Colorsound Tonebender (component suggestion?)

Started by ChrisPtacek, April 12, 2007, 02:11:00 PM

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ChrisPtacek

I've only done BYOC kits, and am a newb.
My bassist wants a Colorsound Tonebender.  They go for crazy money, and the schematic is everywhere.  GGG sells a PCB for the 3 knob version (the one the bassist wants)
So I'm looking over Mouser to try and put together a list of parts... I'm going to build the pedal for him for free... not trying to be the next "nobody" selling pedals he DL'd off the intertube. 

I am running into a little confusion on the parts list, and I'm wondering if you guys can help me out a bit.  SHOULD be easy.  Here's the parts list (FWIW, free info on the web... I'm npt stepping on anyone's toes, I hope):

QuoteResistor (1/4 watt rating)
1 -3k3 (3.3k)
5 - 10k
1 - 18k
1 - 47k
2 - 220k
1 - 1M

I was going to just get all 1% metal film.  I'm assuming that's the right idea (maybe a little overkill, but it's cheap)

QuotePots
1 - 100k B (linear)  (Fuzz)
1 - 250k B (linear)  (Tone)
1 - 100k A (log or audio)  (Volume)

Confusion #1:  I want these to terminate in solder lugs, right?  I know that the pots you use in the BYoC kits are all pretty much the same as the ones you use in guitar electronics.    Would these be referred to as thumbwheel pots?  What specification would I look for to make sure I don't end up with the huge pots with the extra long shaft (har har) like I see at Fry's?  I don't want to have to break out a hacksaw.  :)  I'd also like to prevent the enclosure from being Moog sized.  Are there any rules of thumb for what tolerances and power ratings you look for in pots for pedals?

QuoteCapacitors (minimum 16 volt rating)
1 - 2200pF
2 - 0.1uF
1 - 0.22uF
1 - 10uF
1 - 22uF

Confusion #2: What type of cap is ideal for this?  Am I looking at multiple types (polyprop, film, ceramic disc, etc)?  I just don't want to end up with inappropriate choices.  Are "all things equal" or will some things sound/function differently?

QuoteTransistors
Q1, Q2, Q3 - Germanium Transistors

Diodes
1 - 1N34A, 1N270 or other germanium diode

Other
3 - Transistor sockets (optional)
1 - DPDT heavy duty foot switch
1 - mono quarter inch jack
1 - Stereo quarter inch jack
9v battery snaps & holder and/or DC jack
Copper-clad board, etchant, or perfboard
24 gauge stranded wire
Enclosure

Most of the rest of this seems pretty obvious.  I can get my DPDT here... I have a few extra jacks, I won't be doing the battery thing... using the GGG board, etc.  I guess I could get screwed up by getting an inappropriately sized socket, but I'm not sure they even come in different sizes.

Sourcing parts is one step further to DIY, but I recognize that what I'm doing isn't DIY.  I hope the questions aren't getting on anyone's nerves.  If this post is somehow inappropriate for this forum, someone please message me, and let me know, so I don't make the same kind of mistake again.  I learn by doing, and I'd like to build this pedal... get a little more knowledge out of the process.

Thanks for reading.  Thanks for any comments/suggestions.

reverberation66

        The resistors you suggest will work fine, get the pots from small bear (smallbearelec.com), they're the right kind with solder lugs and short shafts.  I like ceramic caps for smaller values but other kinds will work fine as well.  the 10uf and 22uf are electrolytic caps.  Definitely check out small bear though, he has all kinds of stuff specifically for stomp box builders, including all manner of germanium transistors, etc.  I built the 2 knob, 3 Ge transistor version of the tonebender and it sounds awesome, really the best thing I've found for that serious 60's fuzz sound.  hope that helps, good luck. 

ChrisPtacek