Instructional "Build your Own Pedal" DVD/Video

matta

Hey Guys,

Some time back I made mention of running a possible 2 day workshop RE building your own pedal workshop with a basic overview of understand basic electronic theory and components. I put it off for some time for various reasons, but am relooking at it, though I've decided it would make more sense to make it an instructional DVD so that people could go back to it if they needed to go over a subject/component etc.

I have a good relationship with General Guitar Gadgets and think they are doing fine work and offer great products and services and am thinking of building one of their Tube Screamers as a focus on building a pedal, on screen, in real time, explaining the parts, what they do and how to substitute or mod them and how the circuit works.

I'm planning on doing from the ground up, so the real basics understanding electrons theory, ohms law, using the tools, taking basic measurements with a multimeter and even how to solder a cable (thought I'd start there, building 2 cables to connect the final pedal to the amp and guitar).

A TS circuit is not the most simple, but a good intermediate project I think, a Fuzz or Booster is much easier, but prob not as versatile, any thoughts?

Cheers

Matt

Renesongs

Do it - you'll be my hero forever. I know there are thousands of similar tuts out there on youtube but I know your work and know that you are a unimpeachable source of information as far as electronics goes.

inflames

I agree with Rene, do it!

Sidecar

Yeah great idea Matta!

Vick

Awsum,Do it...

FatBoy

Yes please!

Ray

I would like it.

PeteM

Yeah... I'd be interested.

matta

Thanks Guys,

I'll get on it...

Matt

singemonkey

I'm not a potential buyer (I'm leaving this electronics malarkey to the experts like you) but I do love waffling on GFSA ?, so here's my 1c:

Wouldn't it be about as easy to lead people on an historical trail that might end people up with several decent effects? Like start with a fuzz, go onto an octaver (I'm assuming since these were early that they're all easier) and work up to a Tube Screamer as a culmination?

Just a thought to make your DVD more saleable.

PeteM

Would the intention to be to sell the components in a kit form with the DVD? I find that sourcing the components is the most time-consuming and off-putting element when making anything electronic.

matta

singlemonkey, that is not really what I'm going for in this endevour.

The problem is there are HUNDREDS of forums, sites and PCB's for download where you can build by numbers and hope for the best, but my task is to equip the end user with a basic, working understanding of electronics, which I think is vital and stand them in good stead, the best advice I was ever given when I started in electronics was "any monkey can build something, not anyone can fix it", developing an understanding and troubleshooting skills are invaluable.

I pioneered a fun, easy to learn way of teaching these principals with a module I wrote and lectured for Damelin and more recently SAE, geared at Audio Engineering Students called 'Basic Audio Electronics', taught over 2 semesters, and racked up 52 hours, granted it was much more ind depth, but my guess is even covering a pedal build could take me 8-10 hours, unless I find ways to keep things short and to the point (trust me, it is hard, esp. for me!).

Pete, I don't think I'll offer kits directly, which is why I'm wanting to team up with JD at General Guitar Gadgets, his projects are well documented (the bets I've seen to date), are affordable, and come in different forms, PCB only, complete kit and kit without enclosures. His shipping is good/fair and I just like his ethos.

The reason I chose the TS circuit is that it uses a bunch of components: wire, a switch, resistors, pots, capacitors (bipolar and polarized), transistors and an opamp, covering those parts what they do, and their variations will provide valuable insight into future projects.

I'm planning on making this a globally available project, would like it to be on DVD due to the size, but may have a download option as well. It is niche, and the overheads on such an endevour are quite costly, so I expect it to cost around R500.00, but that is the cost of 2 short hours of my bench time, so think it will be well worth the cost.

I do welcome and appreciate, feedback, questions and thoughts and thanks for those offered already.

Cheers

Matt

kayDUB

Hi Matt

I missed this thread... great idea I think! How in-depth would this be? Would you cover things like "two resistors and one cap wired in this way results in ...." (thinking of things like tone controls, op amp wiring, clipping diodes etc.)
I played around with building pedals a bit, more the build by numbers approach, but even so I think I picked up an ok-ish basic knowledge of pedal electronics. What I would want is to gain a better understanding so that I can eventually repair pedals, possibly mod them and tweak existing designs to how I would prefer.

The material from your course mentioned below isn't available by any chance? ?