This is a multi-build that somebody approached me to do. It sounded interesting so I agreed to do it. This is the first of 2 that I am building like this (sick, I know). The second one will be for me.
The request was for a Lunar Module + Phase 90 + MultiPlex Delay (you're getting famous Josh) + Reverb. That order didn't really work for me graphically, so I put the reverb before the delay on the pedal and added an order reversal switch (that is the FWD/REV switch on top).
The case is the largest I've ever used: It is a Hammond 1550G. I tried this first as a straight etch, but there were two problems:
1.) There isn't a ton of contrast between the raw case and the matte black, which I suspected could be the case. It was a bit of a problem by the control area.
2.) The other problem is that I accidentally set something on my keyboard and didn't noticed it before I sent the etch to the laser. Thus the FUZZ knob became F UZZ. I added an underscore but it still looked stupid. Bummer on a $25 case. In the end, that case is what mine will be build from, so it isn't actually on this build. Either way, the lack of contrast was the true killer.
I decided to do a plexi panel. I already had the panels setup like this in the artwork, and I found I liked it a LOT better as plexi panels, because it not only added contrast, it added depth to the control labels and I liked the way the panels added destinct raised sections on the box. The panels were made by the following process:
1.) Paint a raw piece of acrylic black. This represents the backside of the acrylic
2.) Laser engrave the lettering and the dial indicators backwards on the acrylic. I did two passes for a deep etch.
3.) Paint the back again with white paint. I really hit it hard to make sure the lettering filled in.
4.) Laser cut the panels to shape.
It cured fairly quickly, but I put them in an oven at 40C to cure them for a while.
There isn't much to say about the build. It went fairly smoothly, the only hitch being that the Lunar Module squealed horribly when the fuzz and gain controls were maxed out. I had built two so I swapped out the other board, but I need to go back and figure out what is going on with the other one.
The LEDs are all different colors, so I decided to use ultra-clears so that you can't tell what they are until they are on. It probably didn't matter but I like it this way.
All in all, this was my most complicated build to date. I like the way it turned out, tho.
After all that rambling, here are the photos:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v158/pickdropper/Guitar%20Pedals/Andromeda1_zps3d324f31.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v158/pickdropper/Guitar%20Pedals/Andromeda2_zpsdb2f41d9.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v158/pickdropper/Guitar%20Pedals/Andromeda3_zps53abe2d6.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v158/pickdropper/Guitar%20Pedals/Andromeda4_zps23a474ea.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v158/pickdropper/Guitar%20Pedals/Andromeda5_zpsd75bd200.jpg)
Wow, this is awesome! What size enclosure is that? It's huge!
Quote from: wolfingsworth on February 09, 2013, 03:30:31 PM
Wow, this is awesome! What size enclosure is that? It's huge!
It's a Hammond 1550G and it is indeed huge.
I had to order this one from Mouser because even PPP doesn't carry it.
holy moly, great job
remind me not to post my build reports at the same time as you anymore, lol :D
That is absolutely wicked! Totally pro on every level. Holy (insert profanity here) I tip my hat sir.
I like how the black etched to more of a grey. How did you do those plates? They look like acrylic or something.
Quote from: wolfingsworth on February 09, 2013, 03:44:20 PM
I like how the black etched to more of a grey. How did you do those plates? They look like acrylic or something.
The plates are acrylic. The build report describes in detail how I did them.
My God man :o
I hope you charge appropriately for your work. Extremely top-notch.
Mother of god that is awesome, Dave! Really, that is one of the sweetest looking builds I've seen in a long time. It's unique, the labeling method is clever and the dressing is top notch.
Kudos! You are a master! Actually, you are now an official "DIY Master Builder" which I just made up!
:o F**k me sideways :o
So, so glad you're judging the Feb comp ;)
That is quite simply one of the best builds I've ever seen. 8)
I'm starting to believe Dave's guts are shopped. ;D
I cannot think of a more awesome pedal, DIY or otherwise.
It reminds me of the Carl Martin multieffect board, but better.
Wow thats amazing. Respect is due.
😯😯😯
Rad man. Simply wonderful.
Reverb into the Delay? I would have done it the other way around. How does it sound?
Jacob
Epic
thoroughly stunning as always
Quote from: jkokura on February 09, 2013, 04:30:33 PM
Rad man. Simply wonderful.
Reverb into the Delay? I would have done it the other way around. How does it sound?
Jacob
Yeah, Reverb makes more sense after the delay. For the artwork, it looked better with the Reverb first, so I put an effect order switch in there (it's the FWD/REV on top). I expect that the reverb will be setup to follow the delay the majority of the time.
Quote from: juansolo on February 09, 2013, 04:08:34 PM
:o F**k me sideways :o
So, so glad you're judging the Feb comp ;)
That is quite simply one of the best builds I've ever seen. 8)
Thanks, John.
And yes, this build is not eligible for the February competition.
Thanks for the kind words everybody. I really enjoy the sharing of builds in this community.
:o
This is THE perfect build!
Can someone tell me what do you use to laser etch a board, a box and everything else?
Wow, simply one of the best DIY builds I have ever seen. Amazing work!
Quote from: pickdropper on February 09, 2013, 03:48:21 PM
Quote from: wolfingsworth on February 09, 2013, 03:44:20 PM
I like how the black etched to more of a grey. How did you do those plates? They look like acrylic or something.
The plates are acrylic. The build report describes in detail how I did them.
Hmm... Well maybe next time I'll just read all those little words above the picture ;D Thanks for sharing again!
Quote from: wolfingsworth on February 09, 2013, 05:38:36 PM
Quote from: pickdropper on February 09, 2013, 03:48:21 PM
Quote from: wolfingsworth on February 09, 2013, 03:44:20 PM
I like how the black etched to more of a grey. How did you do those plates? They look like acrylic or something.
The plates are acrylic. The build report describes in detail how I did them.
Hmm... Well maybe next time I'll just read all those little words above the picture ;D Thanks for sharing again!
Yeah, the original post was rather wordy. I put a bit more info this time because the build was more complex than normal.
Hats off to this build!
This is more pro than most pros.. amazing job
That pedal is, and I shit you not, the best build I've ever seen. EVER.
Quote from: madbean on February 09, 2013, 03:50:30 PM
Mother of god that is awesome, Dave! Really, that is one of the sweetest looking builds I've seen in a long time. It's unique, the labeling method is clever and the dressing is top notch.
Kudos! You are a master! Actually, you are now an official "DIY Master Builder" which I just made up!
Hey, I just realized the part about the title. Thanks Brian!
Wow spetacular !!
Mich P.
hats off--seeing this made my day better and reminded me of how high to aim when building
the bar's set so high!
Quote from: pickdropper on February 09, 2013, 07:08:19 PM
Quote from: madbean on February 09, 2013, 03:50:30 PM
Mother of god that is awesome, Dave! Really, that is one of the sweetest looking builds I've seen in a long time. It's unique, the labeling method is clever and the dressing is top notch.
Kudos! You are a master! Actually, you are now an official "DIY Master Builder" which I just made up!
Hey, I just realized the part about the title. Thanks Brian!
And now you show up green in the list of members online at the bottom of the forum index. :)
We're not worthy! We're not worthy! lol.
Simply the best build I've ever seen Dave! I'm not sure if I'm inspired or dejected right now. Seriously though, I love how you were able to make this thing perfectly symetrical by placing the reverb before the delay and the contrast between the laser etched graphic on the enclosure and the raised plexiglass is stunning. It's really a bummer this wont be a part of the contest, but I think you are giving us all a little motivation to take it a step further...
Quote from: culturejam on February 09, 2013, 07:32:33 PM
Quote from: pickdropper on February 09, 2013, 07:08:19 PM
Quote from: madbean on February 09, 2013, 03:50:30 PM
Mother of god that is awesome, Dave! Really, that is one of the sweetest looking builds I've seen in a long time. It's unique, the labeling method is clever and the dressing is top notch.
Kudos! You are a master! Actually, you are now an official "DIY Master Builder" which I just made up!
Hey, I just realized the part about the title. Thanks Brian!
And now you show up green in the list of members online at the bottom of the forum index. :)
My color has been a bit off lately. :-)
Quote from: Stomptown on February 09, 2013, 07:41:35 PM
We're not worthy! We're not worthy! lol.
Simply the best build I've ever seen Dave! I'm not sure if I'm inspired or dejected right now. Seriously though, I love how you were able to make this thing perfectly symetrical by placing the reverb before the delay and the contrast between the laser etched graphic on the enclosure and the raised plexiglass is stunning. It's really a bummer this wont be a part of the contest, but I think you are giving us all a little motivation to take it a step further...
It's all good. I'm very excited to see what everybody comes up with the for the contest. There's a lot of talent around here. It's going to be fun.
:o just :o
There aren't many pedal companies that could pull this off. Damn.
Quote from: Stomptown on February 09, 2013, 07:41:35 PM
We're not worthy! We're not worthy! lol.
http://youtu.be/-FucbvoFFy0 ;D
I feel like I should make this thread a sticky, reading "this is how you do it"...
But then I realized - Dave, you forgot the battery snap again.
Jacob
Quote from: jkokura on February 09, 2013, 08:02:32 PM
I feel like I should make this thread a sticky, reading "this is how you do it"...
But then I realized - Dave, you forgot the battery snap again.
Jacob
It's always the little details that elude me.
Quote from: jubal81 on February 09, 2013, 07:49:19 PM
:o just :o
There aren't many pedal companies that could pull this off. Damn.
I actually think that this is true for a lot of the more involved DIY builds.
In my opinion, when it comes to boutique stuff, I think some of it looks great, but I see stuff everyday on the DIY boards that can easily compete with the other stuff that is out there.
Pretty damn sweet no matter how you look at it :)
Any problems with the plexi and the pots sticking through enough to get the nut onto the threads?
How does the Tenebrion sound compared to the Rub-a-dub? I've got one in the pipeline, but don't think I've seen it in any major builds here yet.
I've waited some time responding to this extremely cool post.... Thought I might find a good reply.... Stop torturing us with this stuff, we know you can build!!!!! Damn it, this is so good! I'm out of words...
Paul
Quote from: alanp on February 09, 2013, 08:31:03 PM
Pretty damn sweet no matter how you look at it :)
Any problems with the plexi and the pots sticking through enough to get the nut onto the threads?
How does the Tenebrion sound compared to the Rub-a-dub? I've got one in the pipeline, but don't think I've seen it in any major builds here yet.
I used 0.060" (~1.5mm) plexi, so it isn't too thick. I was able to get the pot nuts and washers on without issue. The knobs that I used mounted a little higher on the pot shaft than I would like, but there is enough purchase there for them to hold.
I really like the sound of the Tenebrion, but to be fair to the Rub-a-dub I haven't compared them in the exact same scenario yet. They both seem like good contenders.
Amazing! Everything about it.
Amazing amazing amazing. Definitely deserving of the "Master Builder" designation, although I would have chosen something involving the words "Grand Poobah" myself. I absolutely love the combination of effects chosen for this. Any chance of getting a short video demo? Would love to hear this in action!
I'd retire after this one ;)
What can I say, it's phenomenal!
Josh
That's something special Dave, well done! Your creativity and skill is inspirational... 8)
Quote from: eldanko on February 09, 2013, 09:22:39 PM"Grand Poobah"
haha... +1!
This is now my desktop wallpaper.
That is a big box of freaking awesome! :o No wonder youve been so quiet... Love the acrylic idea, perfect for your theme.
Quote from: njkke on February 09, 2013, 08:00:07 PM
Quote from: Stomptown on February 09, 2013, 07:41:35 PM
We're not worthy! We're not worthy! lol.
http://youtu.be/-FucbvoFFy0 ;D
I really have to watch that movie! It's been WAY too long... ;D
That is one of the best builds (the best?) I've ever seen on this forum dude!
You are kicking stuff out on a whole other level at the moment!
Perfecto!
Forget the February competition, this wins pedal of the year.
Wow.. Beautiful build. Nice layout.. Everything fits perfectly.
Quote from: lincolnic on February 10, 2013, 05:28:08 PM
Forget the February competition, this wins pedal of the year.
^ This
If anyone tops this I'll be very, very surprised!
O h m y g o d !
This is totally awesome. The coolest pedal I have ever seen. Really good idea with the plexiglass, think I'm gonna borrow that idea.
Not sure what more to say! This could replace more or less all of my pedals and I'm not sure I'd miss them. It's that awesome!
Amazing Dave, seriously. Artisan level work. You should teach a master class on enclosure design and finishing.
I have to say I'm really developing a real love/hate thing with your work... just when I think I made something that does not look like crap I see a build like this and BAM! I realize there are like a dozen flaming turds on my pedalboard ;)
I love your stuff man. Just inspiring.
Quote from: aballen on February 14, 2013, 01:58:47 AM
just when I think I made something that does not look like crap I see a build like this and BAM! I realize there are like a dozen flaming turds on my pedalboard ;)
Haha! How about a pedal called the flaming turd with the footswitch labeled "stomp."
This is just awesome. SO CLEAN!
Love the color scheme. Love the knobs. Love the plates. Love the laser etching.
Love it all!
This is great! Neat and tidy from the inside - futuristic from the outside. Very interesting that i just saw this 5 hours after I have decided to to do something similar on my pedalcontroller prototype. Not nearly that perfect but I did print a negative frontplate on paper and placed it under the acrylic cover ;)
Again: superior work.
That is stunning! I wish I had the creativity and patience to attempt finishes like this.
Andy
Quote from: Stomptown on February 14, 2013, 05:23:40 AM
Quote from: aballen on February 14, 2013, 01:58:47 AM
just when I think I made something that does not look like crap I see a build like this and BAM! I realize there are like a dozen flaming turds on my pedalboard ;)
Haha! How about a pedal called the flaming turd with the footswitch labeled "stomp."
Well now I have to make a BSIAB :)
How friggin long did that take you in total man, its absolutely awesome!! ;D
Quote from: danwelsh on February 18, 2013, 08:47:49 PM
How friggin long did that take you in total man, its absolutely awesome!! ;D
It did take a while. Partially because it was a large build, but I spent quite a bit of time dialing in the artwork. The concept is fairly simple, but it evolved a bit over time.