Holy !%#?$@!....

[duhvoodooman***]

For the geeks in the house.

Now, who the heck would that be???

The ~10% of that TS technology article that I could understand was extremely interesting. I was stunned to read how incredibly similar all of the various Tube Screamer models actually are. The basic circuit design is the same, with the differences being in a small number of the components used.

For example, consider how the Ibanez TS-9 reissue pedal goes for $100, while the TS-808 reissue will set you back $170. The difference? Well, from what I read, they will almost certainly contain the same "opamp" IC chip, the JRC4558D. So their sum total difference is two (2!) resistors on the output buffer stage, which cost Ibanez less than a penny apiece. Find them on the PCB (many web references available for this) and replace them with the appropriate resistor ratings for the TS-808 and you just saved yourself $70. Better yet, find a good condition used TS-9 on eBay for $70 or so, and you'll save yourself a C-note! Eye-opening, huh?

[sunvalleylaw]

I originally thought that since these DIY units are already priced at $75 bucks that to spend a few more to get one already built is a no brainer. I paid under $100 for my TS9 and then another $45 bucks to have it modified at keeley electronics. I think though, that this is not really about money, it's more to hone skills and the ability to take this to another level. I have an interest because I like experimenting with tone and would love to mutate these projects into something else that you can't buy off the rack. Plus the satisfaction one gets after completing the build is a nice feeling. Good on you, duhvoodooman. I really like how it ended up and the sound is great.

I completely agree for him or for anyone with any skills. But based on what Voodoo was saying, this is not a good learning project for a beginner. I haven't soldered anything since I was in high school or maybe even jr. high. After I am done coaching skiing for the year, I may look on the site for an easier project to learn on.

[sunvalleylaw]

Now, who the heck would that be???

Find them on the PCB (many web references available for this) and replace them with the appropriate resistor ratings for the TS-808 and you just saved yourself $70. Better yet, find a good condition used TS-9 on eBay for $70 or so, and you'll save yourself a C-note! Eye-opening, huh?

Now maybe that is a project I could handle. BTW, I vote DaVoodolizer with labeling the gain knob Mojo.

EDIT: For FYI, my first two pedals, which should arrive in the next week or two, will be the Boss DS-1 and the Bad Monkey.

[ZoSo65]

Nice job DVD
I like VooDoo Screamer
or
VooTube Screamer,,,hehe

[duhvoodooman***]

Sounds like if I want the TS 808 unit like yours, I might be better off getting it assembled for $115.00 ;-)

If your objective is to end up with an "original specs" TS-808 clone at a very reasonable price, a great way to go would be to find a good used TS-9 (these commonly go for $60 - $80 range on eBay) and then change two resistors on the output stage, as described in that Geofex.com article that Tot posted the link for. That keeps the amount of soldering to a bare minimum, and you can get the required resistors at Mouser.com for a few pennies each (I have all the part numbers). If you still don't want to try it, I'll bet you know somebody who knows how to solder and would do this small job for you. Heck, I'd do it for you myself, as long as you covered mailing costs to & from.

I think though, that this is not really about money, it's more to hone skills and the ability to take this to another level. I have an interest because I like experimenting with tone and would love to mutate these projects into something else that you can't buy off the rack. Plus the satisfaction one gets after completing the build is a nice feeling.

EXACTLY, Sting! Much more of a motivating factor for me than the price was (1) the learning experience of building my own pedal from scratch, (2) the challenge and enjoyment of the build itself, and (3) the ability to tweak/modify the pedal to achieve different tones and end up with an "all my own" finished product. I may yet order a couple of additional compatible opamps to try in the IC socket, and I'm almost certainly going to try an in-between capacitor on the clipping input to give a compromise between the stock midrange "hump" and the overly boomy bass I got with the 0.22 uf cap. I may even delve into a switchable clipping mode modification. The possibilities are almost limitless!

[sunvalleylaw]

I\


EXACTLY, Sting! Much more of a motivating factor for me than the price was (1) the learning experience of building my own pedal from scratch, (2) the challenge and enjoyment of the build itself, and (3) the ability to tweak/modify the pedal to achieve different tones and end up with an "all my own" finished product. . . . The possibilities are almost limitless!

I would love to build the pedal myself, for all the reasons above. I especially like the swappable IC socket thing. I was just not sure about handling it as a first project. I will have a Bad Monkey shortly, so may just find an easier starter project to learn some skills and wait on the TS 808 project. Since I am involved with the Scouts, learning could be part of a scout project. (Now who's the nerd )

[warren0728]

ISince I am involved with the Scouts, learning could be part of a scout project. (Now who's the nerd )

i guess i am....i'm involved with scouts too! My kid is only 10 but i think he is going to stick with it....i like the scout project idea!

ww

[sunvalleylaw]

i guess i am....i'm involved with scouts too! My kid is only 10 but i think he is going to stick with it....i like the scout project idea!

ww

My 9 year old guitarist son is a Cub, as is my 6 year old. A pedal may be a bit advanced but I am sure we can come up with a beginner project where we will all learn together. BTW, his Pinewood Derby car was Pack champion last year!!

[warren0728]

seems we have a lot in common....my 10 year old is learning guitar too and the first year we entered the pinewood derby (as a first year tiger cub) his car had the fastest time of the entire pack!

ww

[Spudman***]

"Chicken Bones" That's what you should call it.

Chicken bones. Conferring with spirits and ethereal deities. Visions of graveyard rituals. These are the images movies and superstition have conjured about the practitioners of the religion of voodoo, or Vodoun.
African Bone Readings - Divining tools are used in spiritual readings to bring insight and look into the future. The voodoo priest or priestess "throws the bones," reading the future according to the bones' position in relation to each other. The bones symbolize human characters, the family, and the positive or negative forces influencing their lives. Red stones represent negative forces of the underworld. Brown stones represent wisdom and perception.

You could make the knobs to look like stones.

"Now introducing the hot new Chicken Bones overdrive pedal from Voodoo Electronics."

[Spudman***]

I would love to build the pedal myself, for all the reasons above. I especially like the swappable IC socket thing. I was just not sure about handling it as a first project. I will have a Bad Monkey shortly, so may just find an easier starter project to learn some skills and wait on the TS 808 project. Since I am involved with the Scouts, learning could be part of a scout project. (Now who's the nerd )

Get the scouts to put some together for you. Make it a merit badge project and sell all but one. Then you'll have yours and some extra money to take the troop to the Sun Valley On Ice Burlesque Show.

[warren0728]

"Chicken Bones" That's what you should call it.

Chicken bones. Conferring with spirits and ethereal deities. Visions of graveyard rituals. These are the images movies and superstition have conjured about the practitioners of the religion of voodoo, or Vodoun.

i like it.....very cool name

ww

[tot_Ou_tard]

"Chicken Bones" That's what you should call it.

I vote for this !

[ted s]

Voodoo Chik'n Mojo Modulator !! ??

[ted s]

Get the scouts to put some together for you. Make it a merit badge project and sell all but one. Then you'll have yours and some extra money to take the troop to the Sun Valley On Ice Burlesque Show.

"CAPITAL" plan !! make as many as you can sell.. that's a great idea..

[sunvalleylaw]

"CAPITAL" plan !! make as many as you can sell.. that's a great idea..

Ka-ching! Now to get the skilled "assistant" to help with all the hard stuff.

[ted s]

I could be your "authorized" Canadian distributor. You can use a name that DVM doesn't choose. Instead of chicken bones you may need to use squirrel tales or duck feet to keep with in the scout/cub theme.

[tot_Ou_tard]

I could be your "authorized" Canadian distributor. You can use a name that DVM doesn't choose. Instead of chicken bones you may need to use squirrel tales or duck feet to keep with in the scout/cub theme.

Vood, the masses are already clamoring for clones of your clone!!!

[sunvalleylaw]

Vood, the masses are already clamoring for clones of your clone!!!

Yep, we proles have gas!!