diode configuration in a distortion pedal

[bill the guitar guy]

I recently built a pedal based on the tweak-o, the schematics for which i found @ small bear. i decided to modify it by adding a second diode loop using zeners, that could be switched in or out, so i had the original silicone diodes, or the zener diodes selected via a small DPDT toggle switch. then i read about the desirable effects of asymmetrical clipping, and decided to modify again. this time, i put a 8- rocker dip switch ( i think this is what they are called) on the board, each rocker going to its own diode. the board was wired so that 4 of the 8 diodes could potentially be combined in the loop at a given time. i retained the toggle to set two different tones to switch between. one position selects 1-4 diodes, the second selects 5-8. now as far as the sound goes, i am delighted. i set in a really heavy heavy tight distortion on one side, and a looser overdrive with the other. but i am puzzled by one thing. if i turn all of the rocker switches to off, i still get some overdrive. is how can this be when none of the diodes is connected to the circut? any help would be greatly appreciated.

[the_random_hero]

I'm not 100% sure on this pedal, but I'd be saying it's just the transistor clipping by itself.

[ambulancevoice]

yeah, its called either DIL switch or DIP switch

[snoof]

I'm not 100% sure on this pedal, but I'd be saying it's just the transistor clipping by itself.

that is my thought as well.