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#11
Build Reports / Re: Original Gaspedals Dumbbel...
Last post by lars - October 05, 2026, 10:22:36 PMJust comparing the schematics, it looks like the original one knob version would have slightly more distortion when the boost switch is kicked in because the op amp gain resistor is set at 510K. The max total gain resistance is 400K on the newer 3 knob.
The biggest difference would be the op amp itself. The original one knob Dumbbell used the 1458, which is basically just a dual 741. The three knob version uses a HiFi NE5532.
I think for overdriven guitar tones, the NE5532 is not exactly in it's wheelhouse. The 741 is used in awesome-sounding classic overdrives like the grey DOD250 and original MXR Distortion+. So in this application, I think the 1458 is the superior op amp, but to each his own.
The biggest difference would be the op amp itself. The original one knob Dumbbell used the 1458, which is basically just a dual 741. The three knob version uses a HiFi NE5532.
I think for overdriven guitar tones, the NE5532 is not exactly in it's wheelhouse. The 741 is used in awesome-sounding classic overdrives like the grey DOD250 and original MXR Distortion+. So in this application, I think the 1458 is the superior op amp, but to each his own.
#12
Build Reports / Re: Original Gaspedals Dumbbel...
Last post by jessenator - October 05, 2026, 04:57:15 AMI know I've already spammed this thread, but I'm curious how the original compares component wise to the two knob version. Robert did a trace of that version, called the Counterweight. Here's the schematic of that one. I'm planning on working up drawing up a schematic of the vero layout of I've got time, but wondered if you had thoughts.
#13
Build Reports / Re: Electric Mistress Pedal Fl...
Last post by JasonWickersham - October 04, 2026, 11:30:06 PMThis is pretty dang cool.
Well done!
Well done!
#14
Build Reports / Re: Electric Mistress Pedal Fl...
Last post by NorthCoast - October 03, 2026, 07:12:00 PMVery nice. There's some ninja-level stuff there.
#15
Build Reports / Re: Electric Mistress Pedal Fl...
Last post by jessenator - October 03, 2026, 12:03:03 AMThat's super slick in that wah/vol enclosure. Nicely done.
#16
Build Reports / Re: Electric Mistress Pedal Fl...
Last post by jwin615 - October 02, 2026, 11:27:47 PMNice! 
#17
Build Reports / Electric Mistress Pedal Flange...
Last post by lars - October 02, 2026, 07:37:49 PMThis is an Electric Mistress that I housed in a Dunlop High Gain volume pedal, so that I can have foot control of the range, especially in filter matrix mode. It's a very unique experience to play while being able to control the flange sweep. It's like I have my thumb, err, foot on the tape reel.
I decided to use a Reticon RD5106, so it was kind of a bear to mod, but well worth the effort.
The bias was difficult to dial in with a 100K pot, so I created a custom bias pot out of a 20K pot with two 39K resistors on each end. This gave me a much smaller sweep to really dial it in.
As everybody knows, the original Electric Mistress has a volume drop when engaged. The best approach I've found to address this is to take advantage of the first op amp stage which is just sitting there amplifying nothing. I stole a page from the 1999 Deluxe Electric Mistress reissue which adds two resistors and a 1uf cap to ground in order to actually boost the clean signal. I ended up having to change the 10K value all the way down to 2.4K to really get rid of any volume drop. This really helps to keep the noise level down compared to tacking a boost circuit to the end, which amplifies everything, including the BBD noise.
All in all, a very cool effect that can do the "Andy Summers" shimmer chorus sound very well. And it's great that it's a flanger in disguise!
I decided to use a Reticon RD5106, so it was kind of a bear to mod, but well worth the effort.
The bias was difficult to dial in with a 100K pot, so I created a custom bias pot out of a 20K pot with two 39K resistors on each end. This gave me a much smaller sweep to really dial it in.
As everybody knows, the original Electric Mistress has a volume drop when engaged. The best approach I've found to address this is to take advantage of the first op amp stage which is just sitting there amplifying nothing. I stole a page from the 1999 Deluxe Electric Mistress reissue which adds two resistors and a 1uf cap to ground in order to actually boost the clean signal. I ended up having to change the 10K value all the way down to 2.4K to really get rid of any volume drop. This really helps to keep the noise level down compared to tacking a boost circuit to the end, which amplifies everything, including the BBD noise.
All in all, a very cool effect that can do the "Andy Summers" shimmer chorus sound very well. And it's great that it's a flanger in disguise!
#18
VFE Projects / Re: Springboard parts question
Last post by NorthCoast - October 02, 2026, 05:46:44 PMQuote from: greysun on October 02, 2026, 12:51:42 PM- The parts list mentions a 150uf cap, but there's a small disclaimer in the BOM notes that 47u (which I have a decent amount of) would be fine. I just want to verify this is true before I scour mouser. I have a ton of 100u, as well.
That capacitor is there to smooth out and stabilize the +5v power connection between the voltage regulator and the brick. The value is not crucial, 47u, 100u, or 150u would all work fine. I'm guessing that the suggestion of 47u is due to the physical size of the component and the available space on the board.
Quote from: greysun on October 02, 2026, 12:51:42 PM- (this is the really dumb question, cause it feels very obvious, but I have to ask) I have 18v Zeners, but it looks like this VFE project asks for 16v - being less familiar with Zeners than I like to admit, I assume I can't sub an 18v here?
Yeah, I didn't look closely, but the build doc says 'for over-voltage protection', so I'd stick with 16v. There's probably something else in the circuit that can't handle more than 16v.
#19
VFE Projects / Springboard parts question
Last post by greysun - October 02, 2026, 12:51:42 PMHi everyone! Just ordered a Springboard PCB and looking forward to messing with that.
I have most of the parts on hand and just need a few odds and ends, which is where my questions start. I'm hoping to get a one-stop shop sort of thing happening here, but it's looking unlikely UNLESS the following questions can get a little clarity...
- The parts list mentions a 150uf cap, but there's a small disclaimer in the BOM notes that 47u (which I have a decent amount of) would be fine. I just want to verify this is true before I scour mouser. I have a ton of 100u, as well.
- (this is the really dumb question, cause it feels very obvious, but I have to ask) I have 18v Zeners, but it looks like this VFE project asks for 16v - being less familiar with Zeners than I like to admit, I assume I can't sub an 18v here?
I'm throwing this into a 125b, so spacial issues shouldn't affect the build, and I've built a couple VFE boards before so I know some of the quirks there, but any advice for this one going in?
Thanks in advance! This place is the best!
I have most of the parts on hand and just need a few odds and ends, which is where my questions start. I'm hoping to get a one-stop shop sort of thing happening here, but it's looking unlikely UNLESS the following questions can get a little clarity...
- The parts list mentions a 150uf cap, but there's a small disclaimer in the BOM notes that 47u (which I have a decent amount of) would be fine. I just want to verify this is true before I scour mouser. I have a ton of 100u, as well.
- (this is the really dumb question, cause it feels very obvious, but I have to ask) I have 18v Zeners, but it looks like this VFE project asks for 16v - being less familiar with Zeners than I like to admit, I assume I can't sub an 18v here?
I'm throwing this into a 125b, so spacial issues shouldn't affect the build, and I've built a couple VFE boards before so I know some of the quirks there, but any advice for this one going in?
Thanks in advance! This place is the best!
#20
General Questions / Re: Windbag and Springboard re...
Last post by greysun - October 02, 2026, 12:38:16 PMQuote from: jwin615 on October 01, 2026, 12:42:13 PMYou may need to alternate the orientation of them. take your time and consider the clearance for the adjacent components. There's also resistor kits on Ali that run pretty cheap.
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mL7tbuB
I think I'm gonna do the springboard and see how that goes - just ordered the board and I have most of the other parts on-hand (I truly do whatever I can to avoid ordering extra parts - city boy here with city storage; e.g. full storage, hehe).
Thank you to those who replied, btw - very helpful! like I said, I've angled or vertical oriented a part here or there, but never an entire board. The Boss example is a good one (or is it? depending on your opinion of boss pedals, hehe), so thank you all for the tips. :-) This is why I keep coming back to this forum!