madbeanpedals::forum

General => Open Discussion => Topic started by: Guybrush on May 11, 2014, 09:09:45 PM

Title: Recommend me a distortion build
Post by: Guybrush on May 11, 2014, 09:09:45 PM
Hey all

I was hoping for a bit of inspiration from you guys.

I've now built a few different fuzzes and a nice overdrive. I now seem to be lacking a good 'standard' distortion. I've built a Faultline which is great at what it does but it's a very specific sound.

Just wondering if anyone could suggest a good distortion build? I've been thinking about a Kranjasaurus but I'm a bit concerned that it only does the Marshall sound. Can anyone suggest anything that is a bit more varied in it's sound?

Cheers all!
Title: Re: Recommend me a distortion build
Post by: flanagan0718 on May 11, 2014, 09:25:07 PM
I am planning on doing these three at some point
-sonic Titan
-BSIAB2
-Dr. Boogie



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Title: Re: Recommend me a distortion build
Post by: Guybrush on May 11, 2014, 09:26:56 PM
Thanks for the quick reply! Any chance of link to the build docs or sites where I can buy the PCBs?

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Recommend me a distortion build
Post by: Clayford on May 11, 2014, 09:49:30 PM
Rullywow's Classic Dirt is always a start. If you don't have a Muff or a Rat, you should. I'm NOT a fan of the op amp version of the Muff. Brian's Mudbunny board is the best Muff I've built. Check out Juansolo's muffage table (http://juansolo.demon.co.uk/stompage/Muffs.htm) if you do build a Muff. There's the also the Chunk Chunk or Rully's Brutalizer for your high gain needs. They're all excellent boards. I'm sure there are others, but they're the ones I'd recommend.
Title: Re: Recommend me a distortion build
Post by: selfdestroyer on May 11, 2014, 09:55:45 PM
When I think of a "standard" distortion I always go to a Rat and a MXR Distortion + as a close second.

Madbean's Slow Loris
http://www.madbeanpedals.com/projects/index.html (http://www.madbeanpedals.com/projects/index.html)

Rullys Distortion +
http://www.rullywow.com/product/classic-dirt-distortion-mxr-distortion-clone/ (http://www.rullywow.com/product/classic-dirt-distortion-mxr-distortion-clone/)

Cody
Title: Re: Recommend me a distortion build
Post by: jubal81 on May 11, 2014, 09:59:09 PM
I'd recommend checking out the Madbean Mysterioso, which is a modded blackstone mosfet OD. You can get a board from Haberdasher on this forum.
Title: Re: Recommend me a distortion build
Post by: Clayford on May 11, 2014, 10:01:31 PM
Quote from: selfdestroyer on May 11, 2014, 09:55:45 PM
When I think of a "standard" distortion I always go to a Rat and a MXR Distortion + as a close second.

Madbean's Slow Loris
http://www.madbeanpedals.com/projects/index.html (http://www.madbeanpedals.com/projects/index.html)

Rullys Distortion +
http://www.rullywow.com/product/classic-dirt-distortion-mxr-distortion-clone/ (http://www.rullywow.com/product/classic-dirt-distortion-mxr-distortion-clone/)

Cody
Yes.

Quote from: jubal81 on May 11, 2014, 09:59:09 PM
I'd recommend checking out the Madbean Mysterioso, which is a modded blackstone mosfet OD. You can get a board from Haberdasher on this forum.
The OP says he's got a nice OD.
Title: Re: Recommend me a distortion build
Post by: pickdropper on May 12, 2014, 12:30:02 AM
It depends what you are looking for.  For an 80's JCM800 type, try the Riot.  For a more modern, Boogie type distortion, the Dr. Boogie is good.

Jokerx's design is getting a lot of positive reviews, but I haven't build one yet.
Title: Re: Recommend me a distortion build
Post by: alanp on May 12, 2014, 12:41:28 AM
Be aware that the Dr Boogey (or my build of Bean's version) cuts a LOT of bass. The Muff is just as much (if not more) a fuzz as anything else.

Dragon Armour is very worth building for the gating alone. Just don't bother with the FX loop version -- didn't get any real use out of the FX loop.
Title: Re: Recommend me a distortion build
Post by: Haberdasher on May 12, 2014, 12:54:50 AM
rat or upper decker for me.  crunchbox is also a good time, and super easy.
i have to admit i'm intrigued by the dragon armor.
Title: Re: Recommend me a distortion build
Post by: chromesphere on May 12, 2014, 01:44:14 AM
Depends what type of distortion your after? 
For a plain distortion that mixes well with anything I would go dist+ (with a few mods, tone mainly).
For something brutal upper decker is the way to go.
For something in the middle the box of rock is pretty good, or a BSIAB or rat, or even possibly a riot.
For really mild dirt I would go an electra as its 'transparent' :O
Paul
Title: Re: Recommend me a distortion build
Post by: GrindCustoms on May 12, 2014, 03:20:38 AM
Bengt «Blue Monster» seems to be versatile and great sounding, simple build aswell from what i see.
Title: Re: Recommend me a distortion build
Post by: lars on May 12, 2014, 03:24:19 AM
The distortion + is a great option, although I've owned an original and built a clone and was always disappointed with the lack of volume. IMHO, the DOD 250 is a better version of a similar circuit. Add in a switch for different diode configurations (silicon, germanium, asymmetrical), and you'll have a pedal that can dial in exactly the tone you want, from bluesy overdrive to 80's spandex rock. Plus you can socket the 741 and try the LF351 or other single op-amps, pick which one you prefer.
Title: Re: Recommend me a distortion build
Post by: flanagan0718 on May 12, 2014, 03:36:58 AM
Quote from: Guybrush on May 11, 2014, 09:26:56 PM
Thanks for the quick reply! Any chance of link to the build docs or sites where I can buy the PCBs?

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

BSIAB2
http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/component/virtuemart/?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=53&category_id=16 (http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/component/virtuemart/?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=53&category_id=16)

Sonic Titan
http://tagboardeffects.blogspot.com/2012/01/dam-sonic-titan-with-modified-tone.html (http://tagboardeffects.blogspot.com/2012/01/dam-sonic-titan-with-modified-tone.html)

Dr. Boogie
http://tagboardeffects.blogspot.com/2012/03/dr-boogie.html (http://tagboardeffects.blogspot.com/2012/03/dr-boogie.html)

I would also like to recomend the Mudbunny. I've built a few of these and it is a VERY modable board.

Mudbunny
http://www.madbeanpedals.com/projects/Mudbunny/docs/Mudbunny.pdf (http://www.madbeanpedals.com/projects/Mudbunny/docs/Mudbunny.pdf)
Title: Re: Recommend me a distortion build
Post by: Clayford on May 12, 2014, 03:53:23 AM
Quote from: flanagan0718 on May 12, 2014, 03:36:58 AM
Quote from: Guybrush on May 11, 2014, 09:26:56 PM
Thanks for the quick reply! Any chance of link to the build docs or sites where I can buy the PCBs?

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

BSIAB2
http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/component/virtuemart/?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=53&category_id=16 (http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/component/virtuemart/?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=53&category_id=16)

Sonic Titan
http://tagboardeffects.blogspot.com/2012/01/dam-sonic-titan-with-modified-tone.html (http://tagboardeffects.blogspot.com/2012/01/dam-sonic-titan-with-modified-tone.html)

Dr. Boogie
http://tagboardeffects.blogspot.com/2012/03/dr-boogie.html (http://tagboardeffects.blogspot.com/2012/03/dr-boogie.html)

I would also like to recomend the Mudbunny. I've built a few of these and it is a VERY modable board.

Mudbunny
http://www.madbeanpedals.com/projects/Mudbunny/docs/Mudbunny.pdf (http://www.madbeanpedals.com/projects/Mudbunny/docs/Mudbunny.pdf)
I do NOT recommend the Dr. Boogie on Vero. I suggest it on a board. As always ymmv
Title: Re: Recommend me a distortion build
Post by: flanagan0718 on May 12, 2014, 03:58:31 AM

I do NOT recommend the Dr. Boogie on Vero. I suggest it on a board. As always ymmv
[/quote]

I've never done one but I'll keep that in mind ;)
Title: Re: Recommend me a distortion build
Post by: alanp on May 12, 2014, 06:22:44 AM
The Boogey is VERY sensitive to layout.
Title: Re: Recommend me a distortion build
Post by: LaceSensor on May 12, 2014, 07:00:21 AM
Id go with something based on the crunchbox or similar
very usable marshall sounding pedal, not a fuzz at all.
Title: Re: Recommend me a distortion build
Post by: Guybrush on May 12, 2014, 07:17:15 AM
Thanks for all the replies. I'll check out everything that has been suggested and hopefully settle on one or two of them.

Cheers guys!

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Title: Re: Recommend me a distortion build
Post by: Clayford on May 12, 2014, 12:10:25 PM
Quote from: Guybrush on May 12, 2014, 07:17:15 AM
[...] hopefully settle on one or two of them.

Cheers guys!

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

HA..
He said one or two....  ;D
Welcome to the mandness.
Title: Re: Recommend me a distortion build
Post by: Kinki fuzz on May 12, 2014, 02:15:35 PM
I'm a huge fan of the RAT too, the Slow Loris project is a great one, lots of character and very versatile. Distortion + or DOD250 are good if you are pushing a driven amp with them.

I would also recommend the Tube Sound Fuzz or Red Llama, easy build and great tone, both on it's own or mixed with a driven amp. Don't let the name fool you, not a fuzz at all. Madbean's Snarkdoodle project.

Enviado desde mi HTC One SV mediante Tapatalk

Title: Re: Recommend me a distortion build
Post by: GermanCdn on May 12, 2014, 02:34:32 PM
My two cents.

I really, really like BSIABs or Riot (Uproar) based circuits for straight up distortion circuits.  Not to say that the others mentioned here aren't great, those two are just my favourites.

If I was building a RAT clone, I'd build Thomas H's version.  I've found it to be the most flexible.

There's also a few HM-2 circuits floating around as well, including one on Osh Park I think.
Title: Re: Recommend me a distortion build
Post by: Droogie on May 12, 2014, 03:56:13 PM
One that hasn't been mentioned yet (I think) is the Grapevine, Bean's take on the Dirty Little Secret. Might be my favorite straight-up distortion. Also like the Mysterioso for a wide variety of gain options—pretty mid-rangey though, which is not everyone's thing..
Title: Re: Recommend me a distortion build
Post by: Vallhagen on May 12, 2014, 04:40:46 PM
Quote from: GrindCustoms on May 12, 2014, 03:20:38 AM
Bengt «Blue Monster» seems to be versatile and great sounding, simple build aswell from what i see.

Ah, i recommend that one anyday 8) ... or something called "ACE" which is to be released public... any week.

Cheers!
Title: Re: Recommend me a distortion build
Post by: Clayford on May 13, 2014, 01:35:03 AM
Quote from: Vallhagen on May 12, 2014, 04:40:46 PM
Ah, i recommend that one anyday 8) ... or something called "ACE" which is to be released public... any week.

Cheers!

Shameless self promotion! I'ma get the chainsaw!
;)
Title: Re: Recommend me a distortion build
Post by: pryde on May 13, 2014, 03:36:10 AM
I recommend the Boneyard!

Version 1 has crunch and high gain channels

Version II is single channel (you can make it either crunch or high gain with a few component changes)

Haberdasher has the etched pcbs for both
http://www.madbeanpedals.com/forum/index.php?topic=2038.0


Title: Re: Recommend me a distortion build
Post by: Vallhagen on May 13, 2014, 04:55:41 AM
Quote from: Clayford on May 13, 2014, 01:35:03 AM
Quote from: Vallhagen on May 12, 2014, 04:40:46 PM
Ah, i recommend that one anyday 8) ... or something called "ACE" which is to be released public... any week.

Cheers!

Shameless self promotion! I'ma get the chainsaw!
;)

Argh! Dont wanna be hunted down with that oversized toenail clipper! ;D
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/10190945/div/IMG_20120505_110833.jpg)

***

To be serious for a moment: Yep you're right, i should have announced more clearly that mentioned circuits are my own, some reader can easily miss that. So: Shameless self promo it is!

***

Sorry for spamming a serious thread!

Cheers
Title: Re: Recommend me a distortion build
Post by: Guybrush on May 13, 2014, 09:36:33 AM
Cheers for all the responses! Looks like I've got a lot to work through there! I'll probably have a listen to a few sound samples and settle on a couple to put together.

Thanks again!

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Title: Re: Recommend me a distortion build
Post by: snz728 on May 14, 2014, 01:46:13 AM
Haven't built many distortions but +1 on original boneyard, (marshally)
Title: Re: Recommend me a distortion build
Post by: Kinki fuzz on May 14, 2014, 06:23:11 AM
Quote from: Guybrush on May 13, 2014, 09:36:33 AM
Cheers for all the responses! Looks like I've got a lot to work through there! I'll probably have a listen to a few sound samples and settle on a couple to put together.

Thanks again!

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

Yeah, a couple. That's what I said... ::)
Title: Re: Recommend me a distortion build
Post by: Guybrush on May 14, 2014, 08:08:31 PM
And which is your favourite!?

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Title: Re: Recommend me a distortion build
Post by: icecycle66 on May 14, 2014, 08:29:15 PM
Have you tried anything as simple as the Dan Armstong Blue Clipper?

It's become one of my favorites while working on my latest album.
Title: Re: Recommend me a distortion build
Post by: Kinki fuzz on May 15, 2014, 06:26:56 AM
Quote from: Guybrush on May 14, 2014, 08:08:31 PM
And which is your favourite!?

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RAT - SLOW LORIS. no doubt

Enviado desde mi HTC One SV mediante Tapatalk
Title: Re: Recommend me a distortion build
Post by: flanagan0718 on May 15, 2014, 01:39:09 PM
Quote from: Guybrush on May 14, 2014, 08:08:31 PM
And which is your favourite!?

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

I would go with the MUFF. Great circuit and very modable.
Title: Re: Recommend me a distortion build
Post by: Guybrush on May 15, 2014, 09:09:16 PM
I do need to build a muff at some point but I've already got 3 fuzz pedals. I'm looking for a more straight up distortion at the moment. Think I'll give the Rat and Crunch Box a go. LaceSensor has been kind enough to send me one of his Crunch Box pcbs so will get to work on that this weekend.

Cheers for all the suggestions!


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Title: Re: Recommend me a distortion build
Post by: selfdestroyer on May 15, 2014, 10:39:35 PM
Quote from: Guybrush on May 15, 2014, 09:09:16 PM
I do need to build a muff at some point but I've already got 3 fuzz pedals. I'm looking for a more straight up distortion at the moment. Think I'll give the Rat and Crunch Box a go. LaceSensor has been kind enough to send me one of his Crunch Box pcbs so will get to work on that this weekend.

Cheers for all the suggestions!


Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

Im not 100% sure but Mike could have been taking about a the Muff and not the Big muff. There is a transistor and IC based Muffs that are great distortion circuits.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XFz_PHgaZaI/T6tqlUuAbXI/AAAAAAAABfQ/hWi7Wqfgkpc/s1600/EHX+Muff+Fuzzes.png (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XFz_PHgaZaI/T6tqlUuAbXI/AAAAAAAABfQ/hWi7Wqfgkpc/s1600/EHX+Muff+Fuzzes.png)
Title: Re: Recommend me a distortion build
Post by: Guybrush on May 16, 2014, 06:26:04 AM
Ahh my mistake. Apologies.

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