Modification recipes for Voodoo Labs Sparkle Drive?

[themeanreds]

Hi Y'all

I just picked up a Sparkle Drive and am interested in modifying it.

Mainly, what I'm after is an overdrive much more responsive to input volume and touch (I find that the stock pedal is not very responsive at all to backing off), better overall frequency response, more gain, and possibly less compression.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[AC30Dirty]

Change the clipping section to asymetrical clipping. I like this sort of clipping personally. Also, lower the R4 resistor for more drive. Lower the R5 resistor if youd like the pedal to clean up better on lower drive seetings. But I MUST WARN YOU. That pedal is very sensitive. I ruined one i was modding some time back. The pads are ridiculous! GOOD LUCK   

[wampcat1]

The sparkle drive is basically a tubescreamer with a clean blend. Any of the same mods apply here i.e. RC changes, diode changes, cap changes before the second gain stage, tone stack changes.

bw

[themeanreds]

Thanks, y'all!

Change the clipping section to asymetrical clipping. I like this sort of clipping personally. Also, lower the R4 resistor for more drive. Lower the R5 resistor if youd like the pedal to clean up better on lower drive seetings. But I MUST WARN YOU. That pedal is very sensitive. I ruined one i was modding some time back. The pads are ridiculous! GOOD LUCK   

What does, "The pads are ridiculous!" mean?

[Peter Snowberg]

I'm going to guess it means the PCB is very delicate and easily damaged.

If so, I would recommend a smaller iron and quick work.

Welcome to the forum!

[themeanreds]

I'm going to guess it means the PCB is very delicate and easily damaged.

If so, I would recommend a smaller iron and quick work.

Welcome to the forum!

Thanks!

What wattage soldering iron would you recommend for pedal work?