Pedal components?

[Hank Grizzly]

I have started to make my own effects, and was wondering if the components make as much difference as people seem to make out?
I know that , for example, using a certain transistor would make a difference, but would the type of capacitor (not the capacitance) make any difference? Or the type of resistor? I even heard someone say something about the type of wire.
I read somewhere that apparently metal film resistors reduce hum, and ceramic disc capacitors increase it.

 

[The JEM Ghost]

Re: Pedal components?

I would advice to always use the best quality components available when making your own stompboxes/effects. Sometimes towards sound, sometimes towards durability and sometimes towards both, but I strongly advice using top notch material only.
Ceramic disk caps are avoided in audio applications because they have the tendency to sound cold/sterile compared to film/poly caps, I strongly recommend the WIMA (Germany) capacitors, but don't know the availability of that product where you are.
I'd also recommend using quality stuff like Switchcraft and Neutrik for inputs and outputs and for switches allround, they won't influence your sound, but are worth using towards decency and reliability.
So in general, I certainly advise using as much top notch quality components as possible to build your own pedals, if you do that, in the end you'll end up with a supreme pedal that still costs less then the average production model and is far superior to that in all aspects.

Have a lot of fun building your own stompboxes mate!! There are some true jewels out there to be made!! Have fun at it!

 

[Vasshu the humanoid typhoon]

Re: Pedal components?

Bah.....do not get to hanged up on that!
You can use golden unobtanium stuff end still end up with a doorstopper!
It is all about the mix....alittle like cooking stuff....and being patient, willing to use alot of hours trying out combinations......

And if you plan on doing stuff for others, get alot of different players to test it!

Otherwise you'll end up with no real idea of what to use!