Build your own guitar effects Part I circuit boards

[wnorcott]

Attention YouTube: FUCK YOU.

You 'silenced' thus video, remember? Well you know what? I like it SILENT. In fact, I like my own, alternate soundtrack BETTER.

Find it in the More Info section here -------->

What I did NOT do is authorize you fuckers to unmute the soundtrack and then put up ADS for it.

So, fuck you.

I am getting rid of this video very soon and replacing it with a new tutorial

Bill

[heliobluesrock]

Thanks for lesson!!!

Loved your homemade pedals. But, why didn't you put any true by pass button? Just preference, or is no too good?

[wnorcott]

Hi. Thanks for listening. In some of my effects I do not have a footswitch, I used a toggle (hand) switch instead. It was just preference. Some I like the Mini Booster and compressor I did not use a bypass switch. For all of my new pedals I use a true bypass foot switch. Some foot switches are not good quality but I found a source of very good quality foot switch, so I use them all the time now.

Bill

[whydoesitmatter1994]

Ive watched this vid over 300 times no bull!

[memarmoo]

Using alight box is a far better way of making PCBs

[maxxbad17]

is learning to play guitar difficult?

[RATM4LIF3]

fuck yes

[Simmen12]

not if you try very hard and if you're really in to it.

[drkdvl725]

No, any one with 2 fingers can learn to play guitar. The hard part is learning how to play the guitar good.

[ninja313124]

i love you

[Woody34]

Cool idea. Didn't realize you could make your own homemade circuit boards. I think I would prefer to use a breadboard though.

[SumGuyOnTheInternet]

so cool... too bad i can't do this yet :/ i'll wait six more years when i grow up XD

[3jose6manuel8]

wow man, i suscribe you

[wnorcott]

Thank you

Bill

[POINZY5150]

Hay, thanx 4 the vid it's great! I was thinking of trying an easy one like the mxr dist+ but was considering point to point, to elimanate the board, do you think that would be difficult/ practical?Thanx.

[wnorcott]

Thanks for the kind words.

For your first project you should get a piece of perf board like you can get at Radio Shack. You can also find a told called DIY Layout Editor Etching your own circuit boards is kind of an advanced technique. I would not suggest trying it for your first pedal.

Bill

[0915320993]

whats the right size circuit board? can i just press print and nothing resize in pdf?

[wnorcott]

You often have to resize the pdf to fit. If that is the case they will have a ruler printed on so you can get the scale right.

You can use any permanent ink marker

[0915320993]

can i use usual permanent marker noon toxic on alcohol base or i must use sharpie?

[StlyeFree]

So pretty much all you have to do for the etching is putting it in a bath of green oozy death? That's good. I thought when you said etch, that we'd have to get some power tool and etch it yourself or something.

[wnorcott]

That's right.  The chemicals do the work. The only tool work is drilling the holes in the board.

Bill

[sasaranaer]

what's the name of the song ?

[skarfreak]

wow man.. nice piece of work there... i admire it...

[wnorcott]

Thanks brother.

[idog6204]

he he the skull on the paper

[ackooks]

is it possible to just draw it with solder and just drill the holes or is there any other possible way to do that

and if etching is the only way then where can i get the copper pads and the solution

what kind of container should i use

[wnorcott]

look at part 2 and part 3 of this video series I show all of this info.

[ilike2live]

youve changed my life with this video lol

i now know what i want to do with the rest of my life thank you. by the way howd you get started building pedals?

[wnorcott]

Thanks! Glad to make a difference and help out if I can.

I am an engineer by profession but not an electrical engineer, but my hobby has been electronics & radio since I was a kid. I used to read the old "build your own effects" columns by Craig Anderton for Guitar Player magazine in the 1970's.

Bill

[inotissallov]

is there any way i can build a pedal without using etchant ?... like just buying a curcuit board with holes in it already

btw great video! im planning to build my own pedal soon but i find it difficult to find all the different transistors etc

[wnorcott]

Yes you can use perf board or what they call strip board (Vero board). I like the vero board which is laid out in rows of strips with the holes already drilled. You use a knife or a drill to scrape away copper at certain points on the board that you do not want to connect. I takes a while to learn this technique but is very fast once you get used to it.

Bill

[inotissallov]

cool thanks a lot

*****

[titywacker2]

good tutorial dude but to go to that much work and brake all that shit u could easily buy a pedal

[wnorcott]

That is correct but that is a bit like saying instead of practicing guitar I could just buy a CD by Nirvana or hire a wedding band instead. Learning the guitar is also difficult and expensive, yes?

I hope you got something out of the video and thanks for stopping buy. Some people will design pedals is hard. Some even buy pedals from me that I designed!

I am designing my own custom pedals for sale that you could find at your local Guitar Center or anywhere else.

Thanks again.

Bill

[dhar2kma]

great video, just be aware that the etching mixture does generate heat and there's no clear reference about the impact of the fumes to your lungs, so do etch in a well ventilated area. also, try 'catalog paper' or magazine paper, like 'the times' magazine, works good too. you can get a 'bench drill' for about $60.00 at places like northern tools here in the USA for drilling those tiny holes on the board fairly well. good luck.

[ElDopa420]

I forgot to wear gloves when I got to the acid bath and now I don't have hands. Any ideas how I can finish the work ? Great tutorial though ! Thanks for putting out the info ! Really excellent !

[Norbizzle2012]

what size drill bit do you use to drill the holes?

[wnorcott]

I buy drill bits in a set made by Velleman for PC boards. Sorry I do not know the exact sizes. They are pretty tiny bits though.

[rogercosseboom]

I'm also stuck at the drill stage- do you use a drill press or a dremel? Or by hand?

Thanks for the vid,

-r.

[wnorcott]

I use a Dremel. There are too many holes and they are close together.  So a hand held tool works best.

Bill

[nakk13]

do you just use the dremel by hand or with the dremel drillpress

[wnorcott]

I use the Dremel by hand

[nirvanalover14]

what is that song?

[wnorcott]

Whipping Post by Gregg Allman, performed by The Allman Brothers Band.

Bill

[davidank]

So, when etching, does all the copper get pulled out of the board except where the ink/sharpie marker is? if so, what is left, what is in place of where the copper once was?

[wnorcott]

Yes. The etchant dissolves the copper. What is left is the fiberglass circuit board underneath the copper.

[davidank]

thanks for your speedy reply! So let me try and understand this, is that copper 'board' a solid piece of copper? And the copper actually turns into fiberglass?

[Nizzemanden]

no, you buy coppercoated fiberglass pc boards.

[davidank]

ok, thanks for the info! So I guess the acid doesnt etch under the ink. Any good websites to buy the copper coated fiberglass boards?

[renatoufo]

Man ! how can i get a hard case for my pedal? how did you find it?

[wnorcott]

See Part III of this video series, I tell you where to buy all the parts including the case.

[Seraptin]

I would suggest using paper from catalogs as a transfer material for the toner.

When the transfer is complete you can soak the whole thing in water and just rub the paper off. That works much better than the overhead foil. You just have to try different catalog paper. (glue it on a normal paper 4 print)

[tekwanho]

nice work dude, im thinking of making this for my Design Technology gcse project :)

[kolordude]

the transparency film, must be fresh to melt with the iron or just like that?

it's about i don't have a laser printer so i go with someone who has.

[mryellow123]

Why all the metal-zone lovers? It sounds good solo but put it in a band and the harmonics it generates just vanish and the guitar becomes the very hard to distinguish in the mix....... Horrible stage pedal, fantastic bedroom pedal.

[mryellow123]

Isn't Ferric Chloride a better etching solution?

[wnorcott]

Ferric Chloride is more commonly used and is 'safer' to human skin. The advantage to the Cupric Choloride solution is that it is renewable just by adding some more hydrogen peroxide. It will last for months.

Bill

[puppetmetal]

Do the circuit boards make a difference in the sound of your pedal?

[wnorcott]

No. Making your own circuit board does not sound better. But there are a lot of projects which you cannot buy ready made circuit boards so you have to etch your own board. That includes some very nice sounding and advanced pedals. If a ready made board is available I often just pay the $15 and buy the board myself.

Bill

[Deep40000]

And btw thank you so much for the video! I can't wait to finish my guitar effects box. :D

[wnorcott]

Thanks for listening.

Coca Cola contains phosphoric acid, which is a rust remover but the amount in what you drink is small. The concentrated cola syrup however will actually remove rust from metal parts.

Bill

[Deep40000]

arent we drinking hydrochloric acid when we drink coke? So can't we just use coke to etch it?

[hiro8002096]

great video

5/5

[wnorcott]

Thanks Hiro !!

Bill

[tpcardoso]

1:20 LOL!

[Hailtothetheif42]

what song is playing during the video.

[wnorcott]

Hi. It is Whipping Post by Gregg Allman, performed by the Allman Brothers Band.

Bill

[iorixs]

zappa played this too, i thought this was zappa

[FingerstheLynch]

metal zone by boss is a boutique pedal ?

what are you smoking ?

[whydoesitmatter1994]

Thats pretty ghetto...i like it

[asgarddrambo]

for people like you, this world is better, creative and proactive mind

[wnorcott]

thanks

[cdfcore]

nice i noticed you also sell pedals online do you make pedals that would give some of the effects buckethead would use? like umm a cry baby or fazer just two of many he uses

[wnorcott]

Thanks. I can build you a Phase 45 phase shifter if you like. I have a demo of that look under my user ID wnorcott

Interestingly enought Buckethead uses the same early 1980's Peavey Renown amplifier that I use.

Thanks for listening

Bill

[wnorcott]

I could also build you a Pro Co Rat which Buckethead uses.

[dropd26]

How much you usually sell your fully constructed ones for?

[wnorcott]

If you look at the More Info section there is a link to my web site The Fillmore Pedal Company. I list the prices of pedals I am manufacturing. It also has my email address if you would like to purchase one of the pedals I already built and demoed on YouTube.

Bill

[cdfcore]

is the sound quality comparable to a brand pedal? metal zone distortion pedal for example

[wnorcott]

My pedals sound better than branded pedals.

[polishcomedy]

metal zone is the best boutique pedal on the market, no dude in a garage can even come close

[nholt00]

your name is polishCOMEDY cause ur comment was freakin hilairious. metal zone sucks soooo much

[polishcomedy]

Thanks for pointing out what my name is. Your sarcasm radar is elementary, my dear Watson.

[tmac42078]

i got in trouble using my dads hacksaw i told him it was for my guitar pedal he didnt beleive me you know of an easier way i can make the pedal with mo common things lying around the house other then acetone and extra circut boards i got a bunch of paper clips rubberbands and monkeywrenches can i do anything with that - serious my digitech whammy got a chip off the board is it fixable with crazyglue thankyou genious work rock o you make it seem like a peice o cake

[tmac42078]

where the hell am i supposed to get one of those drills and all those special chemicals i wish it wuz that e-z for me id b making pedals all day

[kevinandger]

they sell the acid at frys. and the peroxide water in the drug section of any grociery store. they are easy to obtain

[tmac42078]

PRESTO! haha bro u made it look and sound so e-z but to me your like some sort of rocket scientist

[kevinandger]

i etched a bord with my dad and im only 14

[djangolian]

could you just print the circuit on normal paper and copy it on to the copper witha sharpie if you dont have a laser printer

[kevinandger]

just get a transparent copy at fed ex kinkos no charge :D

[RiseAgainst6666]

lmao i love the newspaper heading at 1:19 =)

[captainhowdyy]

good eye mate

[Davek1013]

Nice video. you've inspired me to combine 2 of my favorite hobbies. Great song Allman brothers rock

[Mindsore]

is the diagram you print from the pdf from tonepad to the correct scale or do you enlarge before printing out?

[wnorcott]

The tonpad PDF print at the correct scale when I print them. As with all things you next to check first. I always print it to plain paper. The tonepad diagram prints out a ruler measurement next to the diagram. You must put a real ruler alongside this to make sure the scale is correct. This is true for all plans you get not just tonepad. When it is scaled correcty on plain paper then I print on the transparency.

Bill

[canadaonly2]

cool iron

[justforcomments456]

hi,

whats the song title?

and hats a tube screamer?

thank you

[wnorcott]

The song title is "Whipping Post" written by Gregg Allman and performed by the Allman Brothers Band.

A Tube Screamer is a classic guitar overdrive effects pedal that was originally made by Ibanez as the TS808, introduced in the mid 1970's. A lot of do it yourselfer build a Tube Screamer clone as one of their first pedals because they are easy to build.

Bill

[wnorcott]

Ferric chloride gets used up very quickly then you have to dispose of it and start with a new batch. The HCl + H202 solution produes cupric chloride which is also an etchant, and can be regenerated by adding more hydrogen peroxide as an oxidizer. You can etch more boards just by adding more H202 not more acid. I am still using the batch I started 8 months ago. That is a huge advantage in terms of cost and reducing how often you need to dispose of it.

Bill

[sanquilo]

what do you do with acid AFTERWARDS you use it?

haha besides, I knew how to do my own effects, but never knew wich acids I should use, so now I can, but with that "EXTREAMLY DANGEROUS" you scared me a lot ):

[wnorcott]

The solution can be reused many times as long as you add some more hydrogen peroxide. The copper combines with the acid to make acid cupric chloride which is also an etchant. I am still using the original vat of it from ten months ago! It is dangourous stuff though, only adults over 21 like yourself please! Please dispose of etchant solution responsibly when you are finally done with it, and never pour it down the sink or into the ground, or anything like that. Glad you liked it.

Bill

[sanquilo]

over 21 like myself? no :P. there is another way to remove the copper, there are some boards that are sensibile to light, but you have to build a box with uv light, or something like that... Obviously, I won't dispose it on the ground or sink, but the question is "WHERE?" properly

thanks

[wnorcott]

In my city we have a "hazardous materials disposal" a few times a year where you can take hazmat like this to the down dump and experts dispose of it properly.

Bill

[AntonIceChill]

can these circuit boards be purchased on the internet or something? i'm so going to screw something up if i try doing this myself:p and bying Boss pedals wil just about lieve me with no money at all so...*-):p

[wnorcott]

Yes, if you will kindly watch video Part III in this series I tell you where to buy circuit boards, or complete kits. But the best value is to just buy the circuit board and build it with your own parts.

Bill

[AntonIceChill]

Thank you, it was very usefull:)

[borishborishborish]

sorry but i have one question....what is size of layout before printing? how i set the size and how is the size?

[wnorcott]

Usually layout will have a size printed in the diagram for example "55mm x 85m". Then you need to print the layout on a piece of paper and measure it. Most layouts print the right size the first time.

If the layout is too big or to small then you must adjust it in the printer driver. Most printer driverss have a "Scale" setting that is usually 100%. You might need to change the size to 90% for example, or 110%. Keep printing and measuring on regular paper until it is right.

Bill

[killinghorse]

Thanks a million! I've always wanted to build my own fx pedals. I've been working on building a stack amp right now. I need another head for it, so I'm trying to find an old tube radio to wire into it.

[wnorcott]

You are welcome. Please be EXTREMELY CAREFUL experimenting with tube amplification especially old radios. There are AC voltages in a tube amp chassis that are in the hundreds of volts and can easily kill a man.

Bill

[killinghorse]

I'm always careful with electricity. And I will be "really" careful with the acid ones I start working on my own effects pedals. I've worked with acid before at a road sign factory, you want to respect that stuff.

You know anything about making a "rotary drum and horn" like "Pink Floyd" used back in the old days? I'm wanting to make one even though I have the effect on my Line6 Toneport through my computer.

I'm leaning towards just buying a tube preamp and using that in my stack.

[SCRIMandBLANK]

DEMOCRACY ASSASSINATED at 1:20

[Frehley5]

I'm thinking of building a wah pedal, would you know anything about those?

[worldwhore3]

amazing soundtrack - love the allman brothers.

you should add a "you will need" part before this tho, throwing it all in as you come to it could throw a few over-zealous builders off.

in anycase, awesome video series!

[kablamman2007]

Silly me, I'd just go out and buy a pedal.

[wnorcott]

I agree with you building your own is not for everyone.

But if you go to your local Guitar Center and ask them to sell you a "script version MXR Phase 45" phase shifter, or a "Rebote 2.5" echo, or a "1970 Ram's Head" Big Muff Pi or a "1968 SolaSound Tonebender Mk II" you will find out they are either unobtainable for the past 30 or 40 years or custom designs that are "you build it". Or maybe a "boutique" maker sells something like it for around $300 each. Or try eBay

Bill

[steeeeeeeeeveee]

can you use the same acid solution to etch more than one board?

[wnorcott]

Yes, you can reuse the same acid solution for quite a while. When it turns dark green you need to add a little more hydrogen peroxide and that seems to recharge the solution.

[Zed1967]

I etch my PCBs with ferric chloride, its available in dry form that you add water to or in liquid form.

For transfer I use the rub on kits you can get with various tracks, IC pads, transistor pads etc which are better than using an etch resist pen.

If you are doing medium to large PCBs or want really professional looking PCB invest in a photo PCB set up, this used an ultra violet light box to apply the etch resist to a photo sensitive copper clad board.

[wnorcott]

Thanks I have not tried the photo sensitive boards yet. Ferric chloride is what most people use but costs more, stains, and does not seem to last as long as the acid. But it is safer to handle. I have recently started used Press 'N' Peel film which gives better results than using the generic transparency film.

[Zed1967]

I've never used the press and peel but I know of it and from what I've seen it produces great results.

BTW used ferric chloride is great for killing weeds on paths, in fact if you pour it anywhere, fuck all will grow on it (I'm pretty sure). I poured used ferric chloride in a circle on the grass outside my place of work once and there was a circle of dead grass all the time I worked there (1 year).

Electronics combined with horticulture, who would have thought? lmao :)

[wnorcott]

I will not use ferric chloride for that reason. I am not a tree hugging hippie or anything but I do not think ferric chloride is environmentally sound for home use if you have live in a rural area with a septic tank and a well. Muriatic acid "seems dangerous" because it can burn bare skin but the same tank of solution lasts for eons if you freshen it up by adding hydrogen peroxide.

[TaskforceDingbat]

Dude, this is just wicked. I've always wanted to make my own boost. Is that one difficult?

[wnorcott]

If you are getting started I would suggest buy a ready made circuit board and solder on the parts yourself. This is a lot easier. Watch parts 2 and 3 of this video series. It is not hard at all. Most boosters are really simple to build, easier than building a phase shifter or a digital delay pedal for example. You just have to take your time and be neat with the soldering. Have confidence, you can do this.

Making your own boards like I show here is a more advanced technique.

Bill

[wilrecar77]

i like the guides, and your taste in music. im definately thinking about making the ampeg scrambler probably a fuzz face soon.

[wnorcott]

Thanks for the kind words! I would suggest starting with the fuzz face first I built both and fuzz face is a bit easier to build and tune. Not the the ampeg scrambler is real hard but fuzz face is real easy so I would do the easy one first it helps your self-confidence.

Bill

[onatotnu]

thanks thats cool

[juancar1122]

where do u get the acid? sorry im a noob.

[wnorcott]

I got it at a Ace Hardware store. Muriatic Acid.

[kitkatskat]

where exacatly can i get a copper plate to transfer the circut onto?

[wnorcott]

Watch my video Part III it tells you where to buy everything.

[director115]

NIce Lab I want One,....AND NICE vid

[director115]

mama,please please give me one lab:C

[suicidecrackers]

what? u can make a circuit ust by 'copying' it on a copper plate? how is that possible?

[wnorcott]

After yout print the pattern onto the copper plate you put the plate into the acid bath. The acid eats away the copper, EXCEPT for the printed part which is the pattern. When the etching is done, you remove the board and clean off the ink using acetone. What is left is shiny copper in traces that are the circuit board. Then all you have to do is drill the holes in the board and it is ready to build your ciruit.

[anfegori91]

The gloss paper is better to transfer the circuit layout. Just use duct tape to keep the paper while you iron that, before you place it in water. When the paper is completely wet (~5 min), remove it with your fingers, and the tonner is now without any incomplete zones¡

sorry for my bad english.

[wnorcott]

Thank you, I will try your technique!

Bill

[jorgealiaschori]

where can you find some interesting circuits on the internet? Which are the most important sites? I'm looking forward to making my own guitar effects!!!!! Thanks

[wnorcott]

Please look at my other video, Part III of the series. There I tell you where to find circuits.

[wp2393]

where do you find a bare circuit board?

[wnorcott]

In Part III of this video series I show you where to buy everything, all the parts you need.

[coopmister00]

whats the paroxide for?

[wnorcott]

The oxygen in the hydrogen peroxide makes the acid work faster.

[coopmister00]

thanks! :)

[toneslingercliff]

GREAT VIDEO!!!!

Absolutely loved it!

[wnorcott]

Thank you.

[megadunker42]

whats this song called? great video btw

[wnorcott]

The song is Whipping Post by the Allman Brothers Band.

Thanks for watching.

[IzzyPhoreal]

Good way to make a rough board if you are in a pinch. I've made a lot of circuit boards over the years, and I found the presensitized boards to yield the best results, especially if you have many small traces running close to one another. Making a printed circuit using this kind of board is basically the same, except you need to expose the board with the artwork instead of ironing it on. Its a bit like developing and printing a photograph, except you use the board instead of paper.

[wnorcott]

Please make sure to also watch Part I assembling the circuit board, and Part III where to buy materials and find plans. Thanks.

Bill

[jimshtjor]

nice iron

[goldheartguitar]

Song is: Whipping Post

By: Allman Brothers Band

Album: Idlewild South.

Later covered by Frank Zappa, great song when he plays it!

[Lotus17]

Nice video. I have had problems building my own pedals, but this cleared some things up.  What kind of bit did you use on the Dremel? I had the smallest drill bit that actually fit the size, but broke it and didn't want to pay $7.99 each time for the 7pc drill bit set just for the 1/32" bit. Thanks!

[wnorcott]

I use a 7 piece set just like you and yes I break a lot of bits just like you do. Hard to avoid it. The sets I get have numbers on the bits like #50 #60 etc. I get Velleman brand sets of bits made just for PC board drilling.

[plinkytx]

Your best bet is getting the drill press attachment for the Dremel (about $50), otherwise prepare to break more bits. Now instead of five bits broken per pcb, it's 5 pcbs and counting on one drill bit. ;D

[wmashda3000]

lol you put the gloves up a cows ass or something?

[wnorcott]

Hahaha. That was the chemical solution. Thanks for noticing, that was funny.

[NewPhantom9399]

Do you need to buy the ciruit on tonepad?

[wnorcott]

The circuit plans on tonepad are offered for free if you want to make your own boards, but donations are appreciated by Francisco Pena who runs the site. I donated $5 for the Rebote 2.5 echo plans and feel it was worth it. If you want a pre-made circuit board from Francisco those are for sale. I bought his Tube Screamer board and it was very nice.

[XxXsLuShXxX]

whats the song

[wnorcott]

Hi XxXsLuShXxX

The song is "Whipping Post" written by Greg Allman of the Allman Brothers band. It is from the Allman Brothers first album, that was released in 1969. Hope you like it.

[wnorcott]

The video response above are Part II and Part III of the series so you should watch all 3 parts for the complete lesson.

Bill

[kamilkubik]

Good job. Check out my effect.

My video is in Polish but i hope you'll understand it :D

[DSTwin1]

Very cool.

[SevenSins25]

wht site are you on in the video at 00:12

[wnorcott]

the site is tonepad (dot) com

then click on fx projects link on that page

[pabletelli]

hi!!! nice it helps me a lot!!

where did you get the tube screamer pbc??? plese, send me it fot MP

[wnorcott]

Thanks. Francisco Pena has a good website called tonepad (dot) com that has FX projects. The Tube Screamer PCB is there and I know it works because I built a nice one. The TS-808 Tube Screamer you see in my video is from the Tonepad PCB layout.

[wnorcott]

I finally found the time to finish Part II of the series (assembly of the guitar effects project) so check it out.

[wnorcott]

By the way, if your project comes from a book or a magazine, just make a photocopy of the page that contains the PCB layout for the effect. You can use the copy machine to print the layout right on the transparency film because copiers use the same kind of toner as a laser printer.

[PLUMBdogg]

Thanks a ton man! Can't wait for part two. I got a Craig Anderton project book for christmas and it has several circuits printed in real size for someone to copy and transfer. So, total cost for your pcb's are pretty cheap then? BTW, very cool song choice.

Derek

[wnorcott]

The circuit boards cost me less than a dollar to make using this method, and probably about 50c apiece. I got some 4"x8" blanks for 69c each and each one of them can be cut into pieces make at least 4 guitar effects. The muriatic acid is $10 a gallon and the hydrogen peroxide is 99c a pint. Probably only 10c worth of chemicals gets used up to etch a board. The transparency film costs 28c a sheet in a package of 100. I probably ruin one out of every five boards so add that to the cost.

Bill