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MXR Distortion Sounds Great


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5/25/2000 6:39 PM
Charlie
 MXR Distortion Sounds Great
Hey all, I just recently finished building the MXR Dist+ project off of JD Sleep's excellent site. It took me two tries, because the first time I (Like a typical beginner) laid out the IC backwards. When I tried it again I got that satisfying crunch when I hooked up the battery. The distortion sounds great, I think it sounds a lot like classic 70's rock distortion. You all ought to check it out if you haven't already--nice project.  
 
Charlie
  
5/26/2000 8:57 AM
JD Sleep
Charlie,  
 
Glad you like it! Some people don't like the sound of it, but I like mine a lot. What diode combination did you use? Did you use the 741? Try it with red LEDs sometime, excellent crunch for chords.  
 
Even though its not much difference, the DOD 250 version of that projects seems to get better reviews, I think it's mostly because of the higher value volume pot (that's just a hunch). If you haven't done so already and your game for a simple mod, try a 100k pot for volume instead of 10k.  
 
JD
  
5/26/2000 2:59 PM
Pauley
I've got a Strat, so my guitar can't drive the Dist+ too well by itself. I've got a TS808 built on my breadboard that I've put in front of that with some pretty good results for getting higher gain than what either of those pedals can do on their own.  
 
This is of course since I don't have a tube amp, I have to use the TS to drive something else. :)  
 
And as JD said, play around with the clipping diodes to find the combo you like best. Personally, I like 1 Si / 1 Ge but don't just take my word on it.
  
5/27/2000 12:37 AM
FrankC
I've got an old MXR distortion+,and I think it's one of the best pedals I've used
  
5/27/2000 4:26 AM
Charlie
Yeah, I used a regular old 741 op-amp, and two 1N34a germanium diodes (they're my fav.) and it just rocks. Are there any other pedals that I should try if I liked this one?  
 
Charlie
  

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