I'm new to the forum, and I'm interested in beginning to build my own effects. I just wanted to say hi and introduce myself. I'm 14 and, uh, i play guitar .

I've done alot of computer programming in several languages and API's.
Now I'd like to delve into electronics and have it come full circle with guitar.

Any especially good first things i should learn about?
After building several pedals from others, I'd eventually like to build my own unique effects pedals. Now i'm just pointlessly blabbing. Thanks for listening, bazz

check out the beginner project! i built it and it was very informative and a nice pedal as well!

ya i read all the project pages. I'm going to start building as soon as possible . I've done a wee bit of electronics a few years ago, but the question that always popped in my head then and is now with this circuit is "Why is that there?". like in the Booster, why the so-and-so capacitor is there and what is it doing. I'd like to know why it's there rather than just building it and never knowing. This would also help me if i ever wanted to create something. I wouldn't know where to put the capacitor and so on.

So if i could ask someone could PLEASE give me an explanation of why the resistors and capacitors, even the transistor in the booster are there where they are. I understand the jacks and the potentiometer and the switches, but not the rest. Many thanks to anyone who helps me out. I really want to understand it

bazz (baz luhrman?) - go to geofex, look in the "circuit sweepings" section, and read the article "What Are All Those Parts For?" - it's a good introduction for all the seemingly needless parts found in stompboxes.  I think it's a good jumping off point for learning more and getting started....

Bazz,
I think a good way to understand the parts is to read what you find on this site and the linked sites, theres a ton, and to build.  The more you build the more you understand the parts.  Good luck!

thanks guys. Also, I'm not baz lurhman. Sorry  :?

Hi, I'm 14 years old too! I got started on this hoby a few weeks ago and it's great fun! I've built 4 simple projects so far and I cant stop   . You have to try the Little Gem practice amp, also Joe's Easy Drive from General Guitar Gadgets.

Good luck!