DIY Stompbox Schematics
A stompbox, or effects pedal, is an electronic box used to change the sound of a musical instrument, usually an electric guitar. Stompboxes are so named because they are pedals controlled by the musician's foot. The boxes are powered by AC current or a 9-volt battery. Stompboxes can be purchased or put together from parts. Different schematics are used to make boxes producing a wide range of sounds. Many musicians will have their own signature stompbox sound.
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Things You'll Need
- Schematics
- PC board
- Trimpots
- Capacitors
- Resistors
- Linear Pots
- Soldering iron
- De-soldering iron
- Solder
- Tweezers
Instructions
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Find schematics for the type of sound you want to create. There are hundreds of available schematics and sounds. Start with a simpler schematic and work your way up to the more difficult boxes when you become familiar with the building process.
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Assemble the parts for your box. Schematics will include a list of the needed pieces. If you are going to build many boxes, you can buy bulk assortments of capacitors, resistors and PC boards, as all the schematics will require them in different quantities and voltages.
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Solder the capacitors, transistors and other pieces to the board based on the plans you are using. To solder, heat the soldering iron. Place a small piece of solder where you will be affixing the part. Use a light touch to melt the solder. Place the part on the board using tweezers. Vacuum any excess solder from the area using a separate tool, or purchase an all-in-one soldering/de-soldering iron.
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References
Resources
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