Anyone use an Ampeg Scrambler?

[Pete-Galati]

I was just digging around this website dedicated to Ampegs today, and ran into this schematic for an Ampeg  Scrambler.

Never heard of it.  See at the bottom of this page:

http://members.aol.com/bluemuse/schematics.html
http://members.aol.com/portaflex/schems/scrambler.gif

Looking over on MF, Cratepeg is reissuing it, and their description is:

The SCP-OD Scrambler Reissue Pedal takes the original cosmetic design of the Ampeg Scrambler pedal from 1969 and updates it with a special modern twist. The SCP-OD features a distortion circuit controlled by the Balance knob and a special circuit controlled by the Texture knob that adds upper octave harmonic content to the signal. Using the 2 controls you can blend up tons of unique overdrive effects.

Sounds interesting enough.  Anyone have any experience building them, or own one of the originals?  Is it worth building?

The reissue is way into boutique pedal price range, and I have my suspicions that it's quality doesn't warrant that.

Pete

[tiges_ tendres]

you can find project files for this at both http://www.tonepad.com  and http://www.generalguitargadgets.com

[MartyMart]

I built one about six weeks ago, I like it a lot
It's not worth several hundred off ebay, but well worth
building for 20 bucks !
It's nice to go from "Fuzz" through to "octave fuzz"
and clean/Fuzz balance is a neat feature.

Marty.

[Mark Hammer]

The Scrambler can perhaps best be described as a "sloppy" and "unfocussed" octave-up fuzz.  That's not intended to be a slam at it.  Rather, if a clear, distinct obvious octave-up is what you seek, seek elsewhere.  On the other hand, if your intent is to inject a little nuance of chaos and post-nuclear meltdown into the mix, this could be a useful addition to your arsenal.

[Pete-Galati]

Thanks everyone.

I like how this one is constructed:
http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/pics/scrabbler_inside.jpg

Doesn't sound like a useful sound for me though.

Pete

[Bernardduur]

Doesn't sound like a useful sound for me though.

Pete

I thought so too but then I build one and now I use it a lot; I have the textures knob down for less octaves but I LOVE the balance knob; it can get you a really sweet and smooth fuzz into a really harsh one. I really like it.

[Elektrojänis]

I really like my scrambler clone. It's a bit modded version though. I have to admit that the chaos and post nuclear meltdown part is the thing I like in it. It can be controlled though so it can be used to just add some colour to the sound instead a total chaos.

Standalone into a clean amp the sound can be a bit dry and kind of hard. I like it more when it is driving some other distortion/fuzz/overdrive or overdriven amp. I usually turn the octave to full or almost full (I actually think that it has the most octave when the octave pot is bit under the maximum setting). Then just adjust the balance control to taste.

The chaos factor is also largely dependent on what you play through it (especially when the octave control is at max or near max). Single notes are not too chaotic. Powerchords get an evil industrialish overtones. Complex chords get totally killed. So its kind of controllable that way. This is common in most octavers though.

[Bernardduur]

What did you mod on your version?

[Elektrojänis]

What did you mod on your version?

1. Switch for changing the rectifier section diodes from the stock silicon to germanium. The difference is quite subtle. Silicon seems to cut the the very last bit of the notes decay. With germanium the last bit of decay is smoother. I actually usually switch it to silicon anyway because it seems to give a bit edgier sound too and I like that (in this case anyway).

2. Switch for cutting out the feedback from the rectifying section. Actually just a switch in series with that 5µF capacitor. This was suggested by someone on this forum. I think it was Constantin Necrasov. The difference with this is quite subtle too... It seems to make it a bit more standard octave fuzz. I usually use the stock position with this one too.

3. A simple rat style tone control with a bypass switch. I usually have it bypassed.

4. A simple fet booster and volume control at the end of the circuit. I wanted to have an option for a bit more drive when using it to just add a bit of colour to the sound (the blend control on the cleaner side).

I think that was all, but I might hva forgotten something... Oh... I think I used 2n3904 for the Q1, Q3 and Q4 an 2n2222 for Q2. I tried some others too but the lowly 2n3904 sounded best to me. The differences to other transistors where not too big though.