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Vintage threads from the first ten years

Re: Sweetest pedal.. thickness/dynamics

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9/27/1999 2:43 PM

Re: Sweetest pedal.. thickness/dynamics

The Tubescreamer from Geofex is the same circuit as the TS-9 (or not, depending on what 808 mods you make) so you're apt to get the same buzz you heard before.

IMHO, using a Tubescreamer for gain is wrong, since it sounds like cardboard. The TSF that Aron mentioned is very good for a clear, dynamic sort of tone, but it gets more fuzzy than smooth when cranked up (at least to my ears).

9/27/1999 5:05 PM

The Tube Sound Fuzz can be fixed - I have done it. Larger caps on the feedback loops and a lowpass filter on the end fix things up nicely.

In addition, use the booster at the beginning like Frank Clarke's version or Mark Hammer's version.

The problem I am having is that it has just a tad little bass. I am still working with this circuit and will have something fairly soon (I hope).

This is one of the easiest pedals I have built - just needs a little bit better than usual soldering skills. Otherwise this pedal is sure easy to build.

I am beginning to think this chip is a "distortion-in-a-box".

Aron

9/27/1999 11:14 PM

I have, succesfully. That TS808 audio stage sounds very good, and it's got true bypass (that very important in an effects chain, as surely you know).

BUT. I play through a 70's Orange Overdrive Series Two amp, 4x12 Orange cab with original Celestion speakers.
EVERYTHING, including the bridge pickup of a Telecaster may sound thick and coloured, even too much if you are not carefull with the amp's pots.

My opinion on something nice-medium/nice-"thick" sounding fuzz effect? (two different and well defined fuzz effect sounds and a wah. Too thick for my Orange) That vintage Ibanez DoubleSound.

I also use Aron's SBIII and a Rat (suposedly original circuit)

JohnC

9/27/1999 3:15 PM
Blues Lyne	Aron, I've done that to several Tube Screamers and it really does fatten them up. I've used .1 or .22 depending on how much low end I wanted. On my personal ones I went with a .22. They also have the resistor change ala 808. They definately don't thin the amp down now. Blues

9/27/1999 5:07 PM
Aron	Yes. I have "fixed" several Tube Screamers with this simple mod. In addition, I have put 2 Ge diodes or 2 Si diodes per side in the clipping section for more dynamic range. Aron

9/28/1999 3:45 AM
David Manson	I think I'm still favoring the fuzzface type pedals.. after listening to different clips and artists that use them.. I'm really interested in the "hornet fuzz" aron.. the idea behind it sounds pretty cool..

9/28/1999 5:19 AM

The Hornet is good, but it is a Fuzz Face. Not to put the Fuzz Face down but it is not necessarily a "transparent" pedal nor is it extremely versatile. It does make a certain sound and I find it good as a "fun" pedal.

If price is no object, my vote would go for the Varidrive since I haven't found a pedal that's more smooth and "natural".

As always, YOUR ears are what matter so, go for it and good luck! Let us know what you decide!

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