Query failed: connection to localhost:9312 failed (errno=111, msg=Connection refused). how much knowledge will I need? - Making & Modding Discussions on The Fretboard
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UNPLANNED DOWNTIME: 12th Oct 23:45

how much knowledge will I need?

Paul_CPaul_C Frets: 7086
in Making & Modding
. . to get involved in making and/or modding pedals.

I can follow instructions and have modded before (a CS-3 IIRC) and made myself some switches in a box, but that's as far as I've gone - I'd prefer to understand what it is I'm doing but if it needs two years learning electronics in depth I doubt I'll currently have the time. ;)

So any recommended sites ?




"I'll probably be in the bins at Newport Pagnell services."  fretmeister
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Comments

  • randomhandclapsrandomhandclaps Frets: 20521
    edited September 2013

    Totally depends of what you ultimately want to achieve. 

    The are plenty of kits and resources (as well a makers) that have an almost paint by numbers approach of 'solder this component here' etc and bingo you have yourself a pedal.  No previous electronic knowledge even required, just reasonable soldering skills.  You can take this one step further and start a company, call yourself something like say Luvepadel and spend more time convincing people than water is wine rather than creating your own new ideas.

    Alternatively if you are looking to develop effects then it pays to know what is going on within the circuit.  One of the simplest things to do is print off a schematic for and common build i.e. Tubescreamer, Fuzz Face... and then break down what each bit is doing.  RG Kean has a great guide to the Fuzz Face and Tubescreamer if you do a quick search.

    http://www.geofex.com/article_folders/tstech/tsxtech.htm

    http://www.geofex.com/article_folders/tstech/tsxtech.htm

    The Fretboard.co.uk is also a great site full of cool and knowledgeable folks who are usually willing to help.

    ;)
    My muse is not a horse and art is not a race.
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  • NervousJohnNervousJohn Frets: 189
    Freestompboxes.org is also good, vast amounts of knowledge on there, mainly in the dissection of effect pedals. But join up and go into the members library section for tons of good info.


    Also for a learning project fuzz faces are about as simple as you can get. Two transistors and a handful of components. And because I'm an Electronics Engineer, I'd be failing in my duty if I didn't recommend "the Art of Electronics" by Horowitz and Hill. It's the bible of analog circuit design.
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  • TimmyOTimmyO Frets: 6976
    You can definitely pick up lots of knowledge by reading around the subject while you do painting-by-numbers mods and builds.

    I'd add the Beavis Audio sites and articles to any learning material.
    "Congratulations on being officially the most right anyone has ever been about anything, ever." -- Noisepolluter knows the score
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  • equalsqlequalsql Frets: 5849

    Bitsbox is a very good place to start..

    They have preselected component kits for some of the popular clones detailed on sites like http://tagboardeffects.blogspot.co.uk

    See: 
    http://www.bitsbox.co.uk/pa/FXKitIndex.html

    All you need to buy extra are the jack-sockets, metal-box and pot-knobs.
    You can get your solder, vero-cutter etc from there and the prices are excellent and  delivery is next day. I'm not affiliated with the company, just have always been impressed with their service.

    (pronounced: equal-sequel)   "I suffered for my art.. now it's your turn"
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