Project 2 – Multiple Boost Pedals

This was an ambition project since I still didn’t know that much about building pedals. I wasn’t sure what to expect using different transistors, and I've never owned a boost pedal before. So, I decided the best way to get my head around this was to build a bunch of them.

I began by downloading a variety of boost pedal schematics (7 in total). These included the legendary LPB-1 circuit, an OpAmp circuit, two JFET circuits, a Mosfet, and two others. I tried building each on a breadboard, but could only get 5 to work; so, I build them.

As you can see in the photos, my first builds weren’t so great. I started out using prototyping circuit boards that look very similar to breadboards. After a few builds I switched to Strip Board (aka Veroboard), which I much prefer over the prototyping boards. I also used generic 1590B enclosures for the first two builds, but then switched to smaller Hammond 1590A enclosures. These take up much less space on your pedal board and look great for pedals with a single knob. For the wiring I tried to get creative - as you can see, some have curved wires, some have strait wires, and some are kind of in between. I really couldn't say which style I prefer, but eventually I'm sure I'll decide on one.

Once all 5 boost pedals were built, I chained them together on my pedal board and tested them out. After a couple weeks, I still couldn't decide which one I preferred. They were all quite similar, but each has its own distinct sonic qualities. The LPB-1 is the most transparent, but the two JFET's have a small amount of gain/distortion that I really like.

Eventually, I was able to narrow it down to three, but still couldn't make up my mind as to which one I like the most. It was obvious I needed help; so, I contacted a guy I know who works at a local music store and really knows his stuff when it comes guitars. I knew Justin would be the ideal person for this task and that his opinion would help me decide which one was ultimately the best so I made him a copy of each one, identifying them with only numbers.

Over the next few weeks I waited with eager anticipation. Finally, I got the call.

After testing each pedal with an assortment of other pedals, guitars and amps, Justin concluded that he most preferred pedal #2; a JEFT circuit based on the classic Tillman Preamp. He preferred this one because of its warm, natural sounding low-end that has just a bit of added gain/distortion when cranked. Since this was also one of my top choices, I decided it was the one to keep.

Looking into the future, I am hoping to build more of these little boost pedals so I can offer them online to anyone looking for such a useful tool. Currently, I keep one at the end of my pedal board - and it's on all the time. It's used primarily as a buffer, to put back the signal that is lost running through all my pedals; and that added bit of gain/distortion that saturates the signal really helps brighten my overall sound. This simple device is now a primary element in creating my guitar sound, and I couldn't imagine not having it.