Tell me about it. Im considering getting the kit.
Is the kit difficult?
But most importantly, how good does the thing sound? Ive seen Mikes demos, but it just isnt enough. Is it good enough to get?
Seems like a Mike question.
Orange Peel?
Moderated By: mods
there was a thread about it: http://www.shortscale.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=15395 all your questions are answered in there.
short answer: yes, it's difficult. it was quite an achievement for a first pedal build.
short answer: yes, it's difficult. it was quite an achievement for a first pedal build.
cogito ergo sum...thing or other...
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Mike
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It's definitely not a simple build, there is a LOT of offboard wiring which is probably the trickiest thing to master. Also some things to note:
1. My kit came with several parts missing (two resistors, a cap, and 5 FETs). When I finally got through to Mark he did put this right as soon as he could but it was frustrating nonetheless.
2. The PCB is good quality, but it contains no means to mount the board (stand offs) so be sure to insulate the case well.
3. The instructions are good, but I find the assembly order odd, and particularly the wiring order. I would have done this:
1. Transistor Sockets - ALWAYS FIRST, the build doc says to do these last.
2. Trimpots (more on these later)
3. Resistors
4. Capacitors
5. Diodes
6. Install Transistors
Wiring:
All non board wiring first - Jacks to switch. LED stuff.
Then place the board in the case and get the lengths of wire to the pots all at their optimal length by sizing up and cutting. Then remove all the pots and do the soldering out of the case (it's too cramped in there). When all pots are wires install board and pots and wire remaining connections.
The sound: It sounds good, but because of the use of trimpots to bias the FETs via the Drains this pedal is noisy. It has white hissy noise that is very apparent. Do I still have it in one piece? Nope. I salvaged the case for something else.
1. My kit came with several parts missing (two resistors, a cap, and 5 FETs). When I finally got through to Mark he did put this right as soon as he could but it was frustrating nonetheless.
2. The PCB is good quality, but it contains no means to mount the board (stand offs) so be sure to insulate the case well.
3. The instructions are good, but I find the assembly order odd, and particularly the wiring order. I would have done this:
1. Transistor Sockets - ALWAYS FIRST, the build doc says to do these last.
2. Trimpots (more on these later)
3. Resistors
4. Capacitors
5. Diodes
6. Install Transistors
Wiring:
All non board wiring first - Jacks to switch. LED stuff.
Then place the board in the case and get the lengths of wire to the pots all at their optimal length by sizing up and cutting. Then remove all the pots and do the soldering out of the case (it's too cramped in there). When all pots are wires install board and pots and wire remaining connections.
The sound: It sounds good, but because of the use of trimpots to bias the FETs via the Drains this pedal is noisy. It has white hissy noise that is very apparent. Do I still have it in one piece? Nope. I salvaged the case for something else.