A Versus B Potentiometers (And When To Use Them)
August 16, 2024One potentiometer isn’t the same as another, if they were, why would some be marked with an A and others be marked with a B (and why would others have a different letter on them)? Like so many things to do with electronic components, the A and the B is a simple shorthand to say […]
The Difference Between SPDT, DPDT, And 3PDT Switches And How To Use Them
August 13, 2024Let’s talk switches. I was looking through the stats for this website, and one of my most popular articles is on how to wire a 3PDT, so I’ve decided to write more switch related content. My article on the 3PDT/how to wire guitar pedal footswitches talks a little bit about other types of switch, mainly […]
How Do Guitar Pedals Work?
August 6, 2024If you’re a guitarist, you’ve probably used (or at least come across) a number of pedals. But effects pedals aren’t just used for guitars. They’re often used with other instruments. Guitar pedals are often built to work well with guitars, but they can be used with other instruments. Other more general effects pedals may be useful […]
Lovepedal Champ On Stripboard
August 2, 2024https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7p2gMxmzsjQ It’s been awhile since I’ve built anything,so it was nice to get back into my workshop and build this awesome little pedal: the Champ by Lovepedal. There’s quite a few pedals I want to build (or build again to give to friends), but I’ve been working my way through my list of easy to […]
Is It Expensive To Make Your Own Guitar Pedals?
July 25, 2024If you’re looking to get into making DIY guitar pedals, you’re probably wondering if it’s an expensive hobby. After all, guitar pedals made by major manufacturers can be 100’s of dollars, with pedals made by boutique builders can be even more… The short answer is no, making your own guitar pedals isn’t that expensive, especially when […]
What Is Transistor hFE?
July 23, 2024Transistors are used a lot in guitar pedals. Sometimes they’re used for a general signal boost to create a clean boost pedal like a ZVEX Super Hard On, sometimes they’re used as building block as part of a larger pedal design, and sometimes they’re used to create awesome fuzz pedals. All in all, transistors are […]
What’s The Difference Between Symmetrical And Asymmetrical Clipping?
July 17, 2024When it comes to clipping sound signals, typically in guitar pedals, you’ll often hear about symmetrical and asymmetrical clipping. Although clipping guitar signals (and any audio signal for that matter) can be done through a variety of ways, when talking about symmetrical and asymmetrical clipping, people are specifically talking about clipping diodes in guitar pedals. […]
How To Use A Distortion Or Overdrive Pedal
July 12, 2024If you want to add a little more oomph to your sound, it’s common to use an overdrive or distortion pedal. The two affects have similarities, but there is a difference between overdrive and distortion. Overdrive and distortion are kind of the core guitar effects; if you ask what are guitar pedal does, OD and […]
What Is True Bypass In Guitar Pedals?
July 11, 2024Whether you’re looking to learn how to build guitar pedals or just into guitar pedals in general, you’ve probably heard the term “true bypass.” While it’s somewhat obvious what the term true bypass implies, personally, I was 100% certain what it was and wanted to better understand what it is. Also, if there’s a true […]
What’s The Difference Between Overdrive, Distortion, And Fuzz?
July 9, 2024Whether you’re just getting started with guitar effects pedals or already have a collection (whether you’re building them or buying them), you’ve probably heard of overdrive, distortion, and fuzz. Maye you’ve heard these terms used interchangeably or heard they’re similar, but you don’t really know the difference. Gear heads could probably go on and on […]
