I've been playing with the idea of doing a spring reverb project for a while and ended up gathering a bunch of info but haven't really committed to anything. I told myself I may as well end up buying a commercial project to save the hassle and get something I already like the sound of...
I like the Fender/Ampeg reverb a lot in funk, soul, Meters, Daptone, Hendrix contexts
Anyway here's my options (throw in your own opinions/experiences if you want)
Little Lanilei (handrawn schem on fsb)
Vanamps Reverbamate
DIY Reverb module (line level? sounds good) http://www.dogenigt.com/2013/08/spring-reverb-module.html
Hardwire RV7
Strymon Flint
Catalinbread Topanga
http://sound.westhost.com/articles/reverb.htm
Some hybrid of solid state diy options: tone control(s), mix would be nice
Tube outboard unit based on Fender/Ampeg designs--$$$ :o
I built the Stage Center Reverb a few years ago, one of my first projects - generalguitargadets.com layout etched at home. There's a ton of mod suggestions on diysb forum. needs the mods to sound right. Played it a ton, sold it and now building the forrest cook reverb - nice layout at gaussmarkov.com
strategy
This is amazing.
http://surfybear.weebly.com/fet-reverb---project.html
^yeah!! I see he's done 3 revisions. I think I'm gonna go that route and maybe design another around the Ampeg ct. ♥ springs
I can vouch for the SurfyBear. Amazing unit. You just have to be sure to get the biasing right and it's dreamy.