Easiest beginner booster/distortion

[gooneybird]

Hey.

Im really into all of this, i love modding my gear.
I play bass and am looking to make my own booster/distortion box. (though i would be happy with a guitar distortion i can mod)
Has anyone got any good idea's for a good overdrive sounding, or tube stompbox?

All help greatly appreciated,

Thanks.

[Merlin81]

For bass? Not many coming to mind. If you like fuzz the Bazz Fuss is really simple.

[gooneybird]

For bass? Not many coming to mind. If you like fuzz the Bazz Fuss is really simple.

Yeah i mean i can change cap values to have less treble.

Is there a schematic?

Thanks

[Marcos - Munky]

www.home-wrecker.com

Enter in articles. Or you can build a simple preamp/booster.

[fjdenigris]

I just built a Tweak-O from Small Bear Electronics, adjust the capacitors to allow more bass and your in!! It is an easy first to build!!!!

[gooneybird]

thanks

you got any ideas for other some simple, easy to build ones?

The Tweak-o looks complicated
:shock:

I dont know if i can do that.

[ole jason]

I just built a Tweak-O from Small Bear Electronics, adjust the capacitors to allow more bass and your in!! It is an easy first to build!!!!

What would you suggest as far as capacitors if this will primarily be a bass box?

[dave_neal_59]

Try the Fetzer Valve from Runoffgroove.com.   My twelve year old was dying to make a pedal with me so I had him solder one up.  It worked the first time.   I'm not sure of its usefulness for a bass player and it really wont distort much but it is a great beginner project.  

I'm pretty new at this and have only built 5 pedals.   I started with the Tweak-O and would also recommend it. Because of the detailed instructions on the Small Bear web site, it serves as a great tutorial for your first build.  If you choose to build the Fetzer Valve, you may need some "connect the dots" type help (for example how to wire the stomp switch).

[Connoisseur of Distortion]

easiest distortion pedal ever would probably be the electra distortion. you have 3 resistors, 2 capacitors, a tranny, 2 diodes, and one pot. there really is no challenge in that one. besides, it doesn't sound half bad, if you're willing to invest some time into modding it!

[fjdenigris]

The Tweak-o looks complicated

If you've got the soldering skills, it isn't too bad!

[fjdenigris]

What would you suggest as far as capacitors if this will primarily be a bass box?

Good question! I'm looking into that now, actually. From what I've gathered, using bigger caps allows more bass through. I've tweaked the Tweak-O to allow more bass through by changing the input cap and the output caps to larger ones....... I don't remember the input cap value I used, but I replaced a 103 film cap (the output cap) to a 104 film and it has a better low end.

I'm new to this all by the way!

[octafish]

I second the Bazz Fuss. Easiest build in the world. Minimum parts, single control, and designed for bass. Very full on not very tubey but checkout the cap values for modding other circuits as a reference.

[gooneybird]

i was thinking about doing some mods on the simple mod page, like adding more diodes, and using MOSFET's or LEDS.

Thanks guys, i think im going to go with my own modded version of the bazz fuss

[jra2217]

thanks

you got any ideas for other some simple, easy to build ones?

The Tweak-o looks complicated
:shock:

I dont know if i can do that.

i did it basically i still have some little stuff to work out, but yeah it took me quite a while to get what i did wrong. The funny part is i still dont know i just got it to work.

It is better than some other begginer projects i have seen, at least you have pictures and a good layout.