18v Bass Overdrive build?

[Spiffmeister]

Howdy!

Last week I finished my (mostly) successfull bass boost build, a kit from Musikding, my very first elecronic project. With my second build, I want to raise the stakes a bit :-)

I've been looking at some Woolly Mammoth clones, but I can't find a decent all-round source for schematic and components. bear in mind that' I'm still very new at this. I found one here:

http://tagboardeffects.blogspot.be/2011/02/zvex-woolly-mammoth-vero.html

but I can't figure out how to connect the wires to the 3DPT switch.

Then I started thinking of other possible builds. I'm very fond of my MXR Blowtorch, mostly because of the high amount of headroom due to the fact that it runs on 18V. So I'd like to build a good bas soverdrive pedal that runs on 18V, and has a blend knob (important for bass to be able to maintain the low end).

Does anyone know of any builds or projects like this? It doesn't have to be a kit, it can be very DIY. I don't mind a little hunting for components :-)

[Mark Hammer]

Do not be so quick to assume supply-voltage = headroom.

If one is relying on the performance of semiconductors that have no limits imposed on them,whether in terms of diode-based limits, or how they are biased, then yes, higher supply voltage can equal greater headroom.

But if I'm powering something that uses diodes going to ground or diodes in the feedback path, the signal is going to be "clamped" at whatever those diode forward voltages allow.  It doesn't matter if I'm running it off 5v or 35V, the dynamic range of a Tube Screamer is going to be constraned by the roughly 500mv forward voltage of the diodes in the feedback loop.  Similarly, a DOD250 and a Rat are going to be constrained by the pair of diodes going to ground.

Look for the Madbean Sabertooth.  This link will take you to a full-fledged project with PCB layout for a Wooly Mammoth clone.  Built one.  Works like a charm.

[Spiffmeister]

Mark Hammer,

Makes perfect sense if you put it that way! Thanks for the feedback!

That sabertooth seems like a nice build! I'm gonna look into it!

[jimilee]

The mastodon over at gpcb is a pretty close clone as well, that's what I've got. If you don't mind spending a little, byoc has an overdrive with a blend knob as well, currently building one of those also. I also have a green Russian on my board, fantastic sounding muff for bass.