Beefed up my valvecaster - I like it !!

[scuzzphut]

Lo chaps.

The very first pedal I built was a valvecaster. I always loved the sound, but wished it had a bit more gain.  So, I either buy another tube or get creative.

I had seen an LPB-1 used as a boost with a valvecaster before (here-->http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=63479.3040) ) but didn't want to change my case with an extra switch and pot.

A dual gang pot for the VC gain and the LPB gain was the answer - and it worked a treat - the VC now goes  all the way up to 11

Here's the scheme


And here's an old pic of the case , you can see why I didn't want to modify it, right ??  right

[bamslam69]

I found this post about a year ago and it's always intrigued me, as an initial attempt at breadboarding a valvecaster didn't really excite me.
I've got the circuit on the breadboard at the moment, but I'm finding the dual gang gain/vol knob ends up farting out as it approaches "11".

Luckily I ordered a spare dual gang, so I'll be adding a separate footswitch and volume pot for the boost.
As for the extra gangs on each pot, they'll be wired up to a single RGB led for a range of colours & bling factor.
I think a tone cut switch might be in order too, but I'll see what real estate I have left on the enclosure.

[bamslam69]

My Boosted Valvecaster has been completed.
It sounds pretty damn cool, and looks the Biz!
A couple of issues I'm dealing with.
1.There was a lot of power supply noise - I've fixed that by using a power pellet I built years ago. It cleaned up ALL of the noise, surprisingly!
2. The Bypass switch makes a hell loud pop. Need to get on top of that.

Anyway, thanks for sharing the original idea, Scuzzphut, wherever you are.
Boost on


Boost off


Purdy


PS, That's a fake valve glow. I glued a 3.5mm orange led inside the middle hole in the valve socket

[bluebunny]

PS, That's a fake valve glow. I glued a 3.5mm orange led inside the middle hole in the valve socket

Shhh!  We won't tell...