Importance of 51pf cap in Red Llama

[mcasey1]

I just built the Red Llama overdrive with a 47pf cap in place of the 51pf from the schematic.  The effect sounds dull and gated.  How important is it for this cap to be 51pf?

[mcasey1]

nevermind solder bridge egh....

[remmelt]

So how do you like the effect? This is my personal favourite, along with Gus' NPN boost. I'm building two for a couple of friends in a band. They fell in love with the sound on first listening, and are recording an album with it at the moment!

There are some easy mods as well, and a lot of unused gates on the IC... What's your take?

[Hanglow]

I built one last week as well

posted a build report of sorts but no one replied

I like it a lot, it's different to my other fuzzes/od's.

has anyone put up some mods for it? I'm still a noob in terms of what's what.

[zjokka]

How important is it for this cap to be 51pf?

I have a DMM which measures capacitance and I learned that if you want to hear what 51 pF sounds like, just put one finger to the side of the 47pF disc cap. finger heat will raise it over 51 pF so if you don't hear any difference, don't bother looking for that value.

I know you got your answer already, but still...you know.

BTW, wanted to ask, is there a pcb layout available somewhere?

thanks

[mcasey1]

I think I like the sound.  I havent cranked my amp like I should to really hear what it will be at playing conditions but I like the character of the distortion, almost kinda fuzzy.  It sounds a little dark on chords.  Softens the bridge pickup on my strat for a nice lead sound.

[Hanglow]

BTW, wanted to ask, is there a pcb layout available somewhere?

thanks

MarkM has done one on the DIY software I think

[bluesdevil]

I think the polarity is reversed on the power filter capacitor (330uf) on that layout. Forgot to ask him about that, better double check it.
    The Red Llama is a great circuit on it's own, but is a real MONSTER with a germanium rangemaster type circuit going into it!!!

[markm]

I think the polarity is reversed on the power filter capacitor (330uf) on that layout. Forgot to ask him about that, better double check it.

Yeah, the cap is reversed but is corrected now.
See here>>http://aronnelson.com/gallery/album76/Red_Llama_LAYOUT_001

[herr.satz]

I built one last week as well

posted a build report of sorts but no one replied

I like it a lot, it's different to my other fuzzes/od's.

has anyone put up some mods for it? I'm still a noob in terms of what's what.

Good mod is to have the switchable resistor as found in the Anderton Tube Sound Fuzz. I added a DPDT to select between the 100k resistor and a 1M resistor in the first gain stage and I also have switchable input cap so that it is better suited for use with my bass. Love it on my p-bass with the gain turned down :-)