building a distortion pedal

[flavaham]

I'm done with the circuit board on my pedal. This is the first pedal I've built or done any mods on. It is the "Tweak-O" from Small Bear Electronics. The schematic and other info for it can be found here: http://www.smallbearelec.com/Projects/TweakO/TweakO.htm

I'm wondering how you go about deciding what parts to replace to improve the sound. I know nothing about what parts actually do what as far as shaping sound. There is a list of all parts at the bottom of the page. If anyone can suggest some upgrades, please let me know. I know this is a pretty low end pedal to start so I'm not expecting this to be up to Tube Screamer status but I'm sure I can get it to sound decent with the right tweaks.
Thanks!!
-Gabe

[bdhact1]

This is an easier first time build, and more Jerry like:
http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/projects/17-distortion/103-distortion-plus-replica?phpMyAdmin=78482479fd7e7fc3768044a841b3e8

[flavaham]

This is an easier first time build, and more Jerry like:
http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/projects/17-distortion/103-distortion-plus-replica?phpMyAdmin=78482479fd7e7fc3768044a841b3e8

Well, I've already done about half of this project so this is what I've got. I'm not looking for Jerry tone really, just looking to learn about how to build and mod pedals.

[tigerstrat]

This is an easier first time build, and more Jerry like:
http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/projects/17-distortion/103-distortion-plus-replica?phpMyAdmin=78482479fd7e7fc3768044a841b3e8

Well, I've already done about half of this project so this is what I've got. I'm not looking for Jerry tone really, just looking to learn about how to build and mod pedals.

http://freestompboxes.org/

[DreamNightWind]

"This is an easier first time build, and more Jerry like:
http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/pro ... 44a841b3e8"

How come they don't say which version of the Distortion Plus this kit will build, or what components to use for different eras of the pedal? I've never played through an old script one but I'd like to see if it sounds much better than my block letter one (with a red LED).

Anyone know which version this kit targets?

[KWRummie]

If you haven't made a purchase yet, I know the Build Your Own Clone kit is the script version. http://www.buildyourownclone.com/250.html

[TI4-1009]

I love this place.

[bdhact1]

If you aren't looking for a dead type of pedal, than build a silicon Fuzz Face. It's one of the easiest first time projects.

[DreamNightWind]

"If you haven't made a purchase yet, I know the Build Your Own Clone kit is the script version. http://www.buildyourownclone.com/250.html"

Thank you. I followed your lead, looked at their pre-built pedals (http://axeandyoushallreceive.com/store/page1.html) and it says there that the MXR version is built to script logo specs. For $90 I'd probably buy it pre-built rather than trying the build myself.

Before I order this, has anyone actually used one of these things? Do they really get the sound of the old script MXR Distortion +, or should I hold out for the real thing? I don't care about collector's value particularly, I don't have a ton of disposable cash and I mostly just want to get that sound.

[bdhact1]

"If you haven't made a purchase yet, I know the Build Your Own Clone kit is the script version. http://www.buildyourownclone.com/250.html"

Thank you. I followed your lead, looked at their pre-built pedals (http://axeandyoushallreceive.com/store/page1.html) and it says there that the MXR version is built to script logo specs. For $90 I'd probably buy it pre-built rather than trying the build myself.

Before I order this, has anyone actually used one of these things? Do they really get the sound of the old script MXR Distortion +, or should I hold out for the real thing? I don't care about collector's value particularly, I don't have a ton of disposable cash and I mostly just want to get that sound.

Actually, the parts listed in the instructions are incorrect to the Script version. It is more inline to a modern clone. The diodes and most of the capacitor types are incorrect.

[TI4-1009]

Maybe so- I'd still be interested in knowing how it sounds relative to the original.

[bdhact1]

Maybe so- I'd still be interested in knowing how it sounds relative to the original.

That clone kit will sound much more aggressive, even with the germanium diodes they give you. If you use the silicon doides it will be like Randy Rhoads on steroids.

[DreamNightWind]

Not sure what TI4-1009 wants. I'm looking for 80's Garcia Distortion + sound.

[TI4-1009]

I thought the MXR was more 70's, the Boss more 80's-90's?

[DreamNightWind]

I could be mistaken, but I think he used the MXR well into the 80's, anyone know for sure?