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#11
Open Discussion / Re: Help me hone my pedal chai...
Last post by lars - August 31, 2025, 01:19:46 PMAnother option to consider is to have the input circuit of your JTM45 modded slightly. If Marshall followed the typical schematic, then V1 shares a huge 250uf cathode capacitor. You could get a lot more options out of the amp by having the two halves of V1 use different values. One could be voiced for a "lead" channel with a much smaller cathode cap (around 1uf). This will greatly tighten up the sound on that channel. The other channel can be "standard" with a 22uf cap.
I don't understand the huge cathode caps that are placed on preamp tubes. It's been proven many times with reputable measurements that you really gain nothing by going over 25uf. Some of the most revered tube amp designers typically never went over 10uf on their bypass caps.
I don't understand the huge cathode caps that are placed on preamp tubes. It's been proven many times with reputable measurements that you really gain nothing by going over 25uf. Some of the most revered tube amp designers typically never went over 10uf on their bypass caps.
#12
Open Discussion / Re: Help me hone my pedal chai...
Last post by greysun - August 29, 2025, 07:20:23 PMThanks, everyone! I forgot to turn on notifications for this post, so I'm a little late to my own party, but this is great info!
Solid strategy - it's what I've been doing more or less (starting out clean, then adding as I go, mixing/matching/changing order) but maybe a bit less scientific and more chaos. Will streamline the method for sure...
This might be more where my thinking was at when I made this post - Everyone's ear is so different, but it seems like some of these pedals just don't play nicely together at a scientific level. To give a little salt and pepper for where my knowledge was at, I used the green bean as a subtle overdrive into a RAT not knowing that one could just crank the volume all the way and get a pretty respectable distortion from the green bean (e.g., crank the pedal and the tube screamer will make the tubes... scream! Novel concept! Lol). Somehow I always thought this would be detrimental to the amp to crank pedal volume, and maybe it is, but if that's how some of them are supposed to work - I dunno.
I think the Mauman strategy continues, but would love any information on how something like the above works and affects amps, and if there are other "this type of pedal likes to be first, this one last," sort of info if y'all have it!
This is all true - I'm even running KT66s (or 77s or whichever KTXX fits in there), which have that extra headroom and bottom. Will probably move back to the EL34s at some point when it's time to swap out the set just to see if that might help me out, but I can get GREAT clean sounds from this amp, so I still have some hope here!
Good info about the solid state Marshall, though - I'm definitely not particular about solid state vs. tube - In fact, almost got an Orange solid state combo amp that sounded SO good with any guitar I put through it (I forget the model, of course), but ultimately just stuck with the JTM. I liked enough bands that I saw using one (or a similar clone iteration). I do sometimes wonder if this exercise would have been easier with a JCM800 or the aforementioned Orange combo, but I wanted to try something different, so... Winning? (Or at least learning a lesson, lol.)
Definitely keep trying to find pedal chain setups, and almost always look when I'm at shows. The VFE distortion 3 looks interesting and your description sounds like where I want to land. I think I even have most, if not all, of those parts - even some TQ2-l-5V switches! Having never built a VFE project before, it makes enough sense that it straddles between DIY and mass production - I don't have any enclosures, but could always test out the 3D printed enclosures I keep threatening myself to make, lol. I'll look this up!
Thank you all for your time and thoughts - will definitely keep plugging away and will check out some of the suggestions above. Always appreciate this community's willingness to share their info and experiences! :-)
Quote from: mauman on August 28, 2025, 12:12:18 AMI would suggest two things. First, start with one guitar straight into one amp, and set the knobs in a way that sounds good to you.
Then add one pedal, and work with the settings on the pedal without changing either your guitar or amp. If you can find settings that you like, mark them on the pedal or write them down. If you can't, set the pedal aside and move on.
Put another pedal alone between your guitar and amp. Same process. Find the sweet settings, or set it aside. Continue until you've tried all your pedals, one at a time.
Solid strategy - it's what I've been doing more or less (starting out clean, then adding as I go, mixing/matching/changing order) but maybe a bit less scientific and more chaos. Will streamline the method for sure...
Quote from: jessenator on August 28, 2025, 04:32:51 AMSome fuzz circuits (mostly two and three transistor fuzzes) don't like having anything but first dibs on the guitar, so manage impedance accordingly.
This might be more where my thinking was at when I made this post - Everyone's ear is so different, but it seems like some of these pedals just don't play nicely together at a scientific level. To give a little salt and pepper for where my knowledge was at, I used the green bean as a subtle overdrive into a RAT not knowing that one could just crank the volume all the way and get a pretty respectable distortion from the green bean (e.g., crank the pedal and the tube screamer will make the tubes... scream! Novel concept! Lol). Somehow I always thought this would be detrimental to the amp to crank pedal volume, and maybe it is, but if that's how some of them are supposed to work - I dunno.
I think the Mauman strategy continues, but would love any information on how something like the above works and affects amps, and if there are other "this type of pedal likes to be first, this one last," sort of info if y'all have it!
Quote from: lars on August 29, 2025, 01:28:32 PMQuote from: greysun on August 27, 2025, 10:39:43 PMThey're going into a JTM 45 that is so bass-y,There is the problem. As is well-known, the JTM 45 is basically a Fender Bassman circuit that was originally designed for bass guitar and at a time when guitar pedals pretty much didn't exist.
If you're worried people will get all weird about you using a cheap Marshall...
This is all true - I'm even running KT66s (or 77s or whichever KTXX fits in there), which have that extra headroom and bottom. Will probably move back to the EL34s at some point when it's time to swap out the set just to see if that might help me out, but I can get GREAT clean sounds from this amp, so I still have some hope here!
Good info about the solid state Marshall, though - I'm definitely not particular about solid state vs. tube - In fact, almost got an Orange solid state combo amp that sounded SO good with any guitar I put through it (I forget the model, of course), but ultimately just stuck with the JTM. I liked enough bands that I saw using one (or a similar clone iteration). I do sometimes wonder if this exercise would have been easier with a JCM800 or the aforementioned Orange combo, but I wanted to try something different, so... Winning? (Or at least learning a lesson, lol.)
Quote from: Bret608 on August 29, 2025, 01:38:19 PMhonestly back in the day I would just look at pedal setups of bands I liked when I went to their shows, then I'd try it with my gear to see if their approaches worked with my amp, guitar, etc.
The OP mentioned Bob Mould, also a big influence on how I play and sound. I love that sound that straddles the line between OD and fuzz. I would highly recommend building the VFE Distortion 3 available here at MBP. I can get that Distortion + or 250-type sounds, but actually make it work with more different guitars and amps than would otherwise be possible. Bob uses a compressor at the end of his chain to smooth things out, but with the Distortion 3, that is hardly necessary due to the interaction of the fat and filter controls.
Definitely keep trying to find pedal chain setups, and almost always look when I'm at shows. The VFE distortion 3 looks interesting and your description sounds like where I want to land. I think I even have most, if not all, of those parts - even some TQ2-l-5V switches! Having never built a VFE project before, it makes enough sense that it straddles between DIY and mass production - I don't have any enclosures, but could always test out the 3D printed enclosures I keep threatening myself to make, lol. I'll look this up!
Thank you all for your time and thoughts - will definitely keep plugging away and will check out some of the suggestions above. Always appreciate this community's willingness to share their info and experiences! :-)
#13
Open Discussion / Re: Help me hone my pedal chai...
Last post by Bret608 - August 29, 2025, 01:38:19 PMI agree with the approaches mentioned here--honestly back in the day I would just look at pedal setups of bands I liked when I went to their shows, then I'd try it with my gear to see if their approaches worked with my amp, guitar, etc. Swervedriver was the one I probably learned the most from and I still do something like their setup to this day, other than sometimes using my wah at the front of my chain rather than between OD/distortion and the time-based ones.
The OP mentioned Bob Mould, also a big influence on how I play and sound. I love that sound that straddles the line between OD and fuzz. I would highly recommend building the VFE Distortion 3 available here at MBP. I can get that Distortion + or 250-type sounds, but actually make it work with more different guitars and amps than would otherwise be possible. Bob uses a compressor at the end of his chain to smooth things out, but with the Distortion 3, that is hardly necessary due to the interaction of the fat and filter controls.
The OP mentioned Bob Mould, also a big influence on how I play and sound. I love that sound that straddles the line between OD and fuzz. I would highly recommend building the VFE Distortion 3 available here at MBP. I can get that Distortion + or 250-type sounds, but actually make it work with more different guitars and amps than would otherwise be possible. Bob uses a compressor at the end of his chain to smooth things out, but with the Distortion 3, that is hardly necessary due to the interaction of the fat and filter controls.
#14
Open Discussion / Re: Help me hone my pedal chai...
Last post by lars - August 29, 2025, 01:28:32 PMQuote from: greysun on August 27, 2025, 10:39:43 PMThey're going into a JTM 45 that is so bass-y,There is the problem. As is well-known, the JTM 45 is basically a Fender Bassman circuit that was originally designed for bass guitar and at a time when guitar pedals pretty much didn't exist. A JTM 45 sounds incredible plugging directly in and cranking it to where you get the natural overdrive from the amp, but I've never heard of anyone clamoring for one as "a great pedal platform", especially not for modern fuzz sounds. Although it runs against the grain that most people cling to, going with a much cheaper solid-state Marshall will give you the sound you're looking for. I played a standard Big Muff through a friend's cheap Marshall MG100HDFX half stack, and it sounded incredible. The Big Muff was tight and articulate, and I was playing in a small room with a loud drummer. It didn't get lost in the mix like Muffs usually do. You can pick up an MG100HDFX for cheaper that a lot of "boutique" pedals these days, so it wouldn't be an outrageous investment to try a different amp.
If you're worried people will get all weird about you using a cheap Marshall, just take some acetone and rub off the "MG100" and "Digital FX" printing and break the "ll's" off to make it a "Marsha". Then when people hear it, they'll be fumbling over themselves trying to figure out what Marshall amp you're using!
Music is appreciated by the ears, but too many people try to make it with their eyes.
#15
Open Discussion / Re: Help me hone my pedal chai...
Last post by jessenator - August 28, 2025, 04:32:51 AMmauman's got a solid strategy, I'd definitely start there. Experimentation is fun 
: I've seen some chain order diagrams have: guitar -> tuner, EQ, dynamics, wah, tone (od, fuzz, dist), then modulation, then delay, reverb, etc -> amp.
But then some put the eq after od/dist... so yeah, experiment.
Some fuzz circuits (mostly two and three transistor fuzzes) don't like having anything but first dibs on the guitar, so manage impedance accordingly.
: I've seen some chain order diagrams have: guitar -> tuner, EQ, dynamics, wah, tone (od, fuzz, dist), then modulation, then delay, reverb, etc -> amp.
But then some put the eq after od/dist... so yeah, experiment.
Some fuzz circuits (mostly two and three transistor fuzzes) don't like having anything but first dibs on the guitar, so manage impedance accordingly.
#16
Open Discussion / Re: Let's talk guitar straps
Last post by jwin615 - August 28, 2025, 02:30:44 AMGot inspired and bought another Levys.
3.5 inch Simply Suede.
https://levysleathers.com/collections/leather-guitar-straps/products/simply-suede-series
On sale, only $30 shipped, no tax.(Now $40)
The site reads like only the 3.5 has suede backing...? I only have 3.5 straps(now my third or 4th) so not sure if this is truth or not.
These things are bulletproof and feel great once broken in. Just like a pair of good boots, they kinda conform to the wearer over time. They also drape over the horn nicely when not playing.
I put an old honing rod in the bench vise and ran the shoulder portion over it for a while to smoothe the leather grain down a bit more and just generally exercise it. Very light pressure as to not eat at the stitching. Seemed to add a bit of flex to the new strap.
3.5 inch Simply Suede.
https://levysleathers.com/collections/leather-guitar-straps/products/simply-suede-series
On sale, only $30 shipped, no tax.(Now $40)
The site reads like only the 3.5 has suede backing...? I only have 3.5 straps(now my third or 4th) so not sure if this is truth or not.
These things are bulletproof and feel great once broken in. Just like a pair of good boots, they kinda conform to the wearer over time. They also drape over the horn nicely when not playing.
I put an old honing rod in the bench vise and ran the shoulder portion over it for a while to smoothe the leather grain down a bit more and just generally exercise it. Very light pressure as to not eat at the stitching. Seemed to add a bit of flex to the new strap.
#17
Open Discussion / Re: Help me hone my pedal chai...
Last post by mauman - August 28, 2025, 12:12:18 AMI find that the guitar, the pedals and the amp all interact, and it takes experimenting to find the right combo. And, a pedal that's perfect for a Tele and a Marshall can be absolutely horrible with a Les Paul and a Fender Twin.
I would suggest two things. First, start with one guitar straight into one amp, and set the knobs in a way that sounds good to you.
Then add one pedal, and work with the settings on the pedal without changing either your guitar or amp. If you can find settings that you like, mark them on the pedal or write them down. If you can't, set the pedal aside and move on.
Put another pedal alone between your guitar and amp. Same process. Find the sweet settings, or set it aside. Continue until you've tried all your pedals, one at a time.
Second, work on the sequence. Take your two favorite pedals and find a sequence that works, again without changing your guitar or amp. Make notes. If you can't make them work together, set one aside and try another pair. Once the first two are good, add in another pedal, etc.
If you have other guitars or amps, same process with each one.
This should lead you to (1) a set of pedals that work individually and together, and (2) a sequence that gives you sounds that you like.
You will likely find one or more pedals that just don't sound good with the rest of your setup. Use them with a different guitar/amp, or sell them, or give them away.
I would suggest two things. First, start with one guitar straight into one amp, and set the knobs in a way that sounds good to you.
Then add one pedal, and work with the settings on the pedal without changing either your guitar or amp. If you can find settings that you like, mark them on the pedal or write them down. If you can't, set the pedal aside and move on.
Put another pedal alone between your guitar and amp. Same process. Find the sweet settings, or set it aside. Continue until you've tried all your pedals, one at a time.
Second, work on the sequence. Take your two favorite pedals and find a sequence that works, again without changing your guitar or amp. Make notes. If you can't make them work together, set one aside and try another pair. Once the first two are good, add in another pedal, etc.
If you have other guitars or amps, same process with each one.
This should lead you to (1) a set of pedals that work individually and together, and (2) a sequence that gives you sounds that you like.
You will likely find one or more pedals that just don't sound good with the rest of your setup. Use them with a different guitar/amp, or sell them, or give them away.
#18
Open Discussion / Help me hone my pedal chain…
Last post by greysun - August 27, 2025, 10:39:43 PMHi all!
I am... struggling a touch. Hoping y'all can provide some insight and maybe a direction that works for me.
I have probably 20 madbean builds laying around (some are doubles). I love the way they sound and work, and have even tested them up against their, uhhh... official relatives. ;-) and always find they're the real deal.
Sonically, I always fall in love with fuzz bands - stoner metal, pumpkins, the actual band Fuzz - but I play and write with more open chords and picking than fuzz pedals typically play nice with - bob mould, hey Mercedes, japandroids.
I hear bands like Open Hand or Lo-Pan that are able to find that good sweet spot between sort of a fuzz and distortion that allows for a good powerchord chug AND an open chord with some articulation without sounding too metal or sizzle-y.
I've got a greenbean (tube screamer), several mudbunny iterations (big muffs), slow loris (rat), egghead (Clark gainster), cherry bomb (coloursound overdriver) - as well as a simple clean boost and a 6 band EQ. They're going into a JTM 45 that is so bass-y, I usually just run my bridge pickup into it. (I also have a zombii (fuzz factory) from way back, but I've never been able to figure that thing out fully). Pickups are usually Novak or lollar jazzmaster humbuckers.
The tubescreamer can get me halfway there, but once I crank it up it's not playing nice with the other pedals - the rat is awesome, but extremely sizzle-y and cuts bass. The egghead is great for a low-key overdrive tone when I need it - the big muff is... well, it's a big muff and perhaps too hard to tame.
I don't know - anything anyone's got will help - all part of the process I guess. Perhaps I'm missing something that tames some of the myriad nuances - filters, compression? I dunno... any help is appreciated. :-) Thanks in advance!
I am... struggling a touch. Hoping y'all can provide some insight and maybe a direction that works for me.
I have probably 20 madbean builds laying around (some are doubles). I love the way they sound and work, and have even tested them up against their, uhhh... official relatives. ;-) and always find they're the real deal.
Sonically, I always fall in love with fuzz bands - stoner metal, pumpkins, the actual band Fuzz - but I play and write with more open chords and picking than fuzz pedals typically play nice with - bob mould, hey Mercedes, japandroids.
I hear bands like Open Hand or Lo-Pan that are able to find that good sweet spot between sort of a fuzz and distortion that allows for a good powerchord chug AND an open chord with some articulation without sounding too metal or sizzle-y.
I've got a greenbean (tube screamer), several mudbunny iterations (big muffs), slow loris (rat), egghead (Clark gainster), cherry bomb (coloursound overdriver) - as well as a simple clean boost and a 6 band EQ. They're going into a JTM 45 that is so bass-y, I usually just run my bridge pickup into it. (I also have a zombii (fuzz factory) from way back, but I've never been able to figure that thing out fully). Pickups are usually Novak or lollar jazzmaster humbuckers.
The tubescreamer can get me halfway there, but once I crank it up it's not playing nice with the other pedals - the rat is awesome, but extremely sizzle-y and cuts bass. The egghead is great for a low-key overdrive tone when I need it - the big muff is... well, it's a big muff and perhaps too hard to tame.
I don't know - anything anyone's got will help - all part of the process I guess. Perhaps I'm missing something that tames some of the myriad nuances - filters, compression? I dunno... any help is appreciated. :-) Thanks in advance!
#19
Open Discussion / Re: Let's talk guitar straps
Last post by greysun - August 27, 2025, 10:22:31 PMI thought for the longest time that I would hate them, but I got a souldier strap for Xmas one year and then just bought one for each of my guitars - it's car seatbelt material that's embellished a bit - really smooth, hasn't frayed on me, and it's nice and long. Could never deal with a pad cause it would bunch up my clothes, leather straps did the same thing, and the traditional cheap and rough nylon of many other brands wasn't cutting it. It's definitely a preference, but the souldier material is great and smooth.
#20
VFE Projects / Re: VFE Projects FAQ
Last post by bricksnchips0001 - August 27, 2025, 05:31:51 AMQuote from: madbean on December 19, 2024, 02:41:47 PMQuote from: bricksnchips0001 on December 19, 2024, 05:43:11 AMAwesome site,
When would the next batch of Choral Reef be released?
Cheers
I just got the SPS version in a few days ago. But, I need to build it up and create new docs for it. Don't have a date but pretty soon.
Hello again,
I hope everything is well. I haven't checked in a while. Am I too late for the next Choral Reef batch?
Thanks,