OK, I've been on this forum since January and I've never done a build report. It's time to brave up. I have three pedals that I sell: The "Big Block" overdrive/boost, the "Vari-Trem" tremolo, and the "Small Block" boost.
Here's the Big Block. It's my own OD circuit coupled with an LPB1:
(http://i746.photobucket.com/albums/xx105/leevibe1/Big%20Block/image_zps6d7e6889.jpg) (http://s746.photobucket.com/user/leevibe1/media/Big%20Block/image_zps6d7e6889.jpg.html)
Stomptown gets credit for this incredible layout!! My previous version had three etched boards and an insane amount of off board wiring.
(http://i746.photobucket.com/albums/xx105/leevibe1/Big%20Block/image_zpsa08418da.jpg) (http://s746.photobucket.com/user/leevibe1/media/Big%20Block/image_zpsa08418da.jpg.html)
Here's the Vari-Trem. It's essentially an EA:
(http://i746.photobucket.com/albums/xx105/leevibe1/Vari-Trem/image_zpseba28b35.jpg) (http://s746.photobucket.com/user/leevibe1/media/Vari-Trem/image_zpseba28b35.jpg.html)
This is my first fabbed board version so it needs some tweaking to shrink the board and get everything to fit better. But it's WAY better than my older etched version.
(http://i746.photobucket.com/albums/xx105/leevibe1/Vari-Trem/image_zps7a8e7af5.jpg) (http://s746.photobucket.com/user/leevibe1/media/Vari-Trem/image_zps7a8e7af5.jpg.html)
This is my Small Block. It's an LPB1 in a 1590LB:
(http://i746.photobucket.com/albums/xx105/leevibe1/Small%20Block/image_zpsbfee2dac.jpg) (http://s746.photobucket.com/user/leevibe1/media/Small%20Block/image_zpsbfee2dac.jpg.html)
(http://i746.photobucket.com/albums/xx105/leevibe1/Small%20Block/image_zps9fb48718.jpg) (http://s746.photobucket.com/user/leevibe1/media/Small%20Block/image_zps9fb48718.jpg.html)
and for size comparison:
(http://i746.photobucket.com/albums/xx105/leevibe1/Big%20Block/image_zpsb473a421.jpg) (http://s746.photobucket.com/user/leevibe1/media/Big%20Block/image_zpsb473a421.jpg.html)
Really great looking stuff. I like the mix of knobs.
If I had one suggestion, it might be to mount the knob for the small block on the side for worry-free stomping.
Quote from: jubal81 on April 03, 2014, 07:28:57 PM
Really great looking stuff. I like the mix of knobs.
If I had one suggestion, it might be to mount the knob for the small block on the side for worry-free stomping.
Thanks Jason. I mount the switch high and it does a remarkably good job of protecting the knob.
Big Block looks like a sweet 'everything' dirt box!
cool, love the finish, but the layouts are astounding !
Dude, very nice. Even down to the tilted 3DPTs and the way the wire slowly curves around the bend... :'(
It's about time you posted these for all to see! I've already told you but they look rad! I still marvel at the fact you fit a pedal into one of those tiny enclosures! ;D
Quote from: Stomptown on April 03, 2014, 10:33:58 PM
It's about time you posted these for all to see! I've already told you but they look rad! I still marvel at the fact you fit a pedal into one of those tiny enclosures! ;D
Thanks for getting me on the OSH park train! One day my layouts will approach what you've been able to do. Thanks again for the Big Block layout!
Very, very nice!
Amazing builds. I love the graphics you used for the Big Block. Reminded me of a cool synth with the labeling you used. I have never been a fan of those knobs but on the Big Block they look great. Really ties the build together. Thanks for sharing your builds and hope to see more soon from you.
Cody
Really like the overall look of your stuff, well done.
Is the second jack on the Trem for an expression pedal for the Rate?
Quote from: GrindCustoms on April 03, 2014, 11:02:14 PM
Really like the overall look of your stuff, well done.
Is the second jack on the Trem for an expression pedal for the Rate?
Exactly. The idea was originally kind of a tap tempo alternative but as soon as I built the first one I realized how musical it is to vary the trem rate in real time.
Quote from: selfdestroyer on April 03, 2014, 10:45:33 PM
Amazing builds. I love the graphics you used for the Big Block. Reminded me of a cool synth with the labeling you used. I have never been a fan of those knobs but on the Big Block they look great. Really ties the build together. Thanks for sharing your builds and hope to see more soon from you.
Cody
Thanks Cody. Yeah, those knobs have to work in conjunction with the graphics to not look out of place. When I designed these I had 70's look/feel in mind. The reason the trem knobs are so huge is so they can easily be rolled with your feet. It works well. And I think they look better in real life than in pics. The orange is a lot prettier in real life for sure.
Great look, great branding, great design, great builds. That's winner !
Man, you had no reason to be afraid of posting this stuff - it's great!
Quote from: lincolnic on April 04, 2014, 04:21:52 AM
Man, you had no reason to be afraid of posting this stuff - it's great!
+1
Really cool builds dude.
I like the aesthetic of all of them too.
Astounding! Love them all. I don't suppose you would consider selling jus the PCBs would you? I'd love to build the trem!
Really, really nice stuff!
Quote from: Guybrush on April 04, 2014, 10:56:00 AM
Astounding! Love them all. I don't suppose you would consider selling jus the PCBs would you? I'd love to build the trem!
Wow, I'm flattered! Yeah, I would sell you a term PCB. I'm going to update it to fit the 1590b better anyway.
I am in love with that Big Block!
Quote from: Leevibe on April 04, 2014, 03:47:12 PM
Quote from: Guybrush on April 04, 2014, 10:56:00 AM
Astounding! Love them all. I don't suppose you would consider selling jus the PCBs would you? I'd love to build the trem!
Wow, I'm flattered! Yeah, I would sell you a term PCB. I'm going to update it to fit the 1590b better anyway.
PM'ed!
Thanks man :D
Quote from: billstein on April 04, 2014, 04:49:14 AM
Quote from: lincolnic on April 04, 2014, 04:21:52 AM
Man, you had no reason to be afraid of posting this stuff - it's great!
+1
+2
Love the theme and overall clean look. Reminds me of a Shelby Cobra. Looking good!
that big block looks amazing - where are you selling these?
Quote from: Bufferz on April 04, 2014, 09:13:29 PM
that big block looks amazing - where are you selling these?
Thanks. I have a website (http://www.formulaelectronics.com) but it's mostly just word of mouth. I'm embarrassed to say that I need to update my website badly but I can't really remember how! I'm also embarrassed for anyone here to see my high prices. They will probably drop as I continue to streamline the process of building them. The BB price reflects full retail and was based on me making the boards by hand and doing crazy amounts of off-board wiring etc. I've never actually charged that full price with one exception, and that was someone who could more than afford it and was happy to pay it. :)
I like your website and really appreciate how well written the descriptions are. So far I can see nothing to be embarrassed about. No reason not to go forward with confidence.
Clean website just like the pedals!
Nice!
Nice stuff man! Great work! Love the classic car theme!
Very nice graphics 8)
Quote from: nzCdog on April 05, 2014, 06:52:06 PM
Very nice graphics 8)
Very nice graphics indeed! And for those who don't know, Lee does DIY screen printing like Jonnyrockgear and would also be a great resource for those looking to give it a try.
Sorry Lee, the cats out of the bag! :D
Quote from: Stomptown on April 06, 2014, 02:14:13 AM
Quote from: nzCdog on April 05, 2014, 06:52:06 PM
Very nice graphics 8)
Very nice graphics indeed! And for those who don't know, Lee does DIY screen printing like Jonnyrockgear and would also be a great resource for those looking to give it a try.
Sorry Lee, the cats out of the bag! :D
I was just wondering how he did the graphics. Man these look fantastic and that Big Block is a tweakers delight. Miley says it's a TWERKER'S delight. :o
Quote from: Stomptown on April 06, 2014, 02:14:13 AM
Quote from: nzCdog on April 05, 2014, 06:52:06 PM
Very nice graphics 8)
Very nice graphics indeed! And for those who don't know, Lee does DIY screen printing like Jonnyrockgear and would also be a great resource for those looking to give it a try.
Sorry Lee, the cats out of the bag! :D
What has two thumbs and had his screen printing rig busted by rough housing boys yesterday! :(
Not unfixable but lame nonetheless.
Haha! That's a bummer!
Lee, what brand of Box Caps are those red ones? They look sweet.
WIMA. They're little boxes of toan. :)
They're kind of spendy and I don't know if I'm going to stick with them. I'm looking into Epcos. They also look sweet and they're a little cheaper. Plus they're blue so they will match my wiring!
They both look great! Loves the small one! Great work
Wow, and I recently struggled just to fit a tuner mute into one of those tiny boxes.....
:-[
(I haft admit I wish I could see the guts inside the Small Block...)
Quote from: Leevibe on April 07, 2014, 01:13:27 PM
WIMA. They're little boxes of toan. :)
Could you tell us what "type" WIMA's they are? (i.e. ECQ-XXX like Panasonics)
Quote from: hylandren on April 07, 2014, 04:19:50 PM
Wow, and I recently struggled just to fit a tuner mute into one of those tiny boxes.....
:-[
(I haft admit I wish I could see the guts inside the Small Block...)
I wouldn't want to spoil the puzzle!!
Quote from: Govmnt_Lacky on April 07, 2014, 04:23:45 PM
Quote from: Leevibe on April 07, 2014, 01:13:27 PM
WIMA. They're little boxes of toan. :)
Could you tell us what "type" WIMA's they are? (i.e. ECQ-XXX like Panasonics)
I got them all from Mouser. I saved all of the documentation of what I ordered. I'll get you some part numbers. The critical ones are the 1uFs. They are about as compact as I've ever seen for that value. If you look at the Vari-Trem gut shot, they are the first three caps in the upper left. Pretty lean and trim little guys.
Quote from: Leevibe on April 07, 2014, 05:08:01 PM
I got them all from Mouser. I saved all of the documentation of what I ordered. I'll get you some part numbers.
Cool! Awaiting the numbers ;)
Quote from: Leevibe on April 07, 2014, 05:08:01 PM
Quote from: Govmnt_Lacky on April 07, 2014, 04:23:45 PM
Quote from: Leevibe on April 07, 2014, 01:13:27 PM
WIMA. They're little boxes of toan. :)
Could you tell us what "type" WIMA's they are? (i.e. ECQ-XXX like Panasonics)
I got them all from Mouser. I saved all of the documentation of what I ordered. I'll get you some part numbers. The critical ones are the 1uFs. They are about as compact as I've ever seen for that value. If you look at the Vari-Trem gut shot, they are the first three caps in the upper left. Pretty lean and trim little guys.
Here are the values I ordered. Looks like they are MKS2 series?
1uF (10%, 50v) - 505-MKS21/50/10
.47uF (10%, 50v) - 505-MKS2.47/50/10T
.1uF (10%, 63v) - 505-MKS2.1/63/10
.047uF (10%, 63v) - 505-MKS2-0.047/63/10
Damn, you weren't lying...those are pricey
Hey man those are great looking pedals, be proud of them
You also mentioned the high price? Sorry my friend your prices are not high for what you offer. DO NOT lower them as they are worth it. It is very difficult to make a profit on a hand built pedal. I think when you counted ALL your beans you would find your breaking even at best.
Good luck and keep them coming!
Thanks all for the kind words! I truly appreciate it.
Lee