Folk Project?

[Hulakatt]

Lets see if we can get this started. First, we need to decide on what type of project to dig into and then as we get kind of a consensus, we can fine tune finer shades (like what kind of overdrive or booster). Since it's been awhile, I think we should start off light and build up to bigger projects as we learn.

Warning: I am not a circuit designer! I do not know what I am doing! I am familier with some basics of electrical circuits and am competent with soldering. I have assembled guitars/pedals/amps but nothing beyond that. I am here to learn as much as anyone else, I am just trying to get this rolling again.


Edit: if no one else jumps in, I will do this whole thing myself, dang it!

[Hulakatt]

I'll start with a vote for a booster. Nice and simple and we should be able to add some nice easy tweaks and add something to make it special.

I plan on doing this as many times as I can so I don't feel the need to rush to whatever project I really want (A Folk Model G, Folk Baby Blue and a Folk Trem!)

[musicsoma]

I do like the idea of a boost or even a Tonebender type of pedal. Hmmm... tough call.

[cajone5]

I would say fuzz/OD/boost just because they're the easiest circuits to build (fuzz especially) but I'd be open to whatever. I've never done any pedal building so this is all new ground for me.

[Hulakatt]

How about something along the concept of the Analogman Sun Lion? A fuzz circuit pumping straight into a (treble but it doesn't have to stay that way) boost circuit with our own adaption of that theory of course That would give us a fuzz and a booster in one enclosure, both being fairly simple but offering a wide range of sounds. I do want to create something different and not just copy AM here so what could we use for our building blocks?

I would want to see if making the EQ of the boost toggle-able or tone knob-able would yield good results or mud.

I guess this would be a Folk Fuzz Deluxe?

Thoughts?

[musicsoma]

Looks like there are 3 votes for delay already. I have zero experience when it comes to building pedals, but I sure would love to learn. If we do end up doing a delay, how hard would something similar to a Memory Man be to build?

[Hulakatt]

Madbean has a DMM type delay on their site:

http://www.madbeanpedals.com/projects/index.html

and it comes with this:

WARNING: This is an incredibly difficult project. This is not a “first time” build by any means. Do not take on the DirtBag unless you feel confident in your abilities, or you may end up wasting quite a bit of time and money! That said, if you take your time and follow the instructions carefully, you should be able to get the DirtBag working with relative ease.

Here's the schematic:



and the layout:



I would love to have a Folk Delay but that's way over my head to start with. I built the byoc analog delay about a year ago, it was a pain to put together (even with being meticulous with everything), it a long time to tune it and it never sounded as good as I knew it could. As far as effects go, the guts are more expensive than the average pedal.

For me, it is a goal to work towards, not a starting point to learn about circuits.

Really, there's a few good reasons that delays are usually the most expensive pedal a builder will make.

[SteveA]

I would have voted for the delay but it does look like an incredibly difficult project as well! We already have a fuzz though so maybe a compressor or a booster? Looks like an amazing project and would definitely be in if someone can help out with it all.

[SteveA]

A reverb would also be cool actually plus tehre isn't one in the BJF/MP lineup!

[musicsoma]

Yeah, agreed. After seeing that delay schematic and reading the "warning", I would prefer to start with something easy. I like the idea of a Folk Booster. Reverb would also be cool, but isn't reverb basically a fast delay?

Cheers,
Mike