RM Octavia

[mdame]

Yo guys, not new to reading the forum... just new to posting.  I am planning on starting an RM Octavia next week.  I have built some small things such as an effects loop and I modified my Fuzz Face a bit.  I am wondering if there is anything I should watch out for with this circuit, and also any input is appreciated on which parts people have used to get a nice tone.  Many of the clones I have listened to have had a fairly weak octave.  I am a student at Full Sail and am in an audiotronics class currently, so I have a basic knowledge...  In other words, I'm not a COMPLETE noob, but I'm not very experienced.

[tcobretti]

Welcome!

I have built the RM Octavia, Ampeg Scrambler, Buzz Box, and the Foxx Tone Machine.  I own the Dunlop Hendrix Octave fuzz and a Shinei version of the Univox Superfuzz. 

Of all these pedals, the best Octave is from the Tone Machine, with the Scrambler as a close second.  The RM Octavia sounds great, but mine is more fuzz than octave.  Also, remember that the current RM Octavia is not what Hendrix used; the early, non-production RM Octavias were very similar to the Tychobrahe Octavia.

So, if you want Octave fuzz, I'd build a Tone Machine.  If you want what Hendrix played, build the Tychobrahe.

If you are determined to build the newer RM Octavia, my one recommendation is to use a Ge transistor for Q1.  It darkens the sound from your guitar and helps bring out the octave, much like rolling the guitar's tone knob down a bit.  The best octave I got from my RM was with the fuzz all the way down and the volume on 9 or 10.

[powerplayj]

I built the RM to spec with appropriate voltages and all but, it just didn't have that "mojo" I was expecting even when combining it with my Ge and Axis Fuzzes.  If I had to do it over, I would try the Tyco or Foxx.  I'll have to try the Ge suggestion for the RM.

[mdame]

Thanks for the input, guys.  Yeah I realize that Hendrix's Octavio was closest to a Tychobrahe.  I thought maybe the newer circuit was more stable or something.  Hell, I would think RM knows what he's doing after all this time.  Well I think I am going to try the Tychobrahe first since it seems simpler.  I was wondering about running from a power supply, since it is a positive ground circuit, which I have no experience with.  Also, I am assuming the Ge is the way to go on this one?  Sorry for the noobfest.

[petemoore]

  Was the Tycho run at 18v is what I read?

[mdame]

the schematic i have is a positive ground 9v.  i now see that GGG has a negative ground version, so thats no longer an issue.  I have never really had to buy parts before, besides the basics like jacks and led's and switches and a few small packs of resistors.  Should i be using the carbon film type of resistor for this?

[mdame]

Everything is on its way.  The project will commence later this week.  I will keep you guys posted and put up some pics from the build.  That is if i don't take it into one of my Audiotronics labs and just knock it out in one sitting.  Either way, I'll get a few pics and sound clips.  If anyone has any pics or sound clips, post away.  I can think about nothing but Octavias right now, so ease my pain and show me some photo love!