Completed: Paul C. Timmy - replica project

[gbkd80]

I just completed my Timmy replica:





Very unconventional approach to this one; my good friend already owned a Timmy and I always thought it was really cool that Paul C. built these early ones on perfboard, so when I decided I wanted to do some perfboard projects, I figured it would be easiest to start with this and basically replicate it.  I didn't use the schematic for more than double-checking part values.  I even figured out that the perfboard he used was from Radio Shack, and I cut it in the exact spots, etc.  Lined up all the parts exactly as he did in the original.  I even used solid core wire like Paul did, except I had red so that's what I used.  I tried to source all the AVX film caps but had a hard time finding them as I think they're discontinued?  Everything else I had kicking around, except the 4559 chip.  Was actually not as easy building this by eye as I thought it would, and I almost gave up until I did a simple continuity check and realized I didn't bridge a connection, which was all it needed to work.

For the finish I tried to duplicate the original, but the white lettering on the dark enclosure would probably require a silkscreen or a large custom rubber ink stamp with white ink.  I made my artwork in Photoshop from scratch, and originally had a dark enclosure with a white decal, and color-matched the background as close as possible to the finish.  Of course, that ended up looking like shite, so I scrapped that finish and repainted it as white with blue on a clear decal, blue knobs, and a clear LED.  I'm actually a lot more satisfied with the way it looks now after choosing the white finish.  Much cleaner.  Here is a comparison between the original and mine:



And here is a gut shot of both; the original Timmy is on the left:



Bottom line:  sounds amazing.  It's a Timmy.  I'm completely stoked to have successfully made this and have it come out working.  Paul C. designed an amazing overdrive. 

[aion]

Wow, you weren't kidding when you said "replica"! Good handiwork.

[duck_arse]

it looks great with the navy knobs, good job.

[Fast Pistoleros]

that looks fantastic! I want to play through a timmy pedal sometime!

[gbkd80]

Thanks guys... I strive for perfection even if I don't always know what I'm doing.  In this case though I'm really happy it works and also came out looking good!