeneralGuitarGadgets and BYOC are both good places to start.

Next read. I mean A LOT. Look at the top left of this page. DIY FAQ has a wealth of important information. I would start there.

Good luck!

[petemoore]

  Figure out what George Ohm wrote...
  Lookup parts like resistors and see what you can find out about resistive voltage divider.
  Read some of RG's stuff and then reference from there what is needed to digest or comprehend some of the 'thicker' passages.
  Then breadboard or perfboard your first circuit, a gain stage recommended. 
  Boost comes in handy, it's often the first thing you'll see as an active stage after a guitar pickup.

[rousejeremy]

I say buy a bunch of components and dive right in. You'll learn a lot with all the mistakes you make.

[John Lyons]

Pick a pedal you want to build. A classic is best since it will be well documented and written about.
The Tube screamer, Rat, Fuzz face or big muff all have many articles written about them and how they work.
Check out the links at the top of the page as mentioned.
All the info is here in a few places. Dig in!
There is so much info that I think you will be better off to focus on one pedal and master it.
Them move down the line. Between the few mentioned above you should have a good grasp on
what;s going on in 99% of all pedals as far as distortion/fuzz.


John

[anchovie]

Don't - in the fresh excitement that so many others (including myself) have had when they discover the hobby - decide that you're going to start by building a multi-FX unit and a tube amp.