Homemade Distortion Pedals
Guitar distortion was originally achieved by sending an over-amplified signal to another amplifier. The volume and tone of the distorted or "hot" signal was then controlled from the second guitar amplifier. Eventually distortion effects units, which amplified and distorted the signal from a small portable device, replaced the two amplifier scenario. While a variety of distortion units are available from retailers and manufacturers, you can cheaply build your own and create unique sounds.
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Instructions
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Purchase or download a distortion pedal circuit schematic from an Internet resource. The schematic is your guide to the construction of the distortion pedal. If you have no experience reading circuit schematics then there are various resources explaining what the symbols mean.
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Using your circuit schematic as a parts list, purchase the electrical components represented in your schematic as well as a blank circuit board. Purchase the electrical components in an electronics store or from Internet retailers such as Centerpointe Electronics, Digi-Key Corp or All Electronics Corp.
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Insert your components into your circuit board, bending the connectors to keep the components in place. Orient the components as displayed in your circuit schematic.
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Solder your components into place by heating the connectors with the tip of your 25-watt soldering iron at the joint of the circuit board and the connector for one to two seconds. Once the component connector is heated, feed a small amount of your rosin core solder between the head of your soldering iron and the joint. Repeat this process for all component joints.
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Use the wiring pencil to draw the connections between components directly onto your circuit board as represented in your schematic. A wiring pencil works similarly to a soldering iron, drawing a thin strip of conductive copper directly to your circuit board.
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Enclose your distortion pedal's exposed electronic components in a project box -- an insulated metal box made to house small electronics projects. Keep attenuators, or dials, and switches outside of the enclosure. Project boxes are available from electronics retailers or Internet retailers.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a simple schematic, as a simple schematic allows for more creativity.
If you have trouble reading your circuit schematic, redraw the schematic with pictures of your components in place of their symbols.
For more distortion, try increasing resistance by upgrading your resistors.
Name your pedal something unique and put that name on the project box.
Always work in a clean and well-ventilated area as soldering can produce toxic fumes.
Always wear protective eye wear when working with solder.
Always clean your soldering iron before using it, as any residue can result in uneven heating and thus poor connections.
Use care when working with and testing schematics which require DC power or any live electrical current.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit electric guitar body image by Jeffrey Zalesny from Fotolia.com
