LPB1

[Clubman35]

I'm new to this, and I just finished my first build, the LPB1. It works, but it sounds a lot like a fuzz, with the volume turned up, it get pretty dirty. Is this normal? I'm not sure I built this right, but I like it.

[tcobretti]

Generally speaking, boosters are used to drive your amp harder and make it distort.  They were a way for guys to get more distortion from their 60s tube amps.  So it may be clean or slightly dirty, but there will certainly be a volume boost when you switch it on.

The LPB1 should be pretty clean, but should boost your signal enough to distort your amp.  So, if the pedal seems really loud when you turn it on then it is likely working the way it is supposed to.  If it is not loud but is fuzzy there is likely a problem.

BTW, if you are looking for project #2, a good first fuzz build is the Fuzz Face, because it has been extensively documented and there are many ways to tune it to your taste.  Many people omit the fuzz knob and just use the volume knob on their guitar to control the amount of fuzz.  Use the search funtcion at the top to search for "Fuzz Face" and you will get a ton of info.

[sfr]

A good way to test the "cleanliness" of the boost on it's own is to run it into something that can take that hot an output - a bass amp with a pad switch for active pickups, etc.  I actually record my guitar direct into my computer when I'm writing songs and want a quick demo to give to the band, using just the LPB - it puts out a hot enough signal that I can plug into the line in ports on my recording gear without using a preamp or miking my cab.

[Yun]

sounds like what you need, Clubman, is a CLEAN boost. 

And i agree; the LBP-1 or LPB-2 can get pretty dirty.  Depending on what amp you're using is allways a factor as well. 

[newbie builder]

There is a 390ohm resistor in the LPB, change that to 1K and you'll have a much cleaner boost.

[billings]

BTW, if you are looking for project #2, a good first fuzz build is the Fuzz Face, because it has been extensively documented and there are many ways to tune it to your taste.  Many people omit the fuzz knob and just use the volume knob on their guitar to control the amount of fuzz.  Use the search funtcion at the top to search for "Fuzz Face" and you will get a ton of info.

Another great reason for the fuzz face as a #2 project is that they sound wonderful.  People here are generally sick of talking about them, but I don't think anyone will deny that it's a great circuit.  It was my first project, and it is a wonderful example of a simple stompbox with a usable, unique distortion sound.