Circuit Analysis

The research folders: please contribute whatever little piece of information you might have on stompbox circuits new or old. Discussion should be civil and to the point.

Forum

Topics

Posts

Last post

Vintage Stompbox Corner ( ... - 1975)
Discussion regarding early stompbox technology: 1960-1975 Please keep discussion focused and contribute what info you have...
Topics: 662

662 Topics

15054 Posts

Last post Re: CBS Arbiter Doubler
bassetrox
yesterday, 13:56
Modern Stompbox Effects (1975 - ...)
All about modern commercial stompbox circuits from Electro Harmonix over MXR, Boss and Ibanez into the nineties.
Topics: 1633

1633 Topics

24122 Posts

Last post Re: MXR - Super Badass Variac…
Lani
today, 01:26
Boutique Stompboxes dissected...
General documentation, gut shot, schematic links, ongoing circuit tracing, deep thoughts ... all about boutique stompboxes.
Topics: 1829

1829 Topics

58183 Posts

Last post Re: Catalinbread - Antichthon
DSV
yesterday, 19:46
DIY Projects
Original effects with schematics, layouts and instructions, freely contributed by members or found in publications. Cannot be used for commercial purposes without the consent of the owners of the copyright.
Subforums: Printed/Published Online Designs, Original Tracer Layouts
Topics: 1559

1559 Topics

28210 Posts

Last post Re: BAJA discrete differentia…
melonmelon
02 oct 2023, 08:08
Electric Guitar/Bass Wiring
Pickups, wiring schemes, switch techniques and onboard active electronics for guitars and basses
Topics: 280

280 Topics

2478 Posts

Last post Re: Fishman Universal Recharg…
ABtheBassPlayer
13 aug 2023, 03:13
Analysis Requests Folder
Before you launch a request, please a) search the forum; b) search the web and c) share whatever you did find and where you searched.
Topics: 1196

1196 Topics

4377 Posts

Last post daniellp
26 sep 2023, 20:20

Active topics

Replies

Views

Last post

Original tracer layouts for classic pedals

Last post by andregarcia57 « 30 May 2023, 14:03
Replies: 61
by peps1 » 26 Apr 2010, 18:16
1

2

3

4
Rating: 2.2%

(Hope this is in the right place, as it n0ot really a technical question and didn't want to post a request in the vintage section)

Hi Guys,

Trying to gather a collection of Original tracer layouts for classic pedals like the Tycobrahe Octavia, Dallas Rangemaster, ToneBender, Muffs & so on.

Got a couple so far....but would love more!
61 Replies

41261 Views

View the latest post Re: Original tracer layouts …
Last post andregarcia57
30 May 2023, 14:03
The BOSS Book (pdf & mp3's)

Last post by The G « 15 Dec 2020, 15:28
Replies: 3
by The G » 15 Dec 2020, 15:02

Rating: 3.9%

Discussion is here

--------
Did a compressed version. Didn't noticed visual differences compared to the original.

The Boss Book.pdf

And the audio files:

01-AudioTrack 01.mp3
02-AudioTrack 02.mp3
03-AudioTrack 03.mp3
04-AudioTrack 04.mp3
05-AudioTrack 05.mp3
06-AudioTrack 06.mp3
07-AudioTrack 07.mp3
08-AudioTrack 08.mp3
09-AudioTrack 09.mp3
10-AudioTrack 10.mp3
11-AudioTrack 11.mp3
12-AudioTrack 12.mp3
13-AudioTrack 13.mp3
14-AudioTrack 14.mp3
15-AudioTrack...

3 Replies

14426 Views

View the latest post Re: The BOSS Book
Last post The G
15 Dec 2020, 15:28
Tim Escobedo's "Folkurban" circuits. Zipped.

Last post by modman « 26 Jan 2020, 03:10
Replies: 24
by culturejam » 17 Mar 2012, 15:41
1

2
Rating: 11.2%

I've recently noticed that Tim's great site at is coming up as a virus, trojan horse, or other bad things in my browser. So I thought I'd grab all the circuit images and zip them up for safe keeping. I have emailed him in the recent past, but there has been no reply. :hmmm:

Attached is a zip file of ALL of the effects circuits from his site.

Rock on, and may the creative spirit of the Great Escobedo be with you always. :thumbsup
24 Replies

26175 Views

View the latest post Re: Tim Escobedo's "Fol …
Last post modman
26 Jan 2020, 03:10
THE ENGINEER'S THUMB... At last, a better compressor!

Last post by jhergonz « 20 May 2018, 18:09
Replies: 101
by merlinb » 21 Apr 2012, 14:23
1

2

3

4

5

6
Rating: 14.3%

For a long time I've felt guilty that my pedal board didn't include a compressor. Finally, after about a year of breadboarding, I have produced a circuit that can take on a Dynacomp and win , boasting:

Up to five times more headroom than a Dynacomp
Less noise than a Dynacomp
Same available sustain as a Dynacomp
Fewer parts than a Dynacomp
Cheaper than a Dynacomp
Feedforward side chain
Possibility for all five controls
Fits in 1590B
Millennium bypass

Despite its final simplicity, I went though...
101 Replies

50117 Views

View the latest post Re: THE ENGINEER'S THUMB... …
Last post jhergonz
20 May 2018, 18:09
READ THIS before posting!!

Last post by modman « 11 Sep 2011, 13:52

by modman » 11 Sep 2011, 13:52

Rating: 1.7%

This section is devoted to circuit analysis . This means...

requests for schematics or layouts will be moved the the Request section
messages about your sick puppy or your new Android powered phone should go into the FSB Café
debugging questions will be moved to the Workbench
useless post (containing no extra information) may get deleted to preserve the readability of the thread.
you should check whether a thread exists about the unit in question, and add your info in that thread.
you...

0 Replies

51253 Views

View the latest post READ THIS before posting!!
Last post modman
11 Sep 2011, 13:52
DO NOT post requests in this forum. Pretty please.

Last post by modman « 19 Mar 2010, 09:41
Replies: 2
by culturejam » 22 Nov 2009, 21:18

Pretty please, with sugar on top.

Don't post in this forum asking is there is a schematic or layout or info on XXX pedal.

There is a subforum setup for requests already. It is located here:
REQUESTS FORUM

Any requests posted here will be moved to proper sub forum, and I'll also make nasty remarks about your mother. :mrgreen:

2 Replies

51325 Views

View the latest post Re: DO NOT post requests in …
Last post modman
19 Mar 2010, 09:41
DO NOT post requests in this forum. Pretty please.

Last post by lolbou « 22 Nov 2009, 21:23
Replies: 1
by culturejam » 22 Nov 2009, 21:18

Pretty please, with sugar on top.

Don't post in this forum asking is there is a schematic or layout or info on XXX pedal.

There is a subforum setup for requests already. It is located here:
REQUESTS FORUM

Any requests posted here will be moved to proper sub forum, and I'll also make nasty remarks about your mother. :mrgreen:

1 Replies

48205 Views

View the latest post Re: DO NOT post requests in …
Last post lolbou
22 Nov 2009, 21:23
DO NOT post requests or debugging in this forum. Please.

Last post by lolbou « 22 Nov 2009, 21:23
Replies: 1
by culturejam » 22 Nov 2009, 21:18

Pretty please, with sugar on top.

Don't post in this forum asking is there is a schematic or layout or info on XXX pedal.

There is a subforum setup for requests already. It is located here:
REQUESTS FORUM

Any requests posted here will be moved to proper sub forum, and I'll also make nasty remarks about your mother. :mrgreen:

also, if you have a problem with your build, post it in the WORKBENCH. these threads are for circuit analysis only. by all means, if you discover something we should...

1 Replies

59040 Views

View the latest post Re: DO NOT post requests in …
Last post lolbou
22 Nov 2009, 21:23
The Goose, the Middleman, the Idolmaker and Gomer Pyle

Last post by noelgrassy « 01 Feb 2008, 19:42
Replies: 91
by CS Jones » 07 Dec 2007, 21:41
1

2

3

4

5
Rating: 0.2%

Clay, I would really love to hear the full story on this one. It seems like you have lots to tell!

Thanks LPD. How much do you want to hear? The Reader's Digest version or the pull up a chair, get comfortable because it'll be a while version ?

I'll try to finish something up this weekend. Long and short versions, if you're still interested. :)
91 Replies

207500 Views

View the latest post
Last post noelgrassy
01 Feb 2008, 19:42
MXR - Super Badass Variac Fuzz

Last post by Lani « Today, 01:26
Replies: 17
by dbalu » 05 Jan 2018, 00:56

Rating: 4.1%

Hello,
As I am an avid cloner myself, I thought that it's my time to give something to the DIY community. I got ahold of the effect mentioned in the title and I am providing some gut shots, also a list with components. Capacitor values on the list have ? due to my lack of experience with SMD components. Where there is no indication on the list will be completed tomorrow then I'll get a magnifying glass. All other info from the list are markings on the components (mostly SMD).
Here are some...

17 Replies

9241 Views

View the latest post Re: MXR - Super Badass Varia …
Last post Lani
Today, 01:26
Catalinbread - Antichthon

Last post by DSV « Yesterday, 19:46
Replies: 2
by Gila_Crisis » 24 Jan 2016, 13:26

Rating: 0.6%

Do anybody here have informations and gut pictures of this pedal?
I was wonder why nobody still has opened one.

2 Replies

2950 Views

View the latest post Re: Catalinbread - Antichtho
Last post DSV
Yesterday, 19:46
CBS Arbiter - Doubler

Last post by bassetrox « Yesterday, 13:56
Replies: 15
by sinner » 16 Aug 2014, 19:51

Rating: 5.6%

Any known schematic of one?

I'm just asking before I break my dick trying to draw one from pictures

15 Replies

11444 Views

View the latest post Re: CBS Arbiter Doubler
Last post bassetrox
Yesterday, 13:56
BAJA discrete differential low current low noise guitar preamp

Last post by melonmelon « 02 Oct 2023, 08:08
Replies: 40
by bajaman » 25 Aug 2021, 22:19
1

2

3
Rating: 9.9%

Here is a little onboard guitar pre-amplifier I have been using that has a very low current draw ( battery will last for years), and very low noise. Over the coming posts in this thread I will attempt to show how it can be used in a variety of ways to fine tune the tonal response of any guitar it is installed in. Okay, so why another active guitar onboard pre-amplifier ? Well, most of the designs I have encountered quickly flatten batteries, especially if you forget to unplug your instrument...
40 Replies

6319 Views

View the latest post Re: BAJA discrete differenti …
Last post melonmelon
02 Oct 2023, 08:08
Really Cheap Compressor

Last post by karul « 01 Oct 2023, 17:27
Replies: 423
by mictester » 08 Feb 2010, 19:47
1

…

18

19

20

21

22
Rating: 24.2%

Do you remember the old-fashioned way of doing bass compression? It used an LDR across the volume control illuminated by an incandescent lamp across the speaker terminals! It was a simple method back in the 60s....

This compressor is almost that simple! It uses a handful of cheap components (I built one for £9 including hardware!), but works really well. Guitarists who've tried it often ask Is it on? , but miss it when it's off! It's quiet, and has good squeeze without the gain-change...
423 Replies

85812 Views

View the latest post Re: Really Cheap Compressor
Last post karul
01 Oct 2023, 17:27
2N7000 Drive

Last post by Vitallka « 30 Sep 2023, 17:50
Replies: 7
by Vitallka » 20 Apr 2023, 18:45

Rating: 4.3%

Добридень or hello everyone!
I decided to make an overdrive on 2n7000, because apart from Zvex SHO, I no longer met the use of these transistors in guitar circuits. The circuit is built on 3 transistors, a green LED is used for bias.
At first, I designed the circuit in LTSpice, but then I adjusted the sound by ear.
I don't play the guitar well, but you can get some ideas about the sound from the video :D I also speak Ukrainian in the video, so maybe not everyone will understand :D
The initial...

7 Replies

1084 Views

View the latest post Re: 2N7000 Drive
Last post Vitallka
30 Sep 2023, 17:50
Another modification of fuzzface

Last post by Vitallka « 30 Sep 2023, 17:45
Replies: 1
by Vitallka » 28 May 2023, 17:30

Rating: 1.3%

Hi to all.
Fuzzface has undergone so many modifications, so only mine is missing :D
I set out to redo the fuzzface in a way that would be easy to repeat and not sound as sharp as the silicon transistors. Therefore, I decided to add zener diodes between the base and the collector and it softened the sound. Also, the capacitor at the input is also of reduced capacity so that there is no excess of low frequencies.
Here is the modification scheme:

And here is the video:

Criticism and...

1 Replies

950 Views

View the latest post Re: Another modification of …
Last post Vitallka
30 Sep 2023, 17:45
Facts only, no witchery: odd germanium and silicon diodes measurements and comparisons

Last post by thomasbe861 « 29 Sep 2023, 06:54
Replies: 3
by thomasbe861 » 27 Sep 2023, 08:03

Rating: 1.3%

I went on to try to find a matching pair of diodes for one of my built.
Long story short, I ended up measuring and testing a good part of all odd diodes I have had accumulated over the decades of tinkering.

Some are germanium, some are silicon, including Schottky, etc. I won’t talk about whether any of these sound “smoother”, “warmer”, “rounder”, “fuller”, etc. I don’t believe in tone wood either; nor that a measured 33nF cap will sound different than any other. Disclaimer being out of the...

3 Replies

408 Views

View the latest post Re: Facts only, no witchery: …
Last post thomasbe861
29 Sep 2023, 06:54
Schumann PLL

Last post by digi2t « 28 Sep 2023, 22:46
Replies: 142
by digi2t » 07 Apr 2013, 05:03
1

…

4

5

6

7

8
Rating: 29.2%

Hi everyone,

I have the great honor of being entrusted with a Schumann PLL for repair. I've also taken the time to trace it. Despite the goop, and rats nest wiring which prevented me from using my camera to trace, I present my hand drawn papers of this piece of vaporware.

Keep in mind that the board drawings are of the trace side, so the IC pin numbers have to be mirrored.

I didn't mention on the board 1 page that the 240R, 120R, 110R, the cut 10K, 1M, 200K, and 150K are metal film....
142 Replies

59003 Views

View the latest post Re: Schumann PLL
Last post digi2t
28 Sep 2023, 22:46
Mxr Carbon Copy

Last post by tommymariot « 28 Sep 2023, 21:17
Replies: 26
by blasq » 19 Sep 2009, 14:54
1

2
Rating: 4.5%

Hello,

I've been searching for schematic for Carbon Copy on net, but I didn't find anything.
anyone have a schematic for this box? Does it exist..?

Wojtek.
26 Replies

21716 Views

View the latest post Re: Mxr Carbon Copy
Last post tommymariot
28 Sep 2023, 21:17
Shure - Level Loc Compressor

Last post by cjonesplay « 28 Sep 2023, 19:51
Replies: 64
by bow_and_error » 04 Mar 2021, 01:58
1

2

3

4
Rating: 11.9%

Has anybody played around with the Shure Level Loc Compressor circuit before? I has popped up on a few pro audio forums ( here & here ) and I was surprised to see that it runs on a 9V single supply.

I cut out just the compressor part from irfrench's 500-series version & built it up on the breadboard. Holy squish!!! This thing is like a tone trampoline. It clamps down HARD on the signal & has a much less transparent crunch to it than other FET compressors like the Rothwell Love Squeeze or Jon...
64 Replies

16922 Views

View the latest post Re: Shure - Level Loc Compre …
Last post cjonesplay
28 Sep 2023, 19:51
Advice/Criticism needed: The Keelhauler, an (un)clean preamp.

Last post by blackboarcult « 28 Sep 2023, 19:23
Replies: 10
by blackboarcult » 24 Sep 2023, 14:33

Rating: 1.7%

Hi good folks,

I have the present circuit on my breadboard, and I would like to submit it to more experienced minds to see if there is any major flaw. My knowledge in electronics is purely DIY, on-the-go acquired, so even though my reasoning appears, ahem, reasonable, I'm always afraid to miss something crucial. So far it sounds nice to me, will probably mess with the tonestack and a few other values, but before going any further I hereby submit it here for criticism and observations.

I was...

10 Replies

735 Views

View the latest post Re: Advice/Criticism needed: …
Last post blackboarcult
28 Sep 2023, 19:23
Line6 M9 Gutshots

Last post by AdrianM « 27 Sep 2023, 11:45
Replies: 13
by vandermann » 21 Mar 2012, 18:40

Rating: 2.2%

Guys,

below some line6 M9 gutshots. I need to opened it to replace a bad LCD and took some pictures.
The M9 schematic is attached as well.
Maybe it help somebody.

Cheers,

Vanderson

P1020280_large.JPG
P1020281_large.JPG
P1020282_large.JPG
P1020283_large.JPG
P1020284_large.JPG
P1020285_large.JPG
P1020286_large.JPG
P1020287_large.JPG
P1020288_large.JPG

13 Replies

9442 Views

View the latest post Re: Line6 M9 Gutshots
Last post AdrianM
27 Sep 2023, 11:45
BAJA Orange AD200B MkII bass amplifier in a 9v pedal 270318

Last post by elrengofa « 27 Sep 2023, 00:08
Replies: 25
by bajaman » 28 Mar 2018, 00:56
1

2
Rating: 9.5%

Hi folks
here is something a little different - a bass amplifier 9v effects pedal :shock:
not built yet, but will post pictures when it is :wink:
cheers
bajaman
Baja Orange AD200B MkII bass head 9v pedal 270318.GIF vero layout.png vero cuts.png Baja Orange AD200B MkII bass head 9v pedal parts not on vero 270318.GIF
25 Replies

9737 Views

View the latest post Re: BAJA Orange AD200B MkII …
Last post elrengofa
27 Sep 2023, 00:08
JHS - Bender

Last post by jalmonsalmon « 24 Sep 2023, 21:01
Replies: 13
by A Paz » 18 Sep 2023, 02:52

Rating: 5.4%

Bender 1.jpeg Bender 2.jpeg Bender 3.jpeg Bender 4.jpeg JHS Bender Schematic.png

Here is my trace of the JHS Bender. I was interested in the way that he got germanium sound from silicon transistors so I thought I would give tracing it a go. I measured all of the resistors in the circuit, and the values seemed to make sense so I didn't cut any traces. I did however, cut all the traces around the capacitors to measure them so I know they are correct.

While tracing, I removed Q2 in order to...

13 Replies

2669 Views

View the latest post Re: JHS - Bender
Last post jalmonsalmon
24 Sep 2023, 21:01
Baja B K Butler Tube Driver

Last post by mozz « 23 Sep 2023, 20:57
Replies: 317
by bajaman » 12 Dec 2007, 07:22
1

…

12

13

14

15

16
Rating: 9.9%

This is NOT a beginner's project.
This was traced from a recent B K Butler pedal and has the bias pot modification which alters the voltage on the cathodes of the 12AX7 tube.
You will need a suitable 12vAC power pack for this pedal - the original has a small toroidal mains transformer fitted internally near the front of the case.
The input and output sockets are isolated from the chassis by plastic insulating spacers. The earth pin on the input socket is connected by a parallel connected 100...
317 Replies

116795 Views

View the latest post Re: Baja B K Butler Tube Dri …
Last post mozz
23 Sep 2023, 20:57

Return to Board Index