Post-Lockdown pedal building

NelsonP · November 2021

Does anyone know how to correctly bias a silicon tonebender mk2? I've seen values for Q3 from 4.5v - 8v on the internet, so not sure what's right.

Tips needed please.

stickyfiddle · November 2021

NelsonP said:

Does anyone know how to correctly bias a silicon tonebender mk2? I've seen values for Q3 from 4.5v - 8v on the internet, so not sure what's right.

Tips needed please.

Personally; set it to minimum, play the guitar, turn it a bit, play a bit turn it a bit, play it a bit etc etc until it sounds & feels good

Cookiemonster · November 2021

It's anNelsonP said:

Does anyone know how to correctly bias a silicon tonebender mk2? I've seen values for Q3 from 4.5v - 8v on the internet, so not sure what's right.

Tips needed please.

Interesting question. Ask on jeds peds page on Facebook. I am sure some will have made this one.
I remember from another site I was told 8.5.

But it was a different kit.

Biasing

Part of the characteristic sound of the Tone Bender Mk II is the uneven bias. Many people assume that -4.5v

is the target bias point, as in a Fuzz Face, but vintage TB units actually have biases at around -8.5V on the

collector. It seems strange, but if it sounds good, I don’t question it!

The Deimos Fuzz project is set up to allow for easy biasing of the Q2 and Q3 transistors via trim pots

without having to swap out resistors. One thing to keep in mind is that the Q2 bias trimmer actually adjusts the

bias of Q3 as well, while the Q3 pot only adjusts Q3. So, always bias Q2 first and then only use Q3’s bias

adjustment if you need to. The Q2 trimmer is going to be far more useful.

As a starting point, set the Q3 bias trimmer to around 75% rotation (approximately 8.2k total resistance

when combined with R6). Turn the Q2 bias trimmer all the way down. Then, with a multimeter, touch the black

(common) lead to ground and touch the red lead to the far-right leg of Q2. You’re looking for something near

these voltages.

Q1: Collector -8.5v, Base -0.05v, Emitter 0v

Q2: Collector -0.15v, Base -0.07v, Emitter 0v

Q3: Collector -8.5v, Base -0.15v, Emitter -0.1v

Since Q2’s voltages are so low, it’s best to test Q3’s collector as you adjust the Q2 trimmer and stop when

Q3 is where you want it. The Q3 bias trimmer

NelsonP · November 2021

Cookiemonster said:

It's anNelsonP said:

Does anyone know how to correctly bias a silicon tonebender mk2? I've seen values for Q3 from 4.5v - 8v on the internet, so not sure what's right.

Tips needed please.

Interesting question. Ask on jeds peds page on Facebook. I am sure some will have made this one.
I remember from another site I was told 8.5.

But it was a different kit.

Biasing
Part of the characteristic sound of the Tone Bender Mk II is the uneven bias. Many people assume that -4.5v
is the target bias point, as in a Fuzz Face, but vintage TB units actually have biases at around -8.5V on the
collector. It seems strange, but if it sounds good, I don’t question it!
The Deimos Fuzz project is set up to allow for easy biasing of the Q2 and Q3 transistors via trim pots
without having to swap out resistors. One thing to keep in mind is that the Q2 bias trimmer actually adjusts the
bias of Q3 as well, while the Q3 pot only adjusts Q3. So, always bias Q2 first and then only use Q3’s bias
adjustment if you need to. The Q2 trimmer is going to be far more useful.
As a starting point, set the Q3 bias trimmer to around 75% rotation (approximately 8.2k total resistance
when combined with R6). Turn the Q2 bias trimmer all the way down. Then, with a multimeter, touch the black
(common) lead to ground and touch the red lead to the far-right leg of Q2. You’re looking for something near
these voltages.
Q1: Collector -8.5v, Base -0.05v, Emitter 0v
Q2: Collector -0.15v, Base -0.07v, Emitter 0v
Q3: Collector -8.5v, Base -0.15v, Emitter -0.1v
Since Q2’s voltages are so low, it’s best to test Q3’s collector as you adjust the Q2 trimmer and stop when
Q3 is where you want it. The Q3 bias trimmer

Thanks, useful info. I think it sounds better at higher voltage, especially on the tail as the note fades, so this makes sense.

Not on Facebook unfortunately

english_bob · November 2021

NelsonP said:

Cookiemonster said:

It's anNelsonP said:

Does anyone know how to correctly bias a silicon tonebender mk2? I've seen values for Q3 from 4.5v - 8v on the internet, so not sure what's right.

Tips needed please.

Interesting question. Ask on jeds peds page on Facebook. I am sure some will have made this one.
I remember from another site I was told 8.5.

But it was a different kit.

Biasing
Part of the characteristic sound of the Tone Bender Mk II is the uneven bias. Many people assume that -4.5v
is the target bias point, as in a Fuzz Face, but vintage TB units actually have biases at around -8.5V on the
collector. It seems strange, but if it sounds good, I don’t question it!
The Deimos Fuzz project is set up to allow for easy biasing of the Q2 and Q3 transistors via trim pots
without having to swap out resistors. One thing to keep in mind is that the Q2 bias trimmer actually adjusts the
bias of Q3 as well, while the Q3 pot only adjusts Q3. So, always bias Q2 first and then only use Q3’s bias
adjustment if you need to. The Q2 trimmer is going to be far more useful.
As a starting point, set the Q3 bias trimmer to around 75% rotation (approximately 8.2k total resistance
when combined with R6). Turn the Q2 bias trimmer all the way down. Then, with a multimeter, touch the black
(common) lead to ground and touch the red lead to the far-right leg of Q2. You’re looking for something near
these voltages.
Q1: Collector -8.5v, Base -0.05v, Emitter 0v
Q2: Collector -0.15v, Base -0.07v, Emitter 0v
Q3: Collector -8.5v, Base -0.15v, Emitter -0.1v
Since Q2’s voltages are so low, it’s best to test Q3’s collector as you adjust the Q2 trimmer and stop when
Q3 is where you want it. The Q3 bias trimmer

Thanks, useful info. I think it sounds better at higher voltage, especially on the tail as the note fades, so this makes sense.

Not on Facebook unfortunately

The one complaint I had about the Jeds Peds kit I made was that the instruction booklet that came in it wasn't quite as clear as the Build Your Own Clone ones I've used in the past. You do have to read all the elementary electronics stuff to be sure you don't miss important practical details for the build.

The instructions for the Tonebender do say that 4.5v is the "correct" voltage, at least as a starting point, but I think you're right in following your ears rather than your multimeter.

UnclePsychosis · November 2021

A few pages ago I posted some pics of the Dinosaural Tube Bender I built - am upgrading my opinion of it from "I like it" to "I love it".

I don't know how to properly describe the sound but it's a proper chunky, fuzzy delight. More people need to try one.

roberty · November 2021

UnclePsychosis said:

A few pages ago I posted some pics of the Dinosaural Tube Bender I built - am upgrading my opinion of it from "I like it" to "I love it".

I don't know how to properly describe the sound but it's a proper chunky, fuzzy delight. More people need to try one.

Sounds like my kind of fuzz. Does it play well with buffers?

UnclePsychosis · November 2021

roberty said:

UnclePsychosis said:

A few pages ago I posted some pics of the Dinosaural Tube Bender I built - am upgrading my opinion of it from "I like it" to "I love it".

I don't know how to properly describe the sound but it's a proper chunky, fuzzy delight. More people need to try one.

Sounds like my kind of fuzz. Does it play well with buffers?

Its not strictly a fuzz - it's kind of a cross between a Tubescreamer and a Fuzz.

I've got mine after a booster and a boss tuner and it seems fine - but I don't really do the whole "roll off the volume to clean up" thing so can't comment on that.

roberty · November 2021

UnclePsychosis said:

roberty said:

UnclePsychosis said:

A few pages ago I posted some pics of the Dinosaural Tube Bender I built - am upgrading my opinion of it from "I like it" to "I love it".

I don't know how to properly describe the sound but it's a proper chunky, fuzzy delight. More people need to try one.

Sounds like my kind of fuzz. Does it play well with buffers?

Its not strictly a fuzz - it's kind of a cross between a Tubescreamer and a Fuzz.

I've got mine after a booster and a boss tuner and it seems fine - but I don't really do the whole "roll off the volume to clean up" thing so can't comment on that.

Cool as long as it doesn't go thin and weedy after a buffer. I will look into it thx

UnclePsychosis · November 2021

Boxing this up just about destroyed my sense of mental well being but it was worth it. By far the most complex build that I've done - a Walrus Julia built on a pedalpcb board.

roberty · November 2021

@UnclePsychosis I had a similar experience boxing up my pedal PCB fortin zuul clone. It nearly broke me

UnclePsychosis · November 2021

Another pedalpcb build finished tonight.

This one is a Magnetron delay, with a feedback mod so that you can make it oscillate on demand.

Not had a proper play yet but it seems to be working - think there might be something off with the modulation LED but that's tomorrow's job. I don't really want to take it apart either...

Cookiemonster · November 2021

UnclePsychosis said:

Another pedalpcb build finished tonight.

This one is a Magnetron delay, with a feedback mod so that you can make it oscillate on demand.

Not had a proper play yet but it seems to be working - think there might be something off with the modulation LED but that's tomorrow's job. I don't really want to take it apart either...

Looks great !

Cookiemonster · November 2021

UnclePsychosis said:

Another pedalpcb build finished tonight.

This one is a Magnetron delay, with a feedback mod so that you can make it oscillate on demand.

Not had a proper play yet but it seems to be working - think there might be something off with the modulation LED but that's tomorrow's job. I don't really want to take it apart either...

How much is it to buy the pedal PCB ones, do you get them from America or do you use the German site (music something or other)

UnclePsychosis · November 2021

I bought kits from musikding and the enclosures from Tayda.

I suspect you could do it a (lot) cheaper than that but I'm still not confident enough in buying the parts so I'm sticking with kits and getting someone else to finish the enclosures!

stickyfiddle · November 2021

These do look great. Given I've done pretty much all the fuzzdogs I want I must go have a look.

My last Musikding kit was a fuzz factory in about 2009 that went horribly wrong and put me off!

Deft · November 2021

Cookiemonster said:

How much is it to buy the pedal PCB ones, do you get them from America or do you use the German site (music something or other)

Anecdotally I've had a PedalPCB order get through (last month) from US without any extra charges. Postage was about $15, my theory is no one bothered to check because it was just an envelope. Just had another punt with their black friday discount - fully expecting to get stung now I've said this though!

The Magnetron is great - usually hold off building more complicated modulation stuff but this is now one of my favourite pedals (self build or otherwise)

Cookiemonster · November 2021

I get all the parts from Tayda or Bitsbox and just buy PCBs. It's fun then as with parts left over you can build things on vero

chromatuna · December 2021

My latest creation is a Fuzz Dog Bluesbreaker which absolutely love, this seems to be the OD sound I have had in my heard rather than the many other types I have tried (most every thing except Nobels). I used the supplied 22n caps for the tone section for more low end and the 330k for a touch more drive. Two blue (of course) LEDs as I was reusing a box that used to have a switch. Heartily recommend this kit.

Next up is the finished version of something I have shared before, my Swamp Thang and Magna Vibes in one box (both Jeds Peds). Love this one too. Finishing is not my strong point, the Hammerite I used was rather old but that’s a minor consideration really.

Cookiemonster · December 2021

https://i.imgur.com/nfySlll.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/LmNoiX4.jpeg

Here we go....so I was sent the Fender Blender Shell. No circuit inside or pots etc.

I built a Sunface on Vero ( actually to get it right I built three, all sounded good, but this one I modded a lot)

I then built a Micro amp on a Otalgia pcb board.

Wired it all up and it works very well. Super smooth fuzz with great clean up. But if you turn the sundial all the way up it's a slightly gated spitty fuzz as well.

First photo is from when I was putting it all together, second is the finished pedal

The micro amp and fuzz together are stunning.

Plus if you dime the volume on the fuzz down but max the boost it becomes a rock machine.

@paulnb57 ;;;;;;; I hope you like it

Cookiemonster · December 2021

New Fuzz Build into a Fender Blender case, modded Sun Face into a Modded Micro Boost

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CXHURORrToT/?utm_medium=share_sheet

andy_k · December 2021

Neat as.

Cookiemonster · December 2021

andy_k said:

Neat as.

Thank you

UnclePsychosis · December 2021

Fuzzdog Creme Fluff finally finished last night.

Cookiemonster · December 2021

UnclePsychosis said:

Fuzzdog Creme Fluff finally finished last night.

Looks fantastic that. Nice colour as well

UnclePsychosis · December 2021

Ta. Was my second attempt at an enclosure. First one I tried to do top jacks and totally ballsed up the measurements!

Working from home today so will give it a blast at lunchtime and check it actually works!

UnclePsychosis · December 2021

Wow.

Turns out the Creme Puff is the Muff-a-like that's better than any muff I've ever tried. It's got way more bottom end, the fuzz goes from "mental to actually quite a lot less than mental" instead of "mental to more mental" like a Muff does and the tone control is really effective.

I've only played it for twenty minutes but I had a shit-eating huge grin the entire time.

Build yourselves one chaps!

stickyfiddle · December 2021

Frantone clone, right? I'm not a big muff guy, but I must admit this sounds a lot of fun, at least for home

Cookiemonster · December 2021

UnclePsychosis said:

Wow.

Turns out the Creme Puff is the Muff-a-like that's better than any muff I've ever tried. It's got way more bottom end, the fuzz goes from "mental to actually quite a lot less than mental" instead of "mental to more mental" like a Muff does and the tone control is really effective.

I've only played it for twenty minutes but I had a shit-eating huge grin the entire time.

Build yourselves one chaps!

Wow. That's now on my list for sure.

UnclePsychosis · December 2021

Yeah it's a Frantone pedal. Originals are mostly Unobtanium now I think.

Interestingly I don't think the circuit is that similar to a muff, but to my ears that's what it sounds like, only more betterer.

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Post-Lockdown pedal building

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