Been a long time since my last post… 2014 has flown by!

Below are a couple of different builds that have been built up at SJ Effects past couple of months.

I have also been building some up the ‘standard’ line to order (Tesla, Goldcrest, Gray Train) which are being well received by customers.
I am also currently working on a new revision of the Tesla Cannon fuzz that will have some new features, and will also have easier external access to the clipping switches (customers have found experimenting with different combinations fun).

I hope to have that one ready for early 2015 along with another fuzz design.

There are also other exciting projects in the pipeline that I am working on, but I want to keep them under wraps until they are 100% complete and ready to rock!

I also have some other designs that I am hoping to release as ‘open source’ for fellow DIY’ers to build up, order PCB’s for etc.

Hope everyone has a good Christmas… and take it easy on those mince pies!

Steve @ SJ Effects

CE2 Chorus Clone

Open Range Silicon Treble Booster

Fetoplex FET Preamp

I’ve added another pedal to the SJ Effects line; the Goldcrest Boost + EQ.

I’ve been working on this one for a while, and have finally got it to the point where it is ready for release.

It’s a preamp and EQ (based on the old ’tilt’ hifi eq circuits) pedal that has been optimised for intuitive use and great results.

It sounds great, and utilises audiophile quality OPA2134 op-amps throughout the signal chain.

I’m currently in the process of getting some demo clips and video together.

Further info, prices, and ordering details can be found here: https://sj-effects.com/pedals-for-sale/goldcrest-preampeq/

I had some spare time so finished this one for myself over the weekend. It’s a clone of the old B+M Champion Fuzz Unit, which is very similar to the Jumbo Tone Bender, which in turn is a derivative of the Big Muff circuit.

The B+M Fuzz Unit was the pedal supposedly used by Edwin Collins on the Girl Like You solo (you know the one: da derr da der der derrr, da der da der). Great song, and great guitar tones!

The PCB had been sat built up on my work bench for nearly a year, so I thought it was about time to finish it off.

I put it in a massive enclosure with ridiculously big knobs because, well, why not!

To my ears, the circuit sounds best when used with bass guitar. There is something lacking when used with normal guitar, and I find the conventional Big Muff circuit (and it’s derivatives like my Tesla Cannon) to be a much better fit.

If you are a bass player though, it is fair to say this circuit is a must try.

Champion Fuzz Unit

Champion Fuzz Unit Gut Shot

SJEffects_Champion_Fuzz_Schem

Another recent Tremolo + Vibrato 2 in 1 build I completed.

The enclosure is a lovely colour, one of my favourites.

Unfortunately my supplier has stopped selling them and I only have a few more in stock 😦

The tremolo is based on the classic EA Tremolo, and the vibrato is based on the Tim Escobedo Wobbletron circuit (modified for Vactrol LFO control) for a Magnatone amp style vibrato effect.

Both circuits have independant speed and depth controls. The toggle switch selects between the circuits. The volume control is a master volunme. The tremolo has quite a lot of output volume so can also be used as a boost when the depth control is set to min.

Vibrato and Tremolo 2 in 1

Vibrato and Tremolo 2 in 1

Vibrato and Tremolo 2 in 1 Gutshot

A custom Vibrato build I have recently done for a client.

Gave it the name ‘Magnatron’, and I think it came out nice.

I always put a lot of effort into the wiring and construction of my pedals. I feel that it is important that they look as neat on the inside as they do on the outside (no spaghetti wiring here 😉 )!.

Finished in Blue Hammerite, as used on a lot of my builds (I really love this colour).

Nice and subtle vibrato; just the right depth and tonality, and not too overpowering

Anyway, hope you dig the pics!

Magnatron 1

Magnatron 2

Magnatron 3

Buffer

First of all… yeah I know… what a cheesy post title!

Wampler (fine pedals made in the USA) have posted a neat article on their blog about buffers, and why every guitarist should have one in their gig bag.

Read it here:

http://wamplerpedals.com/blog/buffers-un-baffled/

As well as being incredibly useful, buffers are also pretty simple circuits to DIY.

A good overview of buffer circuits, with schematics , can be found on the excellent AMZ site here:

http://www.muzique.com/lab/buffers.htm

Also, if you are after a buffer, and don’t want to go the DIY route, or shell out on a boutique/bespoke solution, all Boss pedals are buffered bypass, so placing any old Boss pedal in your signal chain is an easy way to get in on the buffering action.

Any old Boss will do as a buffer…

Sometimes people complain about their tone being too ‘bright’ when using a buffer, but the reality is they are hearing how their guitar really sounds, before long cable runs cut the treble frequencies of your signal.

In my opinion, the real fun happens when using a combination of True Bypass pedals, and a good quality buffer in your chain.

Another custom build that I recently shipped!

Magnatrem!

This is a combination of Tremolo and Vibrato circuits in one pedal.

The customer wanted the pedal to have a  a similar look to the old Maganatone amps. It also features independant speed and depth controls for both the Tremolo, and Vibrato.

The tremolo circuit (based on the classic EA Tremolo) also works really well as a booster with the depth set to minimum!