Stargazer FX

The Newest Addition

2010-05-24T14:59:00.000-07:00

Every family has that one crazy cousin.

This one's ours.

I'm not going to release much info about the newest deisgn until I have a few made. But I did make a soundclip to spark some interest. The whole time I'm just going through the different "channels" of fuzz that are available in this unit.

30 Minutes long, so early Xmas to your fuzz loving ears.

http://www.mediafire.com/?jleteingwg4

Enjoy!

Easter-Themed True Bypass Box

2010-04-04T09:10:00.000-07:00

When I modded that Turbo Rat, my payment was an MXR Micro Amp. didn't really dig it, and failed to mod it the way I wanted to [I hate MXR double sided PCB] so I took mom's electric sander, got the enclosure raw, sprayed one layer of pink finish and my little sister painted it for me. Happy Easter, Bell!

Tooskoops Photography

2010-04-02T17:13:00.000-07:00

Everybody has that one very talented person in their family that's always out on business. Mine just happens to be one that is always a great friend, reliable and always has my back when I need him.

My uncle Lance Eubanks is a very skilled photographer and does alot of amazing work with his craft. The life that he brings into such simple pictures is phenomenal, and how he does it is absolutely beyond me! He also did my senior pictures and has always hooked me up and gotten me into places I could've never gone.

So here's to you, Lance! My greatest reccomendation for a very high-quality photographer who will give you exactly what you want. I guess it's just in our family to be in this on a personal level. Every person is special and deserves to have it suited to their own needs.

For the very best in any kind of photography that you could ever need, you can call and count on Lance.

www.tooskoopsphotography.com

You really are the man!

Stargazer FX Modded FAB Echo #2

2010-04-02T13:58:00.000-07:00

In a bout of trading, I had to let the first one i modified get away. Not again. I went through months of searching, but eventually got another FAB Echo in a trade. This things went from two knobbed and good for nothing and turned into a self-oscillating, infinitely repeating peice of 5 seconds of lo-fi digital madness!

Can't wait to get the new rig all fired up. Looking to design so many cool and new things, and finish one project that will be a major event for the man it was designed for. ;)

pics!!

The Bulbasaur pedal

2010-04-02T13:48:00.000-07:00

Its not really a "Bulbasaur-in-a-box". I used an old white MXR sized box that I slapped a good ol' pokemon sticker onto and put a circuit in that is my take on a timeless design. I used a few vintage parts in the circuit to make it even more authentic. They came from PCBs that a good friend sent me from down in florida. He acquired them wen he had to clean out the old Thomas Organ warehouse and had about 13 PCBs that he sent me. the character that those parts provide make this thing phenomenal!

It's an extremely focused and sharp drive, and can reach into fuzz territories. One major point is that it has plenty of clarity, while retaining it's abrasiveness, and really opens up anythign that it is driving. When I use it, I really like to make it sound natural and full by cranking up the volume a tad, but its tricky to do with how much volume and gain it has on tap.

Bryan Ray's Deluxe Bass Dream Muff

2010-04-01T21:13:00.000-07:00

Well, this is the fourth muff that I've done a major overhaul to making into someone else's "Dream Muff". Bryan contacted me on yahoo seeking to make his Black Russian Big Muff Pi into a more suitable bass fuzz, and he also mentioned he was a big fan of more experimental types of music.

For a slight idea of what has been done to it, here's a peice of an email I sent him while I was finishing it up.

"Hey Bryan! You'll be happy to know that I've got some news for you!
I've gotten everything wired up except for the mid boost [just two wires left!!!] Everything works as it should, except for two small snags. These are the things I was wanting to tell you about.

The clean blend doesn't do exactly what it was supposed to. It acts sort of as a Master Volume, but I feel like it adds a little something more. When you crank everything on the pedal [with the gate off] you can get insane feedback-y monophonic drone notes! And by playing with the knobs, you can make melodies. The other thing is that the jacks, that hold the PCB up, are still in the original position. My apologies, but I think this is the best way for less confusion and less stress on the wires as well. It doesn't hinder much though, so I doubt it will be a problem for you.

So as far as the clean blend goes, do you want me to keep it as is for crazy stuff, or would you rather it be something more practical, like an input attenuation or "Focus" knob? More signal cleanup or more intensified gain.
But everything else works fine. The Sag can cut alot of voltage, which is alot of fun. the gate works as it should and can provide those crazy sounds. The tone bypass makes the EQ flat, but the tone knob has a very slight influence in this mode. The mid boost will be a huge boost as well. TONs of gain, and all in the best frequencies suited for the bass. DC jack works great, and battery does too. Amber LED is flat out classy. ;)

I'm going to wait to finish it up until you tell me what to do. I have to go to my little sister's birthday party today, so I can do the gist of the remainder of the work tomorrow afternoon after school. I really hope this thing suits you well. I was jamming on it for an hour just to see what all kinds of whacked out tones it can do. Sort of a conglomeration of all the crazy abilities of crazier fuzz pedals combined into a big muff.

Hope everything's well in your life, bud!

Talk to you soon.

-Nate"

So this little monster is stuffed full of features. And though the Clean Blend didn't come out the way as planned, the bypass was repaired and both Bryan and I are psyched for the way it sounds. He'll be recieving it shortly, and I'm making this page for his Deluxe Bass Dream Muff. Congrats, Bryan! I sure hope you enjoy it to it's fullest extent.

daniel.k.n

2010-03-09T13:09:00.000-08:00

Such a good dude. A definite long-term and long-distance best bud to me, too. From the Dream Muff MKII and my old Dyna Comp, we've come a long way together gear-wise. Anything he's needed, I've done my best to provide, and every pedal idea I dream up, he gets to feel the experience first-hand.

He recently sent me a vintage CE-2, a Vintage RAT, and I picked up a Bad Monkey tube overdrive for him. I got rid of the excess noise and cleaned up the CE-2 as much as I could within the circuit. Such a pretty gem, too! He got lucky to find it. The Rat was converted to the Mondo Mouse and since he's not using a battery compartment, he can just flip the pedal over and tweak the girth trimpot from the outside.

We've done a ton of deals, Daniel. I appreciate it all and only look forward to more in the future.

Here's your page. = D

Mondo Mouse Mod #1 [Turbo Rat]

2010-02-17T13:31:00.000-08:00

A good freind of mine, Patrick Finnicum, told me all about how much he hated his Turbo Rat. He told me everything he wanted changed, and then we sorted the other options out and ended up with the first complete Mondo Mouse Mod.

The List

2010-01-03T12:10:00.000-08:00

I found it neccesary to make this because there are many services that I can offer that I haven't had the chance to do yet. Some of the mods/custom builds I can do are:

-All of my own designs, which will be featured on here.

-Mods to most, if not all of the tubescreamer derivatives. [No Bad Monkeys, as they are SMD, but most anything else that have full-sized/non-robot SMD components are game here.

-Danelectro FAB Echoes. Love these little guys, even though they are SMD, they're about the only ones I can manage. Older models are better for me to work with, but newer models are possible as well.

-Big Muffs and their derivatives.

-Rats!!

-Small Clones/Stones

-Custom routing boxes, power supply splitters, power supply converters, voltage sags, etc.

-Most any wahs, the basic kinds like Standard VOX V847 and Crybaby GCB-95 are the best to mod since they're cheap and have alot of potential.

-Tons of mass-produced pedals have may mods available.

-I prefer not to work with MXR because of their double-sided PCB, and don't like the old EHX Green Russian Tanks because of their size, makes it unmanageable. And SMD is on a very strict basis, but on most occassions is unworkable for me.

This is by no means a full list, but just a few to give an idea of where I know I can go. If you have anything at all that needs modding, I'd be more than happy to take a crack at it and see if we can't get something worked out. My job is to aid you in the search for the sound you need to make your music. And where I come from, getting it suited to your individual tastes makes a lot more difference than offering plain old generalized services that everyone can have without having their own personal input on. Youn kow the sound that's in your head; let me help you get it out of yours and into everyone else's ears.

Stargazer FX Dream Muff MK3

2010-01-02T10:41:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1-YHi7lh7E

Yep! Finally a good/decent video of the pedal in action. hopefully you can hear what I'm saying, but for the most part you can understand what's going on. Starts with general muff-tones and adds in some more midrange, and ventures towards a few of the different settings that can be had.

Pictures will be up after it gets drilled.

Line 6 Modeller Stomp Switches

2009-12-29T00:17:00.000-08:00

You know how you can get the amazing double presets on your MM-4, DL-4, or any other Line 6 modelling stompbox? Instead of using the expressino pedal, you can have a nifty little stomp switch!

Dream Muff MKII

2009-12-29T00:10:00.003-08:00

For Daniel of Canada! Good buddy of mine, and hopefully he sees this! Look to see more of this dude on my pages.

Bought it second hand for him and then modded and sent with the Dyna Comp to his doorstep while he visited the states.

Stargazer FX "Angel Crank"

2009-12-29T00:07:00.000-08:00

Well, here goes another one for Eric of Austrailia! A close cousin to the Eulalia pedal in design, but with plenty of crunchy goodness added in!

Hope you enjoy it!

Mondo Mouse #002

2009-12-08T12:54:00.000-08:00

Well, each is custom -made for the user. And this one went out to my good friend, Robbie Van Hoy of Red Springs NC. I'm happy to have made Soundland studios one pedal happier! :D

Stargazer FX Mid-Life Crisis

2009-12-08T12:42:00.000-08:00

A freind on the guitargeek forums needed a special pedal made. So I took the liberty to fulfill it to his exact specs. The colors, behavior of the pedal, and even the labels for the knobs.

Updates

2009-12-07T20:19:00.000-08:00

Hi, everyone!

Stargazer FX is still alive, but I've just been so busy working with pedals, amps, guitars and school that I haven't been able to update in a while. A lot has been done and will be posted as I am able to do so. Have quite a few new products coming your way over the summer. Which is also when I'll be building between one and five of each so that I have some stockpiled without having much wait time for them. Tons of new stuff, and all great and original designs. May also be adding a few tutorials for those who are trying to get into the DIY groove!

I've also been working on recording some new material with my solo music, an online collaboration with some friends overseas. [Predominantly my Austrailian bretheren and "siteren"] =] So expect tons of great new things soon.

Nate

Stargazer FX Modded Marshall Guv'nor +

2009-09-04T17:43:00.000-07:00

I had bought one of these pedals back when I first started loving the Marshall sound. Out of the box, I thought it was a bit too compressed and muddy, then the nasally honk of unbalanced midrange was killing me!

So I eventually modded it for a more versatile tone and added a "Model" switch. Then my buddy Donnie of Mississippi ended up trading me a Boss CH-1, Zoom Power Driver 5000, and Danelectro Fab Echo for the Guv'nor Plus. Here's what Donnie said after he had gotten the time to play through it: [two days, and the first was just waiting to find time to play it :D]

"As far as getting the EQ dialed in just right for my tastes, I'm done.

Gain=Max, Deep=2:00, Bass=2:00, Mid=12:00, Treble=1:00, Volume=8:00

B.C. Rich Guitar-GV2-Clean Channel of 5150 Head-DigiVerb set to Spring Emulation in FX Loop-Open Back 2x12" Cabinet. Guitar Vloume set to 5, and Guitar Tone set to 8.

I must confess that for 95% of the hour and a half or so I've spent with this pedal, I've had the Gain maxed out, just trying to get killer JCM and JTM tones via the switch mod. It's a rock-n-roll machine. I've yet to see how it sounds at "Overdrive" settings. I liked it so much as a "Mid-Gain" pedal, that I got sidetracked. Lower gain experiments will happen over the weekend I'm sure.

JCM setting with Gain Maxed = Welcome to the Jungle, Tush
JTM setting with Gain Maxed = Whole Lotta Love, Ain't Talkin' Bout Love

It has a Clear, Articulate, Crisp, Bright, Crunchy, Upper-Mid Emphasis. It sounds just like a Marshall Amp with the Gain set High."

And soon, He will be sending me some audio clips and with his permission, I will add them to the Stargazer FX Soundclick.

Stargazer FX "Mondo Mouse"

2009-09-03T15:10:00.000-07:00

For a long time, I have LOVED the sound of a Rat! And now, my aussie friend Eric calls in a request for a Stargazer FX take on a classic design. :) You know where that could end up at!

So I bought every single component in the highest quality and bought a PCB from Tonepad which turned out to be just as much beautiful in looks as sound! This pedal really goes without saying; so here's some pictures to tell you thousands of words:

V controls Volume, F is the Filter, D is the Drive control, G is the Girth of the distortion, and S is the Smoothness in the overdrive; M/T/C switch is the mode selector. M=Mondo/T=Turbo/C=Classic. In the Demo I generally have the settings as you see them in the photos running into my Modified Blues Junior and going through the modes and sometimes fiddling with the knobs settings.

And the soundclips can be found here:
www.soundclick.com/StargazerFXDemos

Congrats to Eric Bagnara of Austrailia! Youve got number one, but Ill have the next one! It was great working with you on it man.

Oh and did I mention that it self-oscialltes at higher gain settings with the Girth and Smoothnes at the more extreme settings? Pretty much every imaginably useful tone can be obtained by the Mondo Mouse! I'm very proud of it and look foward to your demos Eric.

Stargazer Fx Waves of Aurora

2009-08-24T16:18:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEe9aKa_YVI

One of my favorite designs has just been decided to be a full release! My best design, IMO, for a fuzz/overdrive hybrid. Cleaning up the fuzziness leads to a softer distortion/smooth overdrive tonality. This is one pedal that you can always count on to respond to whatever you play into it. The dynamics of your playing will greatly affect the texture and feel of the W.o.A. Silicon-based and can be custom-designed per order. [Colors, Extra tone controls, etc.] True Bypass, super-bright LED, and handcrafted by me in the USA. All orders made on a requested basis, and personal contact and conversations will be made concerning your order.

My Updated Rig [Hopefully the Real Thing!]

2009-08-19T21:14:00.000-07:00

8/18/09

I modded the amp last night and put it together this morning. sounds good, but I just have to sort out the Hum issues. I removed the reverb and master volume controls and replaced the master with a new volume control, and added an FX Loop toggle for straight amp/Amp with FX Loop. It's got a very nice twin-ish/blackface-y sound to it, I threw in some more midrange though. Touch of warmth too!

I think to fix the hum, Ill just have to send all of the reverb signal to ground. The only other thing is how the speaker buzzes when I play a resonant note or if I play loud at all...

8/19/09

Okay, here's the newest incarnation!

Guitars:
-MIM Fender Fat Strat HH Deluxe [Black]
-MIM Fender Standard Tele [White]

Gigs:
Gtr>SD-1>Blues Jr.

Recording/Home:
Gtr>A/B/Y>[A]>SD-1>Blues Jr[send>MX200, left channel in and out>return]
>[b]>GV-2>Hot Rod Dlx[send>SSVB>MX200, right ch, in& out>return]

A/B/Y is homemade, Spidey Stomp Volume Box is homemade, SD-1 is modded ["Passion Drive"], Gv-2 is modded [less mud, LED and GE/LED clip switch], Blues Jr is modded [Blackface, True bypassable FX Loop, Celestion G12-HT 100 speaker, Reverb circuit is hard-wired to "off" mode and all connections to the reverb circuit from the rest of the amp are disconnected].

Tubes:
[Blues Jr.]
Sovtek 12AX7 as V1, Groove Tube 12AX7-R as V2, and EHX 12AX7EH as V3, Matched pair of JJ EL84 output tubes.

[HRD]
EHX 12AX7EH as V1 & V2, all else is stock.

(pics and vids are soon to come. Need to get rid of the speaker resonance!)

Pics:

Soundclips here:
www.Soundclick.com/StargazerFXDemos

8-22-09

Okay, so im changing a few things around!

My Tele and Strat each have their own rigs:

Tele>SD-1*>Red '69 Fuzz [made by plmr5181]>Blues Jr.*
[in FX Loop] Digitech RP80>DD-20>Phase 90*>Digiverb>Choralflange>RC-2

Strat>GV-2*>MT-2*>BF-3>HRD[Spidey Stomp Volume box in loop]

Tele's Rig is more for general playing and spacey/everything just about. Strat's Rig is more of a driving rock sound! and more of a "Standard" sort of rock/rawk tone for Bigger distortion tones.

Oh! Im also starting to love my little Yamaha keyboard. Tons of fun and great for recording backing tracks and such. I use it with the RC-2 alot to record the background loops when Im not running the Tele through a loop.

*=Stargazer FX Modified

Tons of pics and music to come! Ill actually find time to record.

Stargazer FX "Humbug"

2009-08-12T22:35:00.000-07:00

Do you have trouble with your pedals' power supply? All of the noise from your Boss DS-1 driving you craaazy? [I know mine is.]

Some hum in your effects chain is caused by a poorly regulated and filtered power supply. The choppy DC waves that are put out by a wall wart's constant stream of power causes these high frequency oscillations which are heard from the pedals. And who has the time to go through the hassle of using only batteries for their pure-wave with no hum?

Well, I've found a solution! All you really need is some extra filtering and adjustment on your DC power supply and then, voila!, the hum is gone!

Using only the best components and very nit-pickingly hand-made right here in the USA, I present the "Humbug". This little bugger will eat all of those choppy DC waves and let out a wave that the pedal wants to see.

JMH's Time to Fly!

2009-08-07T14:16:00.000-07:00

Well, today is August 7th.. John Mark leaves for college at UNCA tomorrow morning, and he came by to say his final goodbyes to me and pick up any extra gear he needed. I had to say two of the hardest goodbyes in my life too. First to him and then to his amp that I modded... Cant wait to get one of my own!!Here are some photos and vids of the man and his machine!

John Mark really plays it like a pro. :) I'm glad to do business with him and be somewhat of an exclusive collaborator to and with him. He makes me proud of what I do!I'll miss ya John Mark! Even though we're not next door, it aint good bye for sure. :D Ill keep up with you on Facebook. All of my thanks to you and anytime you need my services, just call me up!

Stargazer FX "Homme Des Cavernes Orthodoxe"

2009-08-04T19:40:00.000-07:00

My newest product, but oldest design has arrived!

The Stargazer FX "Homme Des Cavernes Orthodoxe" has arrived as our smallest and craziest pedal yet, especially out of the ones on the site. [Some designs go unrecognized or unauthorized to enter the site.] But our most Massive Gain Monster has arrived; and its our little dark secret.

One knob control how much insane and warm "Output" the "H.D.C.O."pushes into your amp, and the other controls the "Juice" that the pedal recieves and varies it's overall response accordingly. This pedal also reacts very subconsciously to your playing and volume. if you roll it back and use lower "Juice" settings youll get the 8-bit sounds of your favorite old arcade games and the new-age sputter and velcro-grind that HDCO does so well. If you like, sludge, fuzz, or fudge; This little beast has all of the things you love in one, with enough volume to make the windows shake with a good amp. The decay is also varied depending upon tone, playing styles and juice. In some settings, there will be some wavering and others have a very short decay. A self-silencer is included for minimal noise operation while retaining clarity, doominess, and sustain. Also features True Bypass with LED and a boss style, heavy duty metal DC jack. This pedal will not accept a 9Volt battery; it must be run from wall power. I am attempting a conscious effort to help our environment in doing so. and if neccesary, you can always get a Boss Style Dc jack to 9 Volt connector style adapter, or if you absolutely need one I can one make for you, just add $5 to your order.

With different playing caveats and with the guitar's tone knob in various positions you have endless options with the HDCO.

A rough idea of what it can sound like: (with reverb thrown in a few times to accentuate the natural hugeness of the HDCO)[link shows entire recording session I took while I was playing with it; so youll have plenty to listen to. :)] (Split into three parts.)

http://www.soundclick.com/StargazerFXDemos

Using a Stargazer FX JMH modified Blues Jr. and my Strat in D-standard with Drop-C on the low E string.

It ain't easy being the smallest in the family. :)

The first H.D.C.O. has been created! for Eric of Austrailia:
http://img228.imageshack.us/gal.php?g=agosto107.jpg
Artwork may vary on select models, but this may be what I stick with. and notice how bright the Pink LED is! :)

Stargazer FX Wah Mod Deluxe

2009-07-31T00:49:00.000-07:00

Are you tired of your old Crybaby wah? Does it suck all of the life from your tone? Or has playing it just gotten boring and seemingly useless?

I've got the cure for you! I will take your old wah; Crybaby, Vox, Etc. and Modify it to your exact specs. so what do you need?

Bass/Guitar switch (useful when swapping between the two)
True Bypass
Foot-on activation/Foot-off bypass
LED
More warmth to the wah
More Vocal quality
Extended Wah Sweep and Range
Wah/haW switch (Reverses the sweep of the wah)
Wah/Volume switch
Stargazer FX Exclusive "Revolu-wah"! (makes your wah do the foot action for you, by revolving the sweep instead of using your foot to control it and adjusted by the speed knob next to the switch between manual and Revolu-wah)
Spring-Action (so that it will return to the comfortable heel-down or toe-down position when you finish playing; please specify toe or heel down.)
"Flavor" knob
Switchable Bass/Mids/Vocal/Sweep Mods
Manual/Parked wah modes (allowing you to set a position for the wah to be parked at, or switch back to control it with your foot.)
"Q" Control

Just let me know what you need or want and Ill work something out with you.

And Remember; If you see the "Revolu-wah" anywhere else, it's not the real deal. I'm the only person Ive found to even implement this design in a stompbox or any other form.

I am also working on developing a Touch mode with sensitivity control for how the wah responds to your pick attack, just like a touch wah/autowah/filter would!

Line 6 Modeller Mods

2009-07-23T14:53:00.000-07:00

Im now offering mods to correct the Volume drop; add a double preset footswitch so that you can change from one setting to another from a remote location,and still have the use of the stock jack; change the LEDs to almost whatever you want!; then I can also upgrade the stomp switches to a stronger and smoother switch.

Im performing this to my MM-4 very soon. Drop me a line if you're interested!

A Little Help for my Friends! (AFF)

2009-07-23T14:31:00.000-07:00

So I have a friend (AFF on GG). He's asked me for help on some occasions and I wanted to throw a page up for him on here!

To learn how he did an 18 volt Mod to EMGs, look here:

http://www.instructables.com/id/EMG-18-Volt-Mod/

For his entire list of instructables, go here:

http://www.instructables.com/member/AFF/

Here's his band too!:

http://www.myspace.com/apartfromfear

EHX/Sovtek Green Russian Small Stone

2009-07-22T15:59:00.000-07:00

Wow! This thing is the most phasey sound Ive ever heard! The bubbly character is only surpassed by the inherent warmth of the phase.

Only problems are:

Noise when Bypassed
Noise when engaged
Tone suck on bypass (SPDT used for output switching on older units like this)
Volume drop due to tone suck (there is none, just the out-of-phase character in comparison to the in-phase guitar makes you think there's a difference.)
Gentle whoosh during bypass
Overly "woofy" sound at times
Crappy circuit design
LED problems
No battery preservation

So I gave it a Millenium 2 bypass, added a depth control and a "Timbre" switch.

The Depth will control how deep the phaser dives in comparison to the dry signal, acting more as a Dry/Wet Ratio for the amount of phase... Confusing, huh?

Timbre will affect how much bass is allowed into the circuit, after being buffered. Also affects the overall response and feel of the swirls.

And it has a nice Green LED to match! and new Metal jacks for security and durability. Checked over the PCB's traces for the best solder joints possible!

Results:

Group shot:In the Dark...

Now I know Alex is ready to have his family back, but I just need a little more time to get soundclips recorded! But right now I need to eat.. Forgot to since I was busy earlier! And the Small Stone made a gash in the opposite thumb that the Small Clone injured. :) Rugrats bandaids always come to the rescue.

Alex's SD-1

2009-07-22T15:52:00.000-07:00

So.. one of my oldest friends.:) The Boss SD-1! I originally set out to transform his SD-1 into a Passion Drive model, but the previous mods that had been done limited my abilities somewhat.

The people at protone replaced all but about three caps with higher quality film or whatever and changed a few things, and resoldered the PCB joints. when I got it the output was insanely low, on account of one of their wires breaking from the solder joint. I went back over it and checked every single spot for durability.

Then I began the process of getting his thin sounding, raspy overdrive to be more like mine. One thing I did change is how much bass comes in. On mine, there is an insane amount of bass and warmth, which lends to the velvety smooth darkness that I favor. On his, I instead went with my newfound motto that "Treble is easierto take away than to add." So his is more biting and precise on the top end of the spectrum with a fully stable bass response and an all-around smoother crunch. His is able to get stingingly clear notes and can back off the tone for warmer but defined notes.

Hopefully itll be a great addition to his classic rock board!

Stargazer FX "Dream Muff"

2009-07-21T20:40:00.000-07:00

So, I've finally gotten to the Big Muff! This beast is remarkably unique and will not be mistaken for any other fuzz. Once you've played a Big Muff from the factory, you think there is nothing better than that monstrous tone.

But once you play a Stargazer FX Modded Big Muff, you will be dreaming of having all the time in the world to jam out on it. I've changed the tonestack to allow the same old scooped midrange and emphasized bass and treble, all the way up to a smooth and full midrange-packed solo tone! Now the Big Muff has five knobs and five switches.

The knobs control:

Volume
Tone
Mids (left is more, right is scoop!)
Sustain
Decay

The switches control:

Clipping diodes on first gain stage
Clipping diodes on second gain stage
"Cream"
Bypass
"Expand"

Taking out either set of diodes will result in a very different sound. and depending on what sort of sound you're going for will make or break your overall tonality.

The Decay knob allows the pedal to finally be quiet when you arent playing; acting as a noise gate of sorts. Another fun way to use it is to make the Muff become a quick-decay fuzz and make it sound glitchy!

Tons of fun can be had with this on the Raunchier side of distorted fuzz walls.. But one thing that it can do now is become a booster! If you just want some more volume and add some mids and refine the tone; then do it! This thing earns the space it takes up on your pedal board now. Not only does it make huge walls; it also can become a strong Distortion, a bluesy crunch machine, a spazztastic fuzz, and a relatively clean booster with Tone and midrange shaping. (all with an added noise gate when activated!) Did I forget to mention that the volume is able to get INSANELY LOUD?!?!

Use the "Cream" switch to boost the muff's gain stages and break through all sonic boundaries! Set the Tone and mids to a stock Muffish scooped sound and hit the "Expand" switch for a more natural tone response.

It will take a while to get used to all the options. But look at it this way.. You'll never need another Dirt pedal!

Small Clones and the Neccessities of Invention!

2009-07-14T01:22:00.000-07:00

OK, so the Small Clone got pretty much to "FUBAR" status as you can see in my last post. Taking the advice of Frank Zappa, I used my neccessities to behave as the mother of invention!

I took a BB sized metal box, from Small Bear Electronics [where I buy all of my stuff from], and used it for the better, harder, and stronger enclosure for the Small Clone!!

Here's what I ended up with:

A New Order!

2009-07-13T14:11:00.001-07:00

My buddy Alex, sent me his vintage Small Stone, a new Big Muff Pi, a modded SD-1, and his Choralflange (in trade for my hot-rodded Small Clone). Now's time for the newest journey to begin!

The pedals are now on my "workbench".. AKA washing machine, as I have no good place to work on. After organizing the different pedals and the parts necessary to mod them with, I decided to get to work! I unscrewed every pedal so that I could get to the circuits. From there, I started soldering the new DC jack on the Small Clone and forgot that I ordered the kind that have to be in before I can solder them.. D: Christ, it ain't never easy! But I unsoldered it and have the jack ready to be drilled so that I can resolder it together.

I begin the drilling process and everything seems to be good. Firm, steady pressure and holding the box down. Then this is where it goes wrong. The drill bit jams, causing the kinetic force of the drill to make the box twist in my hand and bend the metal enclosure. After it's done bending out of my hand it manages to get a fantastic little slice on my thumb. Ah, sheet metal.. Why do you hurt me so?

All in all.. EHX should stop keeping their DC jacks as 1/8" negative sleeve, positive tip. Get with the program!! You make some of the best stompboxes, but yet you continue to use the same crappy parts that noone has a dedicated power supply for, so it causes modders to slice their hands open or players to have to buy special adapters. We love you EHX.. It's just time for a realization.. Time for change.

Seeing as how deformed the original box is and how hard it would be to repair it. I think Im just going to rehouse the PCB into a metal case.

June/July Transition!

2009-07-04T22:17:00.000-07:00

Okay, so its been a pretty good month. I've had my best and biggest gig yet sitting in with DL Token! I've also gotten further into my whole Stargazer FX business and have been upgrading to being able to make and produce m own pedals that I've designed. All handwired, inspected, and designed by me and me alone!

I've been brushing up and have came up with my pedals' concepts of design and will be completely different from any other pedal out there that I've ever seen. Rugged metal enclosures, True Bypass that everyone loves so much!, all the best parts, and the hand-selected components that will do the job best. There are also a few secrets to my design that I've been trying to finalize for the actual finish of the box and get it to be a very distinctive look.

I have also modified a brand new MXR Phase 90 to Script specs for that great bubblegum 70's subtle phase swirl [with a pink LED to match]! Along with it, I've been working on a Dyna Comp, which will go to JMH with improved tonal response, tweaked to his specs with the decay and attack.. Now the last problem is the noise issue. This has been found to be a problem in all Dyna comps, and is noticeable at gig level volumes, but only in certain spots. Knowing JMH, he will be able to work around this but I still want to find a remedy. This pedal is great, but the noise kills it. The yellow LED is mighty nice though! Furthermore, I am modding my Marshall Guv'nor II to have two different styles of clipping for a more saturated overdrive in comparison to the crunchy buzz of the stock pedal. I've also changed the tonal structure to give it more top end bite than the muddiness it had out of the box. My friend Alex, Stratguy23 on GG, and I have began collaborating and doing pedal business. I'm going to be doing some mods on his vintage Green Small Stone, trading my super-modded Small Clone for his Choralflange, modifying his Big Muff to my own design of "Dream Muff" specs, and also modding his SD-1 to "Passion Drive" specs.

Next to come: My own creation in complete form!!

Updates [music and gear!]

2009-06-29T20:58:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to get my board together. Right now Ive got my SD-1 (with "Passion Drive" mods), into a Modded Marshall GV-2 (different clipping distortion styles for more monster gain!), into a (soon to be acquired) pitch shifter for harmonies [either a cheapo Behringer, or an affordably-priced Boss PS-5 from Ebay], then the DD-20 (for delays obviously), a Modded Phase 90 comes next (on its way to my house from a guy on GG, itll have a depth knob and color switch in addition to the speed knob0 :) ), next comes a Digiverb (gonna get it off of Ebay, for all its huge verbs and reverse[which can be used with my pitchshifter for octoverb like Line6 or reverse pentaverb; fifths in harmony with reverse reverb ^_^]) into a Choralflange :D (got in a trade for my supermodded Small Clone!, also coming to my house soon), then my RC-2 ends the pedalboard and it goes into my Hot Rod Deluxe. I'm gonna be able to make some new music now. :D

Look for my new project, just me playing around with my gear; Dark Side of the Sun. Ill take a pic when my pedalboard is complete and then post clips as well, but Ive got a few songs in the works that I may upload soon!

-Tater

Stargazer FX Demos!

2009-06-26T10:50:00.000-07:00

I have finally started to get a few good demos together, and here they are:

http://www.soundclick.com/StargazerFXDemos

Enjoy everyone!

and for a preview of the pedals that are on here as of right now, June 26 '09, here they are:

Stargazer FX "Draven/Cullen" Mod for Boss Metal Zone

2009-06-20T22:04:00.000-07:00

So, I cracked open my Metal zone (MT-2). I have hated that thing every second that Ive had it. Now, I LOVE IT!

I modifed the tonal characteristics of the pedal to be much smoother and get rid of the stupid cocked wah sound. Now, the thing is a real monster.. With a small twist..

I have a switch on the pedal to change the "personality" of the gain. Stock, It is VERY fizzy and not pleasing in any way at all. Now, with the switch turned to the "Draven" side (think about the Crow ;) ), The Pedal responds to your playing with a demonic type of Drive structure. It replicates the sound of layers of volume overlapping and distorting the sonic soundwaves. This sound is much more open than the stock version. and the EQ is much more improved. If you play with the Midrange Freq, and the Mids turned up a bit, it will sound like youre sweeping a wah but not like the originalpedal would. This is a much more defined way, like a REAL equalizer would affect the midrange sweep. And if you find the secret spot... The pedal will respond to YOU! There is a spot where it will cause self oscillation, which is only barely felt by the user when the guitar is plugged in. But when you unplug the guitar at this setting (turn the volume down first though) the pedal will be self oscillating as if it were in a feedback loop! You can harness the sweep of the EQ and gain controls to vary the frequency/pitch of the note caused by the oscillation. But, be aware that it can get crazy; and its not available in every spot of the controls, but when you get the feel for the oscillation you'll know what youre doing. Within the "Draven" mode, the new Blue LED to show when the pedal is on will be lit.

In "Cullen" mode, the Metal Zone takes on a whole other persona; no longer will the orange LED show you the way to go, but now two eyes will watch and lead you. You may notice this more recent name, and the Lights to match the two phases of his hunger (shown within his eye colors; amber and red ). The amber that shows he is satisfied, and hungry no more, flashes opposite to the eye of bloody satisfaction, after the kill. this configuration, like any eyes, will blink in response to what is given to it. If you play, it will be watching you.. If you hold on to one good long note, He'll stare you down mercilessly.. Hungrily. This setting is best shown if at a cranked gain setting. The eyes will burn more intinsely upon you when the beast is fed more. if you turn his feast away from him, he will fade away. Ashes to ashes, and dust to dust.

As if that were'nt enough, the MT-2 now is a graverobber. Meaning that those batteries that you once thought were dead... Are Alive again! I prefer to use mine with a dying battery (one that has been looonng gone). It gives a more spongy feel to the response and gives a strong fuzz-like quality in the "Draven" mode. No lights will shine in this condition though. Would you expect something that's dead to shine anyways? You wont be able to see the difference, but you will feel and hear it. Just like the difference between a living body and dead, the feel is different as well as the response.

For a brand new Mt-2 with the Draven/Cullen mod installed and sent straight to you, I only as kfor $160 plus shipping costs.

To mod your existing MT-2, send it to me with $80 and yours will become a new monster!

Stargazer FX Blues Junior Mod

2009-06-20T21:55:00.000-07:00

Do you lack a certain clarity in your Blues junior combo? Feel like it needs more of that punch and cut that is so evident in higher priced models?

While working on John Mark's Blues Junior, I discovered this whole other realm of beauty and tones that this little amp is capable of! The tones are astounding out of such a small amp.

In the mod, I fix everything that is wrong with the stock Blues jr.; the volume jumps, the muddiness, the breakup harshness, and any other unpleasantry that you feel while playing. I take your Blues Junior and fix the volume control to where it is USEABLE! Fix it to the correct type of control it should be and adjust the range ever so slightly so that it can obtain bedroom levels and still reach gig levels! I also intall an additional control for the "Prescence" of the amp, which also effects the overall tonal response of the amp to you and your playing style. The EQ section will be shifted to allow much wider control of the tonal abilities in the amp. Instead of always having the Fender clean, You can crank the input volume, adjust the EQ to your favored response, and the prescence as well; after youre done tweaking those controls, hit the fat switch for a searing overdrive and turn the master up to wherever you prefer! For additional gain and grit from the amp, I like to use my SD-1 with the "Passion Drive" mod to boost the input and bump the EQ with a little bit more midrange and "umph!"

I'll make clips soon :)

-Tater

Boss SD-1 "Passion Drive" Mod

2009-06-20T21:45:00.000-07:00

Through my research of working with the SD-1, I have finaally came to the optimum conclusion of getting all that is attainable from this overdrive. All the greatest tones are coakable and every practical application as an overdrive or dirty boost is right under your foot!

The "Passion Drive" mod will convert your stock SD-1 (also can be done on any other tubescreamer type pedal) into a tone monster and throw all of the best dynamics, sustain, and crunchy goodness into yoursound. Before i even started playing, I knew there was this smooth, crisp, clear, and musically soothing sound that I was after. After six years of daily hunting; I've found it. The newfound stability, clarity and enhancements are amazing! The way the drive gets gritty in response to your picking strength and dynamics changes all the rules of playing. Just playing through this pedal gives me all the mojo I need for a good solo/gig/concert/performance.

Clarity
Full Range tone response
Tonal stability
Subtle to driving grit
Smooth dynamics
Plenty of Volume
Complete Tonal Domination

All of this and so much more is immediately at your disposal. Oh yeah, there's a Pink LED too!

So if you want the sound thats been boggling your brain for so long; get up with me and I'll give you what you need.

Stargazer FX "Passion Drive" Mod for the Boss SD-1 and other Tubescreamer-based pedals is available as a mod to your existing overdrive for $75 plus shipping and handling.

A brand new Boss SD-1 with the "Passion Drive" mod already installed for only $120 plus shipping and handling.

All the best,

-Tater

My Li'l Creations

2009-05-07T13:16:00.001-07:00

So far I've got at least 5 little monsters of my own design:

Eulalia
Waves of Aurora
The Color of Passion
Subterranean Velvet
Revolver

And my Spidey Stomp Volume Box of course! :D

I've also got many many many designs of modifications to wahs, overdrives, distortions, fuzzes, etc.

My most recent creations that were not entirely my own design/modded:

Stargazer FX Modded SD-1 (Joryn's Mods)
Stargazer FX Modded SD-1 (Mine)
Stargazer FX Modded Crybaby (JMH)
Stargazer FX Modded DS-1 (Mine)
Treble Skreamer (JM417) [which eventually became entirely my own design]

And many more that I never really deemed notable; just little tiny things.

Soon to come:

- A sweet-sounding little amp

- My own wah

- Alot of demos and pedals being shipped to new homes!

Boss DS-1 Update

2009-05-07T13:16:00.000-07:00

I have modded it since I last left the site. Much more dynamic range and huge gain possible. Sounds much more amp-like and the way I like for it to be. I'm happy with it, and it gives me the great crunch of my favorite tube amps that I'll never be able to afford! :D

When I use it with my setup (gtr->Sd-1->Ds-1->Small clone->DD-20->MM-4->Rc-2->Fender Hot Rod Deluxe) It acts as my dirty channel. Ive got a nice fender clean tone, then add the Sd-1 for nice tweedy crunch rhythm sound, and the Ds-1 brings in the marshally crunch that I love with plenty of bass and treble to boom and cut through. For my lead channel, supersaturated, I run the Sd-1 into the Ds-1 for that great sound that I love as my lead! (I love the soldano smoothness that it resembles :D)

If needed I can post more clips or pics. It looks the same as last time, just the sound is muuucchhh more intense and useable.

Updates!

2009-05-07T13:07:00.000-07:00

I've been away from the site a while. I apologize to those, if any, who have been patiently awaiting new news. My workbench has been full and the clock never lasts long enough. School's been in the way, but nevertheless, I've got new work!

I've gotten my prototyping done for a few pedals and have successfully engaged in one transaction (much thanks to Joryn! Hope the SD-1 treats you well. ;) ) And I've been getting a few custom orders and working on my own stuff.

I plan to have music demos of pedals and probably some music from my little project(s) up here.

Peace,

-Tater

The Pedalboard

2009-02-07T07:32:00.000-08:00

Here's the update as of 2/7/09

I'm running into JMH's TS-9 (only temporarily though), into My SD-1, then the signal goes into my DD-20 :), and to the BF-3 afterwards, the chain ends with the DDL-3 running into the Small Clone and straight into the Hot Rod Deluxe (Always Clean)

I'm Considering buying a Mini-KP for ease of gigging and extra great atmospheric sounds. And possibly a Grestch or a Tele, possibly a PRS. I'm really happy with my rig, and mostly use it in its entirety for soundscapes but it divides for a great number of uses.

For some reason Blogspot isn't uploading my pics, so here's a preview of them. (click to see big) ^_^

-Tater

To Anyone Who Reads My Site

2009-02-04T16:16:00.000-08:00

I've been getting my act together and I'm in between cleaning up old projects that I've decided not to waste my time with. I'm focusing predominantly on recording, writing, and playing right now. :) Look for new music and if anyone wants any of my gear, there are some things I'm trying to sale. Leave a comment with some way to get up with you and we can work something out.

-Tater

The "Mellow Kitty" Wah Mod

2009-01-20T10:44:00.001-08:00

This is my newest offering for those people who are reading my site. If you want your wah modded to be a singing, crying, smoothing and soothing beast...

You'll need the Mellow Kitty mod.

For this mod (0n more than likely ANY wah wah), I will:

True Bypass
Slight Volume Boost
Increase Mids
Flavor Switch
Wah/Volume (with the volume boost deactivated on volume setting so that it can go silent, wouldn't do it on the JMH, but I'll probably fix that for him.)
Clarity on full spectrum
Smoother Range
Further mods upon request, but these are stock in the Mellow Kitty mods

The JMH Wah Continued

2009-01-17T12:52:00.000-08:00

OK, I've gotten everything done now. Drilled the holes in the chassis and installed all the rest of the "crap".

Tried playing it and found the volume function to be the only working mode of the wah, but the Flavor was affecting it, and it had a nice slight boost at the toe. :)

So I opened it back up and found that the problem was a broken PCB trace. : 0

And now, I'm just waiting to find some miracle way to fix it or get a conductive pen to replace the solder trace that was pulled up.

Then, after all repairs are done, my monster will be complete. (The True Bypass works GREAT!; huggggeee improvement!)

Allright!! 7:50 pm means that my monster is born! :D

The JMH Wah

2009-01-17T06:47:00.000-08:00

The Crybaby that John Mark dropped off was one he had abused for a while. It had some spiderwebs and dust inside, but that was easily fixed in five minutes flat. All he told me when he handed it to me was that he trusts me, and to have fun with it.

So I ended up doing a few different things to it:

A slight Volume increase, for a more pronounced and clear wah tone.
Increased the mids for a better and smoother sound altogether.
Put more clarity into the bass end so that you can actually use it instead of just being pure mud.
The obligitory True Bypass.

As of now, I'm in the process of finishing up. I had to take the wah apart so that I could drill easily and more proficiently.

What I'm Drilling is a hole for a "Flavor" Pot, and a Wah/Volume Switch.

The "Flavor" control will adjust the feel, tone and "magic" of the wah. It will go from Jimi to Jerry in a single turn, and John is right in the middle. :)

And the Wah/Volume is self-explanatory, just an option for it to be a wah or a volume pedal. (Something that I think we all really need)

I'm off to finish the project.

-Tater

The JMH Overdrive Tests

2009-01-17T06:32:00.001-08:00

Okay, I've got a friend. John Mark Herring (do the initials look familiar? J.M.H.; James/"Jimi" Marshall Hendrix) Well, he came over and we've sort of gotten into this cool collaboration together.

He brought over his Analogman Silver Modded TS9 and Voodoo Labs Sparkle Drive, along with a reverb-impaired Blues Jr., a Stock GCB-95 Crybaby Wah, and a Danelectro Fab Metal he had gotten for Xmas.

He jammed on my Fender Hot Rod Deluxe with My Strat for a while. Then I set up the A/B tests for him.

Test 1:

Analogman TS9 vs. Voodoo Labs Sparkle Drive-

The tone and feel of the TS9 is very desirable, but somewhat overbearing and not as reactive to his playing as John Mark prefers.
The Voodoo Labs doesn't have as much available ad useable gain as the TS9 (even though it doesnt have much), and he LOVES the clean/grit blend on it.

Result: Voodoo Labs Sparkle Drive

Test 2:

Analogman TS9 vs. My SD-1 (Modded)

Again, the TS9 has a nice compression to it, but its just a sort of lifeless tone, with the treble response lacking of Johns's needs.
He tried out the SD-1 and Loved it! He played for close to if not a full hour just jamming on a slow clean breakup setting with a nice does of twang to it, but not icepicking tone.

Result: Stargazer FX Modded SD-1

Test 3:

Voodoo Labs Sparkle Drive vs. My SD-1 (Modded)

The two that he preferred was his favorite competition.
He always loves the clean blend on the Sparkle Drive; but when using it for a bit of grit, its not always his cup of tea.
The liveliness and clarity in My SD-1 still amazes him of how I managed to make it sound the way it does. He mentioned a few times that since it's a Fender on Fender orgy of tone, the only difference he would make is to maybe add a slight bit of bass more into my design (which is perfectly doable upon request :) ) And he'd really LOVE a clean blend, which would be a "Stargazer FX's JMH Custom SD-1" design (yes, with the added smoothness of bass to it.)

Result: John Mark ended up taking My Sd-1 home to play through his Twin,and if I'm not mistaken, he's probably still jamming on it right now. ^_^

Take from these tests what you need, and see what kind of overdrive it really is that you need.

-Tater

My Boss DS-1

2009-01-15T14:16:00.000-08:00

I've had this thing for almost as long as I've been playing.

I first played one when Jacob was hanging out with me. Then when I went to Nashville, I bought one for myself. Since then I modded it for more fatness. It is a lovely dirty boost in front of an already dirty amp. (I especially love it on my MG, even though everyone hates MGs.)

I'm thinking for the mods to mine are:

Fat Mod
Mids Increased
Better Bass Response
Different Clipping (possibly)
Output Boost/Gain Increase
Probably more too, not completely decided

I'll stay updated, pictures too!

An In-Depth Look at my Pedalboard

2008-12-28T14:53:00.000-08:00

Boss SD-1:

Comes stock as a Tubescreamer-type pedal, but with some modifications to the circuit to change the sound in a matter that I like. Even though it sounds great stock, it has too much compression on the tone, the bass response needs some improvement, and when used for extensive overdrive it becomes too thin of an overdrive and wimpy.

I modify them to have more increased output, a more touch-sensitive response, and a more complex gain character. The bass is far more stable than when stock and retains clarity at all settings. No matter what music it is used for, my modded SD-1 ALWAYS delivers far more than I could ever hope or expect from it.

Digitech RP80:

I've had this thing forever. It's a multi-fx unit and I use it mainly for extra modulations or delays and reverbs. It's a very affordable Whammy IV, just in a different box.

I'm still trying to replace it with either a Digitech EX-7, Digitech Reverberator XP-400, or (more favorably) a Yamaha Magicstomp UB99. I really LOVE the Magicstomp, it's so impeccably unique and wonderful.

http://www.magicstomp.com/
http://www.magicstomp.com/eng_flash/audiodemo/index.html

(But, it looks more and more everyday like I'm just keeping the RP80.)

Boss DD-20:

There's too much to say about this one. My first real Delay pedal. Has 11 different modes, at first glance, but once you know this thing there's almost nothing that it can't do.

Also my very first looper. THAT lead to really all my songs, since pretty much all of them have loops. :)

Peavey DDL-3:

Much thanks to Big Pawn in Clinton for this one. I walked in and found it broken. Took it home and fixed it. Possibly my favorite digital delay, even though the old-school quality of the memory chips adds some noise, it also adds a great flavor to it. It's really impossible to explain.

Line 6 MM-4:

A GREAT modulation pedal. I really like the chorus models on it. The Tremolo has me hooked, but the choruses are my main squeeze of it. The ring mod and pitch vibrato are fun, and plenty of other cool simulations on it. I do like the rotary speaker sound, but IMO the RP80 does it more like the way I like it.

Boss RC-2:

Very nice looper. Multi-function and storeable presets. Also cool to record songs when I'm not in my recording room.

My Pedalboard 2008

2008-12-27T11:11:00.000-08:00

Yup, that's it. Those are my noise-making machines and I doubt I could be much happier with them.

The signal flow is:

Fender Deluxe HH Strat->SD-1 (modded, of course)->RP80(with small KORG tuner on right output)->DD-20->DDL-3->MM-4->RC-2->Hot Rod Deluxe

I'm still lookin' around, might replace a few different things; especially with some of my own effects.

An In-Depth look is on the way!

My SD-1

2008-12-26T11:39:00.001-08:00

I got a replacement for the SD-1 I had to use in Joryn's Mods. I liked the way I modded his somuch that no SD-1, or any overdrive for that matter, sounds good without this mod. I've started on the soldering (ugh) and had to stop after I removed the solder that the components I change are on. Now I just have to put the rest of the components in and solder them to the circuit board.

I like what Boss has done on this run of SD-1s, they removed all the epoxy crap they had around the caps and on the board. i had to work around that on Joryn's, and it was a hassle. But now, it's really enjoyable to do what I need to do. :)

I might also try out some new extra mods to it to see if there's any way to improve it. I doubt I will though, I love it the way it is.

-Tater

~*&Happy Holidays&*~

VTech Little Smart DJ Jazz 'n Jam!

2008-12-22T12:44:00.000-08:00

Another little circuit bending thing, but this time I'll (hopefully) have some soundclips and the project won't die on me.

I got it from my little sisters, because they don't sing or play on it anymore.

I added a quick 9v battery snap onto the regular battery supply's wires instead of the regular way. And, amazingly, with all the components that could cause possible crazy things, I wasn't able to find an amazing amount on first notice. I did find two small places where some buzzing noise is created when shorted (one is kind of loud, the other is more in the background). The coolest thing about this toy is that it can function as a recording looper, a keyboard, glitch/noise machine (once I'm able to dive deeper and explore it :D ), and an actual singing mic (nice and gravelly distortion on it too!) into some little speakers for playback. ^_^

For now I'm thinking:

A Boss-style Power Adapter (in place of it's weird barrel or a quick snap)
On/off LED for entire unit
A On/off "bypass" for entire unit (Soft-Touch Pushbutton, latching SPST on 9v+ signal)
An output jack
Output volume control
1 switch: momentary SPST, triggers crazy pitch "fart" #1 (Automotive Toggle)
2 switch: momentary SPST, see 1 switch, "fart" #2 (Pushbutton)
3 switch: latching SPST, activates a ring mod-ish type noise that fights with signal (Toggle)
4 switch: latching SPST, activates a feedback loop type of noise that glitches the signal crazily (Toggle)
A soft-touch momentary SPST on output jack, "Stutter" switch (Pushbutton)

For now, just those rough ideas. Might add a crazy echo unit into it (with the time or feedback as a footcontrollable wah pedal design), possibly a square wave tone generator, and maybe a dangerous fuzz or ring mod type thing into it.

-Tater

Back to '98

2008-12-22T11:31:00.000-08:00

I have no idea how I managed to keep my old Bop-It for all these years. But I saw it the other day and decided I HAD to circuit bend it.

So I got it out of my room today and opened it up to see what it was like inside. I found a good spot and two that are somewhat similar, but one of those two sorta fried my Bop-It :(

My conclusion is that I have two good circuit bends for a Bop-It; one makes it sound very lo-fi, and the other makes it glitchy. :D

Heres where and what to do:

Okay, the yellow one; avoid it! That's what killed mine. I put it there to show you and tell you that it just overload the living crap out of the transistor to make it sound really glitchy, but subsequently kills it. :/ I think maybe a potentiometer would help if you really like the sound, or at least a resistor to keep it from killing itself.

The red one. :) That's my favorite. The lo-fi sound happens here; just put a 100 nF cap across it or on an SPST switch (to toggle it on or off).

Green is the super-glitchy one! :D It sends part of the transistor to the speaker. I have a push to make (latching or momentary SPST) to induce the bend into the circuit. This would probably work well with a potentiometer. Just use the 2nd and 3rd lugs (3 is in from transistor and 2 is out to speaker, leave 1 empty).

Happy Bending! =^-^=

-Tater

I'm Taller Than My Reflection

2008-12-21T17:38:00.001-08:00

I had that relization today. It's more than a physically true statement.

The use of being, is more than just to exist. There must be something more; we are more than mere beings and are bigger than our bodies, on an abstract, astral, and spiritually-based level as well as millions of other planes of existence. There can be no reason to live, if we only live to die uselessly. Natural selection kills what isn't meant to be. We still live, so that is sufficient evidence (in my mind at least) that there is a reason for us being here. You may believe in a supreme being, higher than material things. Neither is there complete evidence of all mankind being made by supernatural causes, or evidence of it being completely by some chance reaction in the darkness of the beginning. It's all very confusing.

But... What If there is a reason that we exist, aside from the same reason we believe everything was created. Maybe the creation and the purpose are seperately intertwined, and not directly hand-in-hand? If the reason for us to live is to enjoy and prosper in happiness, why are we so blind to that fundemental truth? Just the way the world is designed should be evidence enough that we are here for a reason. Though I don't know and can't tell you exactly what or who or how. In my eyes, to every thing, there is a reason; just as to every mood, there is a season. We will, more likely than not, never know the answers to these questions. Maybe that's the reason we shouldn't ask them, and if we wonder these things we get pains of thinking about it. What If we choose, by our own decision and freedoms, to live how we believe we should? Why would that not be a reason to live and enjoy what we have?

Just saying...

-Tater

Some Sites I Enjoy

2008-12-21T16:05:00.000-08:00

Astrology, Moon-watching, or Stargazing -type activities:

http://www.earthsky.org/article/getting-started
http://stardate.org/nightsky/moon/
http://stardate.org/resources/stargazing.php

My Most Often Visited Sites for Schematics and Research:

http://www.muzique.com/lab/main.htm
http://www.muzique.com/
http://www.muzique.com/schem/
http://www.circuit-projects.com/
http://www.technologystudent.com/elec1/elecex.htm
http://experimentalistsanonymous.com/
http://cachefly.oreilly.com/make/resistor_calc/index.html
http://www.kpsec.freeuk.com/symbol.htm
http://www.tdpri.com/forum/stomp-box/110883-l-e-d-s-effect-tone.html
http://www.electronics2000.co.uk/calc/calccap.php
http://analogguru.an.ohost.de/
http://www.circuit-diagrams.com/
http://remmelt.com/electro/
http://www.runoffgroove.com/
http://www.geofex.com/schemata.htm
http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=150&Itemid=178
http://www.101science.com/Radio.htm
http://www.falstad.com/circuit/e-index.html
http://www.tonepad.com/projects.asp?projectType=fx
http://freestompboxes.org/
http://www.mif.pg.gda.pl/homepages/tom/schematics.htm
http://www.schematics.ca/

Psychology/Neurology/etc.:

http://psychology.about.com/
www.dreamviews.com
http://www.healthyplace.com/site/tests/psychological.asp
http://www.teachhealth.com/
http://www.wikihow.com/Main-Page
http://www.psychology.org/
http://www.helpself.com/thinker.htm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/mind/index_surveys.shtml
http://www.phobiaguide.com/
http://www.mindpowernews.com/5Psychological.htm
http://www.irintech.com/x1/blogarchive.php?id=1209
http://listverse.com/health/top-10-bizarre-mental-disorders/
http://yudkowsky.net/obsolete/tmol-faq.html
http://changingminds.org/techniques/body/parts_body_language/parts_body_language.htm
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=decision-making-in-brain&ec=su_mm0805
http://www.uplink.com.au/lawlibrary/Documents/Docs/Doc20.html
http://www.brainexplorer.org/
http://www.spaceandmotion.com/Philosophy.htm
http://www.truthaboutdeception.com/relational_maintenance/public/love_styles.html
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=why-do-we-forget-things&ec=su_forget
http://listverse.com/science/top-10-strange-phenomena-of-the-mind/
http://grouphug.us/
http://ifcsun1.ifisiol.unam.mx/Brain/memory.htm

Honorable Mention:

http://www.stumbleupon.com/
www.MySpace.com/
www.SoundClick.com/
http://guitargeek.com/
www.ultimate-guitar.com/
www.alexplorer.net/
www.diyguitarist.com/
www.Opera.com/
http://www.iww.is/art/shs/pages/thumbs.html
www.internalstruggle.com/gear.html
http://www.wikihow.com/Main-Page
http://www.beavisaudio.com/
http://deviever.com/fx/
http://www.casperelectronics.com/
http://squidpaste.net/?cat=3
http://circuit-bent.net/furby-bending-tutorial.html
http://www.ambiloop.com/index.html

Music Hosting Made Easy

2008-12-21T15:53:00.000-08:00

Okay, Everybody has a myspace. But its not always the best for hosting your music.

I host my music here: www.soundclick.com

It is much more reliable, you can have protection on your music, or sell it through them. You can also host more songs than on myspace; and I even have some of my own music players embedded onto my myspace page so that they can visit my page and hear what I'm hosting on another site.

My Music:

www.soundclick.com/Nate+Williams

-Tater

"Honest Bypass"

2008-12-20T20:43:00.000-08:00

It's this little idea I had. I know I'm nobody, but I think this may be something important. I have found what I believe to be a very ideal and efficient method of bypassing a circuit from the guitar signal.

The big trend right now is "True Bypass"; completely removes the audio circuit from the signal line (since electrons flow in a forward direction) and sends it through a jumper across two of the poles on the switch. For most purposes, a 3PDT switch is needed for an LED status indicator to know when it is on or bypassed. The only things I have negative to say about it is: what happens when you're running long cables? A buffer? True bypass buffer (that's not ironic at all)?. Every inch of cable degrades your signal each little bit, and for true bypass, you need the most minimal amount of signal loss. But in these "True Bypass" switching systems, your signal has to go through an (in my opinion) unnecessary extra inch of wire before it can actually be bypassed. Then, if you're having to run off of batteries, it leaves the battery on, causing current draw of the electrons (the ones that compose your signal) to keep the battery draining even when it's off. Plus, the cost of those 3PDT switches is one of the additional negatives to me.

My solution is a different method of bypassing, one of which I believe to be the most effective and electronically correct; so I'll call it "Honest". A single DPDT switch works as an SPST switch for the battery signal into the circuit to turn off the current draw from the battery (so that it could stay in without drawing current, therefore not moving the electrons towards the circuit, and preserving the battery's life), while the signal is fed to the end path of the circuit, where the circuit would be in parallel to the dry signal (or so to say). The LED can be put on the path of the battery (not in series, but off with a resistor to ground). They are more cost-effective and easier to find. :) No tone suckage will happen, because there is no extra jumper to pass through, no electrons moving towards the circuit (since the battery's off, there is no current draw tempting the elcetrons to flow that direction).

-Tater

*Special Note!!! DO NOT send the second lug of the battery's switch to ground. This will recomplete the circuit of electrons flowing to the battery, and cause it to drain, even though it is only going back into itsself. Just thought I'd help out with that. :)

Joryn's SD-1

2008-12-20T20:14:00.000-08:00

Okay, there's this friend I have . He asked me to customize a Boss SD-1 for him to whatever specs I thought would be best.

Here's the rest:

I did a couple of top secret modifications to the stock circuit to make it sound almost exactly like a pedal of my own in development "Angel Crank"

I gave the SD-1 more clarity, a more stable bass response, a more open sound, and more output in general (overdrive/clipping and volume-wise); overall just a better Overdrive.