Op Amp Diode Distortion Advantage

[WGTP]

I know some folks don't like them, but one advantage I find is that you can radically alter the "character" of the circuit by changing diodes and little else.  Anything from a GE, SI, Mosfet, Jfet, LED, (GE transisitors) with various numbers or combinations of each (or by using a pot), you can "tune" the level of distortion, attack, sustain, boost, (a)symmetry (harmonic content), etc.  

I continue to be surprised by how good my Mutant Muff Fuzz (diodes in feedback loop of second oa after boost from first op)(see Gus' mod's and Gary's Mockman) sounds compared to a Black Fire, Rat, Sweet16, etc.  

I find that an LED/Mosfet (be careful with the Mosfet) combo works best for me, but there are MANY possible combinations.  SOCKET THOSE BAD BOYS.   LED/Jfet is less likely to blow out on you.  I haven't even tried the different schotkeys.

The op amp is much less important than the diode arrangment IMHO.  I have tried many op amps, but none made as much difference as adding an extra diode to the circuit  You have a choice of the feedbackloop or to ground or in line or any combination of those.

[petemoore]

The harder you clip it, the less the OA matters?
 Seems when I use softer clipping diodes, more of the signal [and the OA sound] gets through, and OA choice seems to be more discernable.
 Also I notice it a great deal more when I'm on the big amp, and it's crankin a  little bit.
 I've definitely noticed noise differences...my tests aren't all that 'clinical', that I prefer generally the sound of a 4558 Vs TL082, but 'marginal'...OTOH
 The clipping diodes can have a radical effect on the sound, output etc.
 Take a look [if you haven't already] at AMZ labs notebook 'saturation control' and 'warp control', I used a 10k with a cap, and can solidly recommend these mods to anyone who likes trying different clipping level/tones. Really did the trick on the Dist+,  added twangy bite and takes out a presettable amount of harshness.