Buffer Circuit

[gjohnson870]

Hi I'm new to this forum and new to designing and modding pedals.

I would like to build a distortion pedal, but wanted to know should you
always build one with a input and output buffer circuit and what are
the benefits of doing this.  Also what are the best IC Chips/transistors
to get the most transparent sound as possible.

Thanks,

[R.G.]

Hi I'm new to this forum and new to designing and modding pedals.

You have a lot of reading to do. First suggestion: read geofex.com. All of it. It'll save you a whole lot of time.

I would like to build a distortion pedal, but wanted to know should you
always build one with a input and output buffer circuit

Input buffer: yes, with only one exception I know of, that being the Fuzz Face or its clones.

Output buffer: probably not needed, except for unusual pedals.

and what are the benefits of doing this.

The benefit is to make the pedal input not load down a guitar, causing loss of treble, and for some few exceptions to make the pedal capable of driving long cables. Most pedals will not need an output buffer. But you have a long way to go before these are issues.

Also what are the best IC Chips/transistors to get the most transparent sound as possible.

This is very much like asking what is the best paddle to use to paddle your canoe across the ocean. There are differences, but the design of the circuit itself is far, far more important than the selection of the "best" IC or transistor; worse yet, "best" only has meaning if you can clearly define what "best" means. "Liked by more people" is NOT a good definition of "best". And further, "transparent" is almost meaning-free, in spite of it being used so heavily in the boutique market. I cannot think of a circuit where a change of transistor or IC would cause an increase in "transparency". Search this forum for the terms.

As I mentioned, you have a lot of reading to do. Dig in.

[boogietube]

R.G. gives great advice.
Please also read the wiki at the top of the page, visit the store at the top of the page, and feel free to donate.
Go to www.generalguitargadgets.com and read that all too.
Build a simple circuit first, then ask away........
Sean

[digi2t]

R.G. gives great advice.

+1

And just in case anyone is wondering, on the paddle thing;



One of the best, among many, according to my research.