Introduction - So polite!

[paultheoneyoulove]

Hello! I'm a regular n00b on the Musicradar forum, but thought I'd drop by over here.  

I've only built one pedal before, from a kit, and although being a birdsnest of wiring which works very well to pick up ambient noise, my axis fuzz clone works and sounds pretty cool!  However, I've no idea how it works, which makes me feel a bit like a cheater.  I'm hoping that by dropping in here, I can pick up more information to help me build pedals and (you never know!) eventually design my own.  

I suspect my first attempt from here will be the Cave Dweller, because I need a delay pedal and dark, ambient repeats sound cool. So I plan on getting the stuff for it soon, and then trying work through exactly what's happening to the signal step by step through the chain. Don't expect much

So, hello from the UK!

As an edit, where is the best place to be sourcing components from the UK?  My first thought was Maplins...

[Hangingmonkey]

Hi and welcome. The cave dweller is awesome and one of my favourite delays.

As for parts, I try not to buy from craplins unless i need something desperately on the day.  I use bitsbox and dr tweek mostly.

[paultheoneyoulove]

Thanks for the advice, I'll look into them!

The alternative build is the 1776 Multiplex Junior.  I don't think I'll really need modulation, though, and I'd like to try my hand at a tiny little thing

[hammerheadmusicman]

Maplins are ok if you are really in a bind. The only problem is, they only stock 2 of everything (caps etc..) So you could end up with several different kinds of caps in your build if it has say 5 of the same value. Also, you have to know what the numbers on the parts mean, because they look up the number on the computer, and it points them to a little drawer with a little numbered baggy in it. but, in my experience the things are never in the correct drawers!! So if you don't check the numbers they just give you whatever was in the 'correct' drawer, as they are generally just drones, who have no idea what's what! I once had an order with about ten LED's and capacitors, and the store manager summoned a worker bee over and said 'can you go and fetch the resistors for me?' As the slogan states 'Maplins - The electronics specialists' yeah ok

If you are anywhere near london, pop in to cricklewood electronics, it's an old school electronics shop, with a million components, and the guys working there are all in the shop soldering away! or you can order from them online www.cricklewoodelectronics.com. Or there is always Tayda, much cheaper, but takes about 10 days to get here to the UK.

Good luck man, and welcome

George

[pickdropper]

Thanks for the advice, I'll look into them!

The alternative build is the 1776 Multiplex Junior.  I don't think I'll really need modulation, though, and I'd like to try my hand at a tiny little thing

The Cave Dweller is a bit dark sounding, which is either good or bad depending on your preference.  I would probably be inclined to give Bean's new Zero Point Mini delay a run, even if you don't use the modulation feature.

And welcome to the forum!

[paultheoneyoulove]

Okay, maybe I'll try the zero point.  So long as it works, I'll be happy!  It'll be a long term project - I don't have any resistors around right now (sadly) though I've got a few caps. Not many build-your-own delay kits around - I found a deep blue clone, but I don't know if I want to just clone a pedal that's already buyable!

Still, it'll all be fun.  The PCB's themselves are pretty cheap, which is neat

Any other relatively easy builds you can recommend that are 'interesting'?  By which I mean, I'm not amazingly fussed on OD, distortion or fuzz.  I would like a mental, silly noise box type thing, but they seem thin on the ground!

[Hangingmonkey]

Maplins are ok if you are really in a bind. The only problem is, they only stock 2 of everything (caps etc..) So you could end up with several different kinds of caps in your build if it has say 5 of the same value. Also, you have to know what the numbers on the parts mean, because they look up the number on the computer, and it points them to a little drawer with a little numbered baggy in it. but, in my experience the things are never in the correct drawers!! So if you don't check the numbers they just give you whatever was in the 'correct' drawer, as they are generally just drones, who have no idea what's what! I once had an order with about ten LED's and capacitors, and the store manager summoned a worker bee over and said 'can you go and fetch the resistors for me?' As the slogan states 'Maplins - The electronics specialists' yeah ok

If you are anywhere near london, pop in to cricklewood electronics, it's an old school electronics shop, with a million components, and the guys working there are all in the shop soldering away! or you can order from them online www.cricklewoodelectronics.com. Or there is always Tayda, much cheaper, but takes about 10 days to get here to the UK.

Good luck man, and welcome

George

Haha, its been so long since I last went there I totally forgot about the zombies that work there.  I remember once having to argue with one because he gave me the wrong value caps but wouldnt believe me when I corrected him.

[Hangingmonkey]

Okay, maybe I'll try the zero point.  So long as it works, I'll be happy!  It'll be a long term project - I don't have any resistors around right now (sadly) though I've got a few caps. Not many build-your-own delay kits around - I found a deep blue clone, but I don't know if I want to just clone a pedal that's already buyable!

Still, it'll all be fun.  The PCB's themselves are pretty cheap, which is neat

Any other relatively easy builds you can recommend that are 'interesting'?  By which I mean, I'm not amazingly fussed on OD, distortion or fuzz.  I would like a mental, silly noise box type thing, but they seem thin on the ground!

As far as crazy or fun effects, you could try the doombutter or the pitch pirate or the uglyface+LFO.  Google them to see what they do.  Bean doesnt have a fabbed board for them but you could contact haberdasher and he'll etch you a quality PCB

[pickdropper]

Okay, maybe I'll try the zero point.  So long as it works, I'll be happy!  It'll be a long term project - I don't have any resistors around right now (sadly) though I've got a few caps. Not many build-your-own delay kits around - I found a deep blue clone, but I don't know if I want to just clone a pedal that's already buyable!

Still, it'll all be fun.  The PCB's themselves are pretty cheap, which is neat

Any other relatively easy builds you can recommend that are 'interesting'?  By which I mean, I'm not amazingly fussed on OD, distortion or fuzz.  I would like a mental, silly noise box type thing, but they seem thin on the ground!

For the resistors. I'd start with a kit.  It'll serve you well beyond the initial build.

[whitebread47]

I haven't built the Zero Point yet, but I found 1776 Effects' Multiplex Jr. a pretty easy build using PCB-mount pots.  It sounds great.  As far as modulation goes, I generally don't use any modulation, but it's nice and subtle on the 1776 delay and I actually prefer to keep it on.

[paultheoneyoulove]

Yeah, resistors I'm going to get a massive kit of 1% ones.  They are not expensive at all. 

Gah! So much choice.  I'll look into the noise boxes, but delay is definitely my primary need.  Once I've got a delay pedal, I'll be looking into a noise box.  I remember the Clari(not), though I'm not sure if they're still around.  They looked like a bit of fun.  The doombutter sounds crazy, so I'll check it out now ;-)

[stevie1556]

Welcome to the forum!

As you're in the UK, get your parts from Rapid Electronics. If you want pots, use Tayda Electronics. I've had both my orders arrive in 9 days, and they are stupidly cheap (about 30p a pot, compared to £2-3 over here)!

Can't really recommend any builds that arn't overdrive or distortion though as that's all I've built so far. I have built the Rub-A-Dub reverb though and that's a gorgeous sounding reverb/mini delay.

Sent from my thumbs using Tapatalk!

[paultheoneyoulove]

Awesome! I've gone mad - I've gone through my thoughts and ended up with 'sod it' and am going to try the multiplex by 1776.  It looks crazy - but the PCB is wonderfully clear and the instructions are great.  It will be one that I'll do over a long period of time, maybe a month or two.  Anyone have any experience with these?  Is there anything to watch out for in particular?  If you reckon I'm a bit silly, I'll heed advice and take the junior.

Thanks for the advice on parts! I've actually only found one place that does large enclosures in the UK, and it's £8.  Which isn't bad I suppose, as it'll probably be the last thing I get, but I was hoping for less... Moon on a stick, please!

[jaidee]

Can't really recommend Maplins.  Range of components is minimal and prices are high.

Rapid and Farnell are obvious alternatives.  RS have certain parts that the others don't stock.

I'm fortunate enough to have a local shop (Newcastle area), ESR,  which has a surprisingly good range of parts at competitive prices.

There are an increasing number of fol supplying parts specifically for d.i.y. pedals, eg Dr Tweek.

All can be found by searching on the 'net.

Have fun!

[juansolo]

Welcome Paul to this stupidly addictive hobby.

Forget Maplins. Have a look on my site at the links section. There's a UK-centric set of suppliers in there. We get most stuff from CPC Farnell (keep your eye out on their site for free delivery offers, they crop up occasionally) or Farnell... Don't ask, it's the same company but one's more business oriented. Prices vary... Otherwise Rapid are another biggy.

From the smaller outfits Dr Tweak is a good 'un and has some out of production stuff on there at very reasonable prices.

Otherwise use Tayda. They're in Singapore, but are untouchable on price. Wait until there's an offer on (they're more often than not posted on here, but otherwise get on like them on Facebook). Most things get through customs from them.

We're not having as much luck these days with the US suppliers sadly. Which is a bugger as I tend to get 9mm pots from Smallbear. Anyhow there are European alternatives for that now.