DIY Guitar Effects Using Pedals

The capacitors on the circuit board influence the sound of your pedal.

You can modify your own pedals to make some really interesting do-it-yourself guitar effects. Modifying the circuit board or adding certain components, such as oscillators, can create unique sounds that nobody else has. It's also a great way to save money on boutique or rare sounds. It's common for professional recording artists to modify their pedals for a unique sound. Dean DeLeo from the band Stone Temple Pilots uses a modified Cry Baby "wah" pedal. Pedal modifications range in complexity from simple tube upgrades to complete circuit-board changes.

Things You'll Need

• Capacitors
• Op amp chip
• Printed circuit board
• Wiring schematic
• Soldering iron
• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Plan your DIY guitar effects project. Decide what type of sound you want and examine ways to achieve this using your own guitar pedals. Make a distortion pedal by changing the op-amp chip or capacitor values of your overdrive pedal. Make a DIY chorus and distortion pedal by adding a chorus circuit board to a tube-powered pedal. Compare the schematics from pedals that create the effect you want and select the most simple.

2. Source your parts. You can order guitar-effects parts, including circuit boards, online. The 'Build Your Own Clone' website has a wide range of different parts. They also complete kits. It's smart to get some spare wire and scrap metal. Use this to practice soldering before you begin your project.

3. Inspect your parts. Check for cracks to the circuit board and bent pins in the capacitors. Even light damage to the components can cause your entire project to fail. Discard and replace any damaged parts.

4. Strip out your pedal. Unscrew the front panel and melt the solder connection of any part you want to remove. For example, if you are replacing the op-amp chip of a Boss overdrive pedal, use a pair of pliers to carefully lift it out of the circuit board. Consult your wiring schematic to determine exactly which parts you need to remove. This will vary depending on the type of pedal you are using and the modification that you are performing. In most cases, leave the input jack, output jack and power supply in tact. Modifications very rarely call for changes to these parts.

5. Install your new parts. If you are upgrading an entire circuit, melt the solder connections and unscrew it. Then install the new board. If you are increasing the capacitor values of an overdrive pedal to increase gain, remove the existing capacitor by unplugging it from the board. Plug in the new one.

6. Test the pedal. Plug in your guitar and turn the pedal on. Listen for any hiss or crackling, which can be a result of loose wiring. If you are happy with the results, screw on the front panel of the pedal. If you aren't happy with the results, ensure that you've followed the wiring schematic correctly and that all connections are firm.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a perfboard to test your circuit before wiring it in.

• Be careful not to leave solder blobs on the circuit board.

References

• Guitar Fix Depo: Dean DeLeo Guitar Rig
• Musique: Guitar Effect Schematics
• Shredaholic: Phase 90
• Analog Man: Boss OD 1

Resources

• Analog Man: TS9
• Build Your Own Clone: FX Fits