Best parts? which ones?

[jimi66]

hi there, i just finish my first proj. a very nice proco rat... [without the swich 'cause i can't found one in spain, i buy one here:  www.banzaieffects.com after hours of looking a good place in europe] i'll put the swich in a few days...

the question is: which ones are the best parts? wich kind of diodes, wich kind of capacitors? ceramic? or other material...

i'll start other projects, a MXR blue box and maybe a tremolo lune... and i want to get the best parts... to improve the quality...

so guys... thanks for all the help, Jimi!!!

[343 Salty Beans]

Diodes...the difference isn't as much in the diode as it is in the setup of the diode(s) (back to back, asymmetrical, etc.) on the circuit board. However, different diodes clip at different voltages. Silicon diodes clip at around .6v, germaniums at .3v, and red LEDs at around 1.5v. It's a matter of preference...make diode sockets so you can test and retest the circuit until you find a matchup you like.

Aron's Simple Mods/Tips page has a great explanation about tweaking diode pairs, etc. in distortions:

http://www.diystompboxes.com/wb/pages/build-your-own-stompboxes/stuff-to-read/simple-modstips.php

Caps...there's a good explanation somewhere, I linked to it once...

The debate about caps is whether the tolerance levels of different caps or the different kinds of caps create difference in tone. In general, ceramics are considered to create a grittier sound. Mylars are supposed to be smoother, and polyester films are supposed to emphasize the highs (correct me if I'm wrong). Silver micas are also supposed to be smoother.

Just remember that all the old vintage pedals used cheapo ceramic caps

It's really all a matter of personal preference. different ones work better in different circuits. experiment.

[R.G.]

There's an old saying that if you don't know where you want to go, any direction will do.

Before you can get an answer that makes any sense at all, you have to know what you mean by "best" and "improve the quality".

"Best" can mean a lot of things. To Leo Fender, the best part was the cheapest part.

There is a whole lot of background for you to cover before you can make sense out of what you're asking. Forinstance, many people think ceramics make sound a little gritty. Is that bad or good? Soft acoustic players probaby think bad, headbangers might like the grit.

Read some of my polemics on "best".

[jimi66]

i understand the "no meaning" of best in stompboxes, you are right my friends...and leo fender and sonic youth too...

thanks for the help, i get the idea...

regards and R&R, Jimi!

[343 Salty Beans]

no problem, man. Good luck with your other projects.