Need suggestions for modding my Voodoo Labs Superfuzz

[random_name]

I've had this pedal for a while now, but I've always found it a bit thin and harsh for my taste, so it doesn't get used much...anyway, I thought I'd have a go at replacing a few of the components to see if I can improve the sound a bit.

I couldn't find a schematic for it, but I think I've managed to identify some of the components:

H11F3...appears to be an Opto coupler chip, not sure if it's being used for switching rather than signal processing.

JRC 062D....seems to be an Op amp.

2N2907....PNP transistor (you probably already knew that)

MPS A18...Low noise very high gain NPN transistor

A pair of diodes...I'd have to remove them to get the part number, but they're small (only 5mm long) the only part of the number that's visible is '004'

...Does anyone have any suggestions?

[Mark Hammer]

If the diodes are black with a white stripe, then I imagine they are 1N4004 silicon type.  Given that the unit is purportedly based on the Jordan Bosstone, I imagine they go to ground.  Consider tacking on a cap in parallel with them.  You can do that temporarily on the copper side of the board.  Start with 3300pf and take it from there.  If it needs more treble taming, make the value larger.

[random_name]

Thanks for the help...the diodes do indeed look like that, I'll have a look at the tracks later (it's a double-sided PCB) and see if they go to ground then maybe give that mod a go.

Another thing I've been reading about is changing the diode types to get assymetrical diode clipping...would that be worth trying with this circuit?

[Mark Hammer]

The symmetry/asymmetry thing has been blown out of proportion IMHO.  It does produce an audible change, but I imagine it is not particularly useful to a great many players.  Stick with what you've got, and fix the treble issue first.

[FastJunkie]

I find mine sounds quite good with the resonance turned up.

[random_name]

The symmetry/asymmetry thing has been blown out of proportion IMHO.  It does produce an audible change, but I imagine it is not particularly useful to a great many players.  Stick with what you've got, and fix the treble issue first.

Ok, thanks, I'll let you know how I get on.

I find mine sounds quite good with the resonance turned up.

I've tweaked it pretty much every way you can think of  it's not a bad pedal really, I just think there might be room for improvement.