Looking to build new OD or distortion...

[azrael]

I'm thinking about changing how I run my rig.

I currently use the high input on my Peavey VTM 60. I was thinking about using te low input and running an OD or Distortion into it.
I have these circuits half built, just need offboard wiring and an enclosure:

Catalinbread DLS
MXR Distortion +


Any other you guys would recommend? I'm really into the cranked JCM800 sound, which is why I have the VTM.

[Steve Mavronis]

Of the 2 you've listed I'd go for the MXR Distortion Plus. I'd like to make one too. It's a classic pedal (Randy Rhoads used it) and several other classic pedals are based on that simple circuit like the DOD 250 Overdrive (a favorite of mine that I'm going to build) and the Ross Distortion. It's probably possible to make one combined pedal where you can switch different parts of the circuit between all 3 modes.

[Mark Hammer]

All 3 are the same basic circuit.  Plenty of space for adjusting component values to taste.  A good choice for monkeying around.

[Steve Mavronis]

Here is some die cast aluminum pedal enclosure research I've done. When checking for the size enclosure you want, keep in mind some general specs on websites do not include the lid height. You have to find its datasheet to confirm the true size, especially your interior room.

I think I good size for simple overdrive/distortion project pedals fits in between the MXR Distortion+ and the DOD 250 Overdrive. It is interesting to note that the original MXR Distortion+ pedals used a Bud CU-124 box before MXR made their own later!  I've included both in the list below for size comparision:

Pedal Enclosure // Outer Dimensions // Inner Dimensions // Comments

• DOD 250 Overdrive // 4.6"x2.6"x1.4" // 4 corner screws
• MXR Distortion+ // 4.25"x2.25"x1.25" (new ones) // 4 corner screws

• Pedal Parts Plus 125B // 4.625"x2.5"x1.5" // 4 corner screws
• Bear 125B // 4.78"x2.61"x1.4" // 6 screws, ribbed interior walls (not good)
• Hammond 1590B // 4.409"x2.382"x1.22" // 4.252"(4.211")x2.224"(2.183")x1.063"(0.984") // 4 corner screws, 1590BBK w/black satin powder paint
• 03-125BR // 4.744"x2.595"x1.39"
• Bud Industries CU-124 // 4.375"x2.375"x1.374" (including lid) // 4"x2"x1.14" (including lid) // 6 screws

[azrael]

Oh, no, I already have these ones built, and I have around 10 enclosures on the way to my house, courtesy of SmallBear. So I have enclosures I can put these in, and enough for some other pedals. I'm just planning to try out several different kinds of pedals to see which ones fits me best.

So I was just asking around to see what were some other popular pedal designs for the kind of tone I'm looking for.

[petemoore]

  Yer basic or not so basic Tubescreamer, diodes in the feedback loop of opamp.
  Midrange hump on the original, lots of derivitave circuits.
  BSIAB [new build thread woulnd't be complete with out at least one mention].
  I'd say EQ pedal, simply for finding the voicings you might want to try out, then you'll have a 'barometer for where you like your frequency shaping, what sounds good feeding the distortion, after etc., I don't have an EQ [noisy] but a 7 band graphic is...graphic...should a plot after you adjust to taste, using this info to help guide builds is a suggestions.
  JFets, Cmos...Can be heavy, but somewhat 'squishier' than a diode clipper 'ceiling-compression' type sound.
  Hafta say just push the amp to distort by mild distortion/boost for another flavor, tends to be dynamic yet 'tone changey' depending on input etc.

[Steve Mavronis]

I have these circuits half built, just need offboard wiring and an enclosure

Sorry, I misunderstood what you said. I thought you still needed an enclosure.

[jkokura]

Any other you guys would recommend? I'm really into the cranked JCM800 sound, which is why I have the VTM.

BSIAB is the first that comes to mind. I'm a big fan of variety though. I'd also recommend a tubescreamer build, perhaps a lower gain option like the Blue Magic or LTD Silver, or if you want some emulators try the Matchbox/English Channel/Tweed from ROG. There's always the Dr. Boogie if you want really high gain.

But aside from that, a good compressor might help you find that tone you want at low volumes. A good GE fuzz could also be fun. And of course an eq of some kind would help with getting a scooped mids sound from a JCM800.

I just finished a fool-drive build, and am finishing a WHRL also - both of those were fun to build and I'm looking forward to playing them. ROG's tube reamer also interests me as it's similar to the Tube Screamer, just a little edgier.

Jacob