New to DIY

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Hello all,

I've been interested in building my own DIY effects pedals for a while now. I've never done so before and was hoping somebody could point me in the right direction. I'm looking at starting with a fuzz pedal of some kind and would be looking for something that comes with some detailed instructions since this would be my first kit. I've done some soldering before (putting a new jack in to my guitar and doing some work to a key fob for my car) and feel like I do a pretty decent job of it. While this will be my first build I'm looking for something that will sound good as well. I'm looking to get a tone similar to bands like Kyuss or The Melvins (I know there's a lot more that goes in to their tone than just a fuzz pedal, but I'd like something to get me headed in that direction).

My first thought was the Tonefiend kit that is available at Mammoth Electronics that covers the first 3 DIY projects (Bad-Ass Distortion, Bulk Fuzz and Booster+Buffer). Would this be a good place to start due to the instructions that come along with it or would it be best to start with something different to get what I'm looking for? This kit appeals to me because it seems to be pretty affordable for what you get out of it but the pages on Mammoth don't go in to much detail as far as what is included in the kits. Am I right to assume that I would need a separate boxing kit and breadboard rig and supplies kit for each pedal? If so this doesn't seem as appealing as it did at first.

I'm hoping to come in around $60 for what I'm looking for and would appreciate any help anybody might be able to give me.

Thank you!

[Mike]

Hi there.

The Mammoth kit appears to me to be a breadboard kit. It says you can "audition" three effects. To me, that reads as, "with this collection of parts, you can make three different circuits, one at a time, on your breadboard." There is probably some overlap, so if all three effects call for exactly one 10k resistor, I bet you would get just one 10k resistor total. If you bought the parts kit, and then the "boxing kit," you would end up with a maximum of one completed pedal, I think.

I've built a lot of pedals, but I've never used a kit. I started with the beginner project at diysb, and moved on to an Orange Squeezer, and then onward from there to some pretty advanced stuff.

BUT, I have seen many, many people have a lot of success with the kits from GGG. They include everything-- drilled enclosures and all the parts, and instructions. You can view the instructions before you order, too.

I would look through their projects and find something that you can think you can handle. I would pick a simple circuit with as few active components or offboard components (pots, switches, etc) as possible, and I would probably avoid opamps altogether to start.

Good luck!

Mike

[pickdropper]

I'd take a look at the BYOC kits. Those are great for the first foray into pedal building. Best instructions in the biz, IMHO.

[colossus]

I just did a Fuzzrite kit from GGG. Super easy and went pretty smoothly. Definitely practice soldering first though. Also check out the 7 min fuzz. Only a few parts and a really simple build that yields awesome results. I switched out some cap values and have a super thick fuzz that is pretty damn perfect for a noisier doom tone.

[ran_dizolph]

I used the Tonefiend projects (and Mammoth kits for each) for my first builds. I'd recommend it. I like the way he wrote, and the kits make parts purchasing simple at first, but it's not a byoc kit, so it feels a little more 'diy'.

Those kits have everything you need, including a breadboard (although, if you can do an upgrade on the breadboard i'd suggest doing so).

[ghost_effects]

Si Pep Box, have had plenty of first timers do these fine...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/360935131372

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Thanks for the suggestions everyone! I'll post pics once I decide which way to go.