If you want to build your own distortion pedal, this video goes through the Electra Distortion circuit, how it works, and how to add gain control, tone, and volume to it, eventually creating a full featured distortion pedal you can make yourself at home on a bread board.
While you can build this pedal without understanding what anything does, I give a brief/beginner explanation of the components I'm using to give a bit more understanding about how this simple distortion pedal circuit works.
In videos like this, it can be hard to see exactly what the layout is, and it can be annoying to pause and rewind so you can follow along. Don't worry, I've also provided a written explanation of the Electra Distortion circuit as well as how to build this distortion pedal on my website. It has diagrams and everything mentioned in the video.
- https://crazychickenguitarpedals.com/guitar-pedal-blog/guitar-pedal-builds/building-a-simple-distortion-pedal-based-on-the-electra-distortion/
I also discuss a bit of theory in this video, but have avoided going too far in depth. If you're interested in further reading:
- high and low pass filters - https://crazychickenguitarpedals.com/guitar-pedal-blog/electrical-theory/how-high-pass-and-low-pass-filters-work-in-guitar-pedals/
- What is a voltage divider? https://crazychickenguitarpedals.com/guitar-pedal-blog/electrical-theory/what-is-a-voltage-divider/
If you like this, and want to make something similar on stripboard so that it's permanent, I also have a step by step guide on how to make a distortion pedal. It lists everything you need and breaks it right down.
- https://crazychickenguitarpedals.com/guitar-pedal-blog/guitar-pedal-builds/how-to-make-a-distortion-pedal/
Finally, if you like the Electra Distortion circuit, plenty of pedals use it. Check out the layouts for:
- ZVEX SHO - https://crazychickenguitarpedals.com/guitar-pedal-blog/guitar-pedal-builds/zvex-super-hard-on-on-stripboard/
- EQD Speaker Cranker - https://crazychickenguitarpedals.com/guitar-pedal-blog/guitar-pedal-builds/eartherquaker-devices-speaker-cranker-on-stripboard/
- Greer Green Giant - https://crazychickenguitarpedals.com/guitar-pedal-blog/guitar-pedal-builds/greer-amps-green-giant-on-stripboard/
- Lovepedal Champ - https://crazychickenguitarpedals.com/guitar-pedal-blog/guitar-pedal-builds/lovepedal-champ-on-stripboard/
Let me know how you go!
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