Want to build a Smooth Low Gain OD for my Gretsch...Any suggestions?

[ppatchmods]

I have a gretsch historic semi-hollow and it sounds great(after I stopped trying to make it sound like my strat), but it doesn't sound it's best with my vintage rat into my SV super reverb.  The rat is way too much for it!  I do a lot of brit rock, caked & layered delay, type stuff and I am looking for a transparent, barely there type of drive...something that cleans up when I roll-off the volume.

I have thought about the blues breaker build.  Also the dod 250, but I need some tone control.

Any suggestions?

[nokaster]

what i like to use for this is a boutique booster called woodrow with a very low gain silicon transistor in it.
i have a couple of 2N2369's at 57 hfe.
it's a one knob, barely there type of overdrive.
socket the transistor, the input and output cap, get the bass and treble to your likings and you've got just what you want!
my opinion of course...
shouldn't take more than 30 minutes to build!
it's a variation on the electra distortion.

i use it to drive my green ringer and my fuzz face for noisier stuff. works great!

[raulgrell]

I'd say, get a compressor in front of the many low gain OD's people will suggest. It will keep the sound smoother (less distortion 'peaks').

[Dragonfly]

http://www.runoffgroove.com/peppermill.html

[mr.adambeck]

I have a very very very similar setup (Gretsch Tennessee Rose to a Re-issue Blackface Fender Twin) and use a Fulltone OCD when looking for that type of sound.  I know you asked for a build, but if you get a chance (and have the cash) you may want to try it out.

[distorto]

The DOD 250 might be still worth considering. Specifically, the '77 version in the schematics section. I know it doesn't have a tone control but the level and gain controls are pretty interactive and allow for a bit of faux tone shaping. Its an easy build too. Just be sure to to use the '77 version as many of the Grey and Yellow versions have a few component values that may make it too shrill/gainy with your Gretsch.

[ppatchmods]

I purchased an 80's DOD 250 and BAM!!  That's it!  But because I'm insane(much like all builders who have been bit by the bug), I am going to sell it and build one just like it.  My wife thinks I'm crazy to want to sell a pedal and build the exact same pedal, but she will never understand. With a build, I will feel more free to make changes to it.  You know what I'm saying...

[Gus]

You might want to try this

http://www.diystompboxes.com/pedals/gusOverdrive.gif

You can use most any small signal Si transistor 2n3904, 2n2222a, 2n5088 etc.  Mild boost with an EQ built in.  x4.7 to about X9.

easy build and having no volume control is part of the "design".

[Mick Bailey]

I've just built a Blue Magic for my Gretsch with an Orange Squeezer in front. You need to do a few mods to get the tone control to work well (IMHO). This is an excellent combo that is very sweet and touch sensitive. Upping the Squeezer level will give you really smooth sounds. In fact, you probably only need the Blue Magic (but mod the tone control). It cleans up really nicely.

Either build two pedals, or combine both in a single enclosure. Make it a 4 knob design with 2 foot switches (mine is not yet built into a pedal - just two PCBs and a nest of wire on the floor!). The 'sustain' control on the Orange squeezer is redundant - use a 10k trimmer (some layouts show this - think it may be the Tonepad one). If you mount this as a control you'll regret it as the slightest nudge from the sweet spot ruins the effect.