Mike's Pedal Thread

Post by **Mike** » Wed Jun 09, 2010 9:05 pm

I didn't really keep count because I'm a moron but I made 28 Saltboosters in the first run starting in January 2008, then I started building all sorts after that, and I think in September of 2009 I started keeping an invoice book to track all my orders, and I've done like 80 pedals since then. I think we're talking probably 200+ at this point.

I really wish I'd numbered them, I'm such an amateur.

These days I'm probably sending out between 3 and 4 a week.

taylornutt · Post by **taylornutt** » Wed Jun 09, 2010 9:38 pm

What does that toggle switch on the Green Muff do?

Post by **Mike** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 7:12 am

Tone Bypass

johnnyseven · Post by **johnnyseven** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 10:07 am

After watching the Jimmy Page clip posted a while back i'm very tempted by a Tone Bender. How much for one? Would it be possible to add a tone pot that can be taken out of the circuit at the flick of a switch?

Post by **Mike** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 10:19 am

If you wanted that, I'd probably prefer to build you a Mark III which already has a tone control, which unfortunately isn't what Jimmy used.

I have basically no time to R&D things like a Tone control that is suitable for a tonebender mkII since I'm busy enough just building standard pedals. R&D and tweaking takes time and between 2 jobs, my band, and attempting to have a bit of a social life, I just don't have any.

johnnyseven · Post by **johnnyseven** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 10:44 am

No worries Mike.

I'm just enquiring at the moment really as i've spent too much on gear lately and need to sell some stuff before I get anything else. Is there any drastic variation in sound between a Mark II and a Mark III Tone Bender? What would you charge for each version? Just so I know how much I have to scrape together before I order.

Post by **Mike** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 10:50 am

I do the MKII's for Â£70 (three selected Germanium transistors are the reason for the cost). The MKII I could do for Â£75 I imagine.

I did see on HCFX someone talking about the differences between them, here we are:

http://acapella.harmony-central.com/sho ... ?t=2617486

"The MK2 and MK3 use different circuits. The MK3 is a little tamer than the MK2 fuzz wise, at lower fuzz settings it's almost more like a distortion pedal but of course at higher settings it packs plenty of fuzz. The MK2 can get fuzzier, and has it's own distinct sound though it's not hard to get MK2 like tones out of the MK3. And as you mentioned the MK3 has the addition of the tone knob."

I've only ever build MKII's personally, but I've designed layouts for both.

johnnyseven · Post by **johnnyseven** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 11:08 am

Thanks Mike, that's really helpful. I'll be back in touch when I have the cash to fund one of these.

willlin · Post by **willlin** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 12:12 pm

Did the guy ever pay up for the Klon? That thing looked awesome...

Post by **Mike** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 1:23 pm

Nah but luckily someone else asked after one shortly after I realised he wasn't going to pay up and took it off my hands at a discounted price.

willlin · Post by **willlin** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 2:48 pm

Damn.. That's that plan out of the window...

On a completely different tack, how much would a Fender Blender clone be?

Ta

Post by **Mike** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 3:01 pm

Â£90 Bud.

I'm getting loads of orders for these at the moment. What's the craic, is someone famous using one or something?

endsjustifymeans · Post by **endsjustifymeans** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 3:02 pm

Mike wrote:Â£90 Bud.

I'm getting loads of orders for these at the moment. What's the craic, is someone famous using one or something?

I started a trend.

Post by **Mike** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 3:03 pm

I wish it was something that didn't have like 30 resistors, 25 caps, 5 transistors and 4 Germanium Diodes in it.

They're a bastard to build.

willlin · Post by **willlin** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 3:12 pm

endsjustifymeans wrote:
Mike wrote:Â£90 Bud.

I'm getting loads of orders for these at the moment. What's the craic, is someone famous using one or something?
I started a trend.

This. I'm such a fanboy.

I shall have a scrape together of funds and let you know mate.

Grant · Post by **Grant** » Fri Jun 11, 2010 3:49 am

Mike wrote:I really wish I'd numbered them, I'm such an amateur.

You could dig through the paypal records, perhaps. Bank records of personal checks. That at least could give you a rough estimate of where to start numbering them now.

Bacchus · Post by **Bacchus** » Fri Jun 11, 2010 11:34 am

Mike wrote:I'm getting loads of orders for these at the moment. What's the craic, is someone famous using one or something?

Is there anyone else making copies of it that aren't shit? I think it's a pedal that a lot of people would want but that can't be had because of high prices and the volume drop and such.

Post by **Mike** » Wed Jun 16, 2010 6:50 am

Dunno to be honest.

This is what keeps me doing this, even when I'm rammed busy and could really do with a break.

This really is something special. Many thanks Mike for, once again, assembling a masterpiece.

Plugging in this pedal is like taking a trip back to 1968- my favourite era for rock. Those filthy, sputtering Page/ Beck tones are easily attainable, as are sounds reminiscent of Cream and early Sabbath (with the guitar volume backed off, it does a great Hendrix impersonation too).

This pedal is fantastic- it is aggressive and gritty, yet sweet with a blooming sustain and a wide variety of smutty dirt can be found by simply using the guitar's volume pot. It is friendly towards other pedals and sounds as great with humbuckers as it does with single coils.

I am hugely impressed with this pedal. Between this and the FuzzFace you built for me, I can now replicate all of my favourite late 60s/ early 70s rock sounds. Playing those classic Telecaster riffs from 'Over Under Sideways Down' and 'Dazed And Confused' has never sounded so good!

I am now the proud owner of two of your pedals and have nothing but praise for your outstanding service. The build quality, sounds and prices of your pedals is first rate and puts many 'boutique' makers to shame.

Many thanks to you for giving up your time to create such charming little toys- they are greatly appreciated and a whole lotta fuzz.

Jake

Built these boards in a Frenzy last night before band practise. Fender Blender and Saltshaker (new refined smaller layout).

benecol · Post by **benecol** » Wed Jun 16, 2010 7:50 am

BacchusPaul wrote:
Mike wrote:I'm getting loads of orders for these at the moment. What's the craic, is someone famous using one or something?
Is there anyone else making copies of it that aren't shit?

Inadvertent "accidentally making it sound like Mike's ones are shite" lols.

Post by **Mike** » Sun Jun 20, 2010 4:11 pm

Mad. Busy.