Questions about the Rocket

[David]

Aron:

Since you implemented this thing, you're probably the best one to ask.  I need a distortion circuit that's capable of handling anything from Iron Butterfly to a wimpy ballad with a distorted guitar solo.  I take a minimalist approach to pedals in that (fun as it might be) I don't want 5 distortion pedals cluttering my pedalboard -- I just want one that gets me 85% of what I need.  The "Rocket" looks like a good candidate for that, plus I've had good luck with transistor distortion circuits.

OK, question time:

Can I replace the 5088s with 5089s?  What impact would you expect?
Can I replace the tone control on there with a "Big Muff" tone control without losing too much output?  How much would I lose?

Finally, what's the bass response of the stock Rocket?  My axe is a Strat clone with 3 single coils.  Can I do anything to up the bass response?  If it helps, the sound I shoot for most of the time is the chorus of "Bad Company".

[bioroids]

Hi!

This is a great distortion, I think you'll like it as is pretty versatile.
I did change some caps to improve bass response (I play a gibson sg), the one after the drive pot and the one before the tone pot. I made them larger.

Also, I used 2N3904 (gain = 180), but many NPN transistors will work.

Good luck

Miguel

[aron]

Can I replace the 5088s with 5089s? What impact would you expect?
Can I replace the tone control on there with a "Big Muff" tone control without losing too much output? How much would I lose?

Finally, what's the bass response of the stock Rocket? My axe is a Strat clone with 3 single coils. Can I do anything to up the bass response? If it helps, the sound I shoot for most of the time is the chorus of "Bad Company".
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The 2N5089 should be quieter.

Yes, you can replace the tone control with the Big Muff tone control for more mid scoop. Make the output volume pot 100K for more output.

You can increase the cap values as mentioned for more bass response.

The Rocket is pretty fun and can be tailored to your setup.

Let us know how it goes.

[David]

Bioroids / Aron:

Thanks, gentlemen!  I'm going to put a Rocket into the VAB as soon as there's room in the build schedule!  

VAB:  That monster building that the Moon launch vehicles were assembled in.  I hope I'm not the only one who remembers!