Building Pedals For Other People

[David]

Some other guitarists I know have recently asked me to build pedals for them.  I don't feel like I'm ready to take this step yet, but I guess the step is ready for me.

I could use some advice on this because it's really making me nervous!

1)  What is the protocol for acknowledging circuit design?  I sure wouldn't try to pass anything off as mine!

2)  One guy wants the Santana sound on "Smooth".  What would get this for him --  Big Muff?  Whisker Biscuit?

3)  Has anyone used that inkjet decal stock you're supposed to spray with Krylon first?  How does that work?  How would you go about creating clear labels with white lettering for use on a black pedal?

4)  How hard is metalworking on Hammond boxes?  What would be involved in installing one of Small Bear's battery drawers?

[strungout]

Check this out, as for the ethics bit: http://www.diystompboxes.com/forums/stompboxforum/
hope that helps.

Ciao.

[black mariah]

1) All I'd do for acknowledgement is put it on the inside of the pedal "Built by me. Based on a circuit by Some Other Guy." Or put it on the bottom if you want it to be prominent.

2) Santana sound... tough one. The runoffgroove Uno might be the exact thing you're looking for. It's based on a Boogie Mark I like Santana uses. I'd start there.

[thumposaurus]

I've been useing the waterslide decal stock like you describe, If you've ever done any model building you'll be familier with how to use it. After you cut them out soak in water for a bit, then slide the backing off and press the water the remains underneth the decal out. Then I useally let it sit for a day for the extra water to evaporate. Then clear coat however you see fit, I've been useing clear powder coating and it's been working quite well.

As far as the white printing on decals goes, you have to find a printer that can print in white I have an ALPS MD-1000 that can use white ink, also silver and gold inks.  They are kind of outdated technology now so you may be able to pick one up on ebay for cheap.

[ildar]

2)  One guy wants the Santana sound on "Smooth".  What would get this for him

To me, it depends on the gear he already has. I get a very good approximation of Santana's sound with a silicon-tranny based treble booster that I built for myself. I'm also going through an all-tube signal path, including a Mesa/Boogie power amp. The point is, let the player tell you exactly what he's looking for, and what his sound gear produces/lacks, and build accordingly.

[smallbearelec]

The battery drawer is very slick, but the walls of the standard "BB" box are not tall enough to accommodate it. Will fit in an Eddystone "C" enclosure.

Getting colors to show up brightly on a dark background is usually done with silkscreening.

Cast aluminum boxes are not hard to drill, and a Unibit makes the process virtually painless. I stock the #1 (1/8" to 1/2") at $17.95.

Regards
SD