I'm suffering pedal mod withdraw

Chubbles

Chubbles

Ambassador of Sarcastic Tone
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:cry:I just realized that I haven't modded a pedal since Radio Shack stores closed . I would research pedal mods that I might want and shop for cheap newish pedals. I'd take a list of components to my Radio Shack and put it all together. I'd keep some of my favorites and sell the rest. It's not the same with Mouser. It's a pain to find what I need. Just to pick out a capacitor is impossible. You have to pick every damn detail. I also prefer to by local. Does anyone have any suggestions?

One of my favorites... Notice the green LED. My OCD made the label difficult.

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It's a really good past-time, imho.

Companies like Keeley sell these mods/pedals at $150+, so if you can make a similar pedals (soundwise) for less money and have the fun of doing it, good on ya.
 
Chubbles said:
:cry:I just realized that I haven't modded a pedal since Radio Shack stores closed . I would research pedal mods that I might want and shop for cheap newish pedals. I'd take a list of components to my Radio Shack and put it all together. I'd keep some of my favorites and sell the rest. It's not the same with Mouser. It's a pain to find what I need. Just to pick out a capacitor is impossible. You have to pick every damn detail. I also prefer to by local. Does anyone have any suggestions?
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Since no more Radio Shacks: any other dedicated electronics parts store near you? I agree on finding parts with Mouser. And their prices on some of the parts are not that great... plus shipping.

What about online vendors like:
Amplified Parts
Parts (BYOC)
Pedal Parts Plus
Electronics (MojoTone)
Pedal Mod Parts (Monte Allums)
https://www.tubedepot.com/
Mammoth Electronics
&
Small Bear Electronics
:fingersx:
 
syscokid said:
Since no more Radio Shacks: any other dedicated electronics parts store near you? I agree on finding parts with Mouser. And their prices on some of the parts are not that great... plus shipping.

What about online vendors like:
Amplified Parts
Parts (BYOC)
Pedal Parts Plus
Electronics (MojoTone)
Pedal Mod Parts (Monte Allums)
https://www.tubedepot.com/
Mammoth Electronics
&
Small Bear Electronics
:fingersx:
Click to expand...

I’ll give a big +1 to amplified parts, tube depot, mammoth, and small bear...especially small bear for pedal stuff.
 
I also recommend Small Bear for electronic & pedal parts, as well as the others @sysco mentioned. I encountered the same problem you're having recently when moving interstate. There were 3 electronics outlets (all same company) in the location I was in. Stocked everything. I checked before moving that there was an outlet in the new location & there was. Got here to find they stock no electronic components, just TV's, stereos, phones etc. Really sucks because I like supporting local businesses. Buying online can be a drag. Cheers
 
Some pedal brands are easier than others. Certain websites, like the one above, just list a few components (caps, etc) that go into certain positions. Unsoldering is easy, just heat each connection while gently pulling. Put in the new part and solder. I watched a ton of of videos before I started. I have a lot of fun. I did already know how to solder well from swapping pickups, pots, and switches. That's important.
 
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Chubbles said:
Some pedal brands are easier than others. Certain websites, like the one above, just list a few components (caps, etc) that go into certain positions. Unsoldering is easy, just heat each connection while gently pulling. Put in twthe new part and solder. I watched a ton of of videos before I started. I have a lot of fun. I did already know how to solder well from swapping pickups, pots, and switches. That's important.
Click to expand...
I am trying to figure out your choice of fuzz bsed on this thread. Do tell please.
 
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Now when I buy that stuff on line it is premeditated. When I went to Radio Shack is was accidental.
That is what I tell the fire marshal. I miss Radio Shack and zero citations.
 
Chubbles said:
:cry:I just realized that I haven't modded a pedal since Radio Shack stores closed .

One of my favorites... Notice the green LED. My OCD made the label difficult.

View attachment 14981
Click to expand...
Have you given any thought to making the transition from modding pedals to building from scratch? Very rewarding & not really much harder. Here's an example, Hermida/Lovepedal Dover Drive scratch build
WP_20171006_002.jpg WP_20171006_001.jpg
I wish I had your labeling skills. For my own use a permanent marker does the job. Cheers
 
For a year, I was looking for a cheap fuzz face clone kit to build. I also priced out parts to do it from scratch. Then, I realized a used mini germanium fuzz face was cheaper (I got it for 59.00). That seems to be the trend. If your going to build the thing, you should save some money doing it. Alao, knowing my OCD, painting, labeling, and knob choice would drive me nuts. Many kits give choices for different tones. I would pick all of them and end up with a kit with 10 switches. I have a hard enough time picking tone caps for guitars.

I do think over all I would love the process of building from scratch or using kits.

I've recently bought a newish MXR Bada## Variac Fuzz. The most versatile fuzz/dirt pedal I've heard. It's based on a Band of Gypsys fuzz. They added tone and voltage knobs. That's versatility I would look for in a kit. I will post a NPD thread when it arrives.

I don't think I really have OCD, but I do spend way too damn much time and effort making decisions about gear choices. The "label" on that pedal took most of a day.
 
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