More BJFe EGDM Love! + Build Your own BJFe Fuzz

[Craise]

Man O Man, I just can't get enough of these two! Working on some Tom Petty cover tunes last night with the band and man! These are the pedals for that for sure! I was running my 87 SG 61ri into my 64 Princeton Reverb and with the EGDM I can nail the "Last Dance with Mary Jane" tone in spades. He must have used Humbuckers and a Vox for that tune. just lovin these pedals. They just sound that good. IMHO! The Dyna Red has kinda been my goto gainer pedal..but the EGDM has surpased it! Don't get me wrong..still love the DR...but the EG is just doing it for me. I've been leaving the EG on and using the knob and pick attack to dial in the gain. I love playing this way without having to stomp on a pedal for leads, but if I do need more...just step on the HB! The DR, EGDM and HB are lifetime keepers, for me, for sure. YMMV ! IMHO! If you are tired of the same old ODs out there...I can't recomend better pedals for a different Flava.
Thanks BJFe !!!
:horse

down a few posts for BJFe Folk Fuzz info....

[drolling]

Yes, It's clear I will continue to jones for an EmeraldGreen, but in the meantime, I can cop the Campbell/Petty vibe w/my Gretsch 6118>Janglebox comp>HoneyBee>AC15.

The compressor's treble boost & the OD's bass boost are all I need between F'Tron p-ups & the classA goodness of a vox amp. It's the most stripped-down rig I've used in years, but the sound is massive..

[solo-act]

Glad to hear the EGDM has so much dynamics with the distortion. That's what I was hoping for. I'll be checking out how EG & HB do on "wont back down", "back in the USSR", Elvis, Buddy Holly, Billy Joel "you may be right", Joe Jackson, "mamma don't dance", "867-5309", and a bunch of other generic covers.

You should slap together some clips! I don't have the studio set up so I can't. But I may if the inspiration hits me.

I just expanded my order from Dean. It'll be the EGDM, HB, LGW, and SBEQ. Should be fun.
--E

[Craise]

Yes! the AC15 is a sweet amp...I borrowed a friends for a week and loved it.
I'm lovin my stripped down rig too. Basicaly BJF Color/flava into vintage fender! Lovin the Fender cleans and BJF to color it Marshall, Vox and TweedySupro!

[Craise]

Glad to hear the EGDM has so much dynamics with the distortion. That's what I was hoping for. I'll be checking out how EG & HB do on "wont back down", "back in the USSR", Elvis, Buddy Holly, Billy Joel "you may be right", Joe Jackson, "mamma don't dance", "867-5309", and a bunch of other generic covers.

You should slap together some clips! I don't have the studio set up so I can't. But I may if the inspiration hits me.

I just expanded my order from Dean. It'll be the EGDM, HB, LGW, and SBEQ. Should be fun.
--E

Solo, Cool I think your going to to love your pedals! I'll bring my DAT recorder to next weeks pracitice and try and get some clips going.

In the mean time.... Have you guy's seen heard of the BJF Folk Fuzz?
http://www.custom-sounds.com/epages/customsounds.storefront/43f4aae504bce8d62741d94dcd0106e6/UserTemplate/33

It's a Fuzz designed by BJF that he has put the circuit up so people can build their own! Very Very cool !! I was thinking... I would love to build one and put it in a Donner/BJF type box. The only thing is I don't know how!!! I mean I can solder well...and all..but don't really know how to read a schematic or anything. Maybe we could find someone that could walk us through the building of one of these and all build them at the same time, and help each other? Would anyone be up for that? Can anyone help me/us put the thing together? What do y'all think?

[solo-act]

Don't have time for that. But a cool project for those that do.

[drolling]

Have you guy's seen heard of the BJF Folk Fuzz?
http://www.custom-sounds.com/epages/customsounds.storefront/43f4aae504bce8d62741d94dcd0106e6/UserTemplate/33

It's a Fuzz designed by BJF that he has put the circuit up so people can build their own! Very Very cool !! I was thinking... I would love to build one and put it in a Donner/BJF type box. The only thing is I don't know how!!! I mean I can solder well...and all..but don't really know how to read a schematic or anything. Maybe we could find someone that could walk us through the building of one of these and all build them at the same time, and help each other? Would anyone be up for that? Can anyone help me/us put the thing together? What do y'all think?My soldering skills are crude & haphazard at best, but as a semi-retired medical illustrator, I'd be up for painting the boxes, if anyone would care to share info on what kind of paint works best on metal (I've been creating art on a computer for decades, but I kept my old air brush, just in case..).

I'm sure the skills & resources to do this are all right here and a limited edition run of TGP Bjorn Folk fuzzes is a fantastic idea..

Can't you just see them going for ridiculous sums on eBay in years to come..?

So, I'm in, I guess..

[thebot]

I'd love to give this a batter as well when I'm finished with my BYOC project. Very interested in best paint to use as well. By the way I've got absolutely no experience at all with this but definitely up for giving this a go.

[asdf]

Well if it can be pulled off, that would be just great, I'm interested in building one myself after I finish my current BYOC project. For finishing and paint types, theres lots of options. On the BYOC website www.buildyourownclone.com (http://www.buildyourownclone.com), there are some good tips and tricks for painting, decals, finishing etc.

[Craise]

Right on! I hope this is cool with Bjorn... I guess we should e-mail him. I wasn't really thinking of it as a Batch...per say..but If it's cool with him...I would love to paint it BJF style to go with my other pedals. If I take the time to make the thing...I'm sure I won't be selling mine, and I don't think that's what BJ had in mind when he posted the circuit. So let's keep the selling talk out of this. Drolling, I totaly understand what you are saying...just don't want to piss anyone off. ;) Has anyone checked out the circuit? I'm going to need some step by step help in that dept. Hopefully we can get some help from someone that can read it and walk us through it..if possible.

[asdf]

I agree about not selling it for production of any kind, but it would be very nice if somebody could possibly come up with simple directions (like the ones BYOC gives with their pedals, not even that comprehensive though) so that more people could make it. I just was looking for a fuzz when I found this thread, and now I think I've found it! A BJF fuzz that will sound great plus the fun of building it.

[thebot]

Actually, does anyone know of any good places to get parts (like Small Bear) in the UK?

[Craise]

I e-mailed Bjorn, and asked for his blessing. I'll let you know what I hear.
Yes, asdf, exactly what I was thinking...something a bit more step by step.

[drolling]

Right on! I hope this is cool with Bjorn... I guess we should e-mail him. I wasn't really thinking of it as a Batch...per say..but If it's cool with him...I would love to paint it BJF style to go with my other pedals. If I take the time to make the thing...I'm sure I won't be selling mine, and I don't think that's what BJ had in mind when he posted the circuit. So let's keep the selling talk out of this. Drolling, I totaly understand what you are saying...just don't want to piss anyone off. ;) Has anyone checked out the circuit? I'm going to need some step by step help in that dept. Hopefully we can get some help from someone that can read it and walk us through it..if possible.Oh yeah- I was joking, really. Guess I should have thrown in one of these;), biut I didn't:jo, I will next time:AOK!

Actuall, I try to buy carefully and rarely sell my gear anymore. Having usually recovered a dime on the dollar when I did unload stuff- like my original Colorsound fuzzwah that I never really liked and finally sold for 10 bucks, only to see then selling for hundreds all these years later:NUTS...

And don't get me started on AquaPuss! I tried one in a guitar shop in Nashville, but my credit card was refused & by the time I had the cash scraped up, WayHuge was way gone. If it was meant to be, I'd still have that pedal today. My tone is more important to me than a few bucks..

But I digress. I was thinking more along the lines of the mu-metal wah inductor sheilding project that was going on around this time last year. One guy bought all the materials in bulk and divided them up amongst all the participants, saving time & money in the process.

This would be a lot more complex, tho', and maybe not practical at all.

If I were, hypothetically speaking, to paint a bunch of enclosures, they'd each be different (more fun for me) and none would look anything like Bjorn's wife's stuff..

[asdf]

I agree with them all being different. If each of them have a different custom color and possibly even a different name, they'd be really cool looking.

[thebot]

Totally - custom designs would be excellent, good to see what everyone comes up with.:dude

[Craise]

Yeah...I was thinking of just getting together a Step by Step do it yourself kinda thing. Everybody gets their own parts and boxes. Way cool you are offering your painting skills and I'm sure many people will take you up on the offer! But since it's a BJF circuit I know it's anal but I would like mine to look like a BJF. I think donner has a Folk Fuzz with the older BJF paint? But to each his own. If you could pull off the see-through metalic Bjf style for me that is what I would like and would be way cool. :BEER
I think getting someone that can put together a step by step is the first thing we need to do.... :cool:
Glad some people are up for this little project!
BJFe Rocks!
:dude:dude:dude:dude:dude:dude

[Craise]

Just got BJ's e-mail with his blessing on our little project!
But it seems that he has recomended an upgrade to his fuzz that he
just published the schm for in a swedish magazine. It's basically the Deluxe Folk Fuzz and it sounds like it's a step up from the Folk Fuzz. With a Tone control and better parts. So he will be sending the info and schm on it, as soon as he's able to find them. Also I'm sure everyone understands...but just want to make it clear these are for personal use only...not for resale. Please respect BJs wishes on this. He said give him a few days to find the info and he'll be in touch...so the ball is rolling. Still need someone to look over the circuit and help us out...any takers? Help!!!:BluesBros

[asdf]

Great! Maybe somebody would like to try sending the schematic to people who mod or build pedals?

[playon]

This looks like a really cool idea... thanks to Bjorn for the "open source" fuzz circuit!

[curehardy]

i'm in :)

[JimiB]

I would love to see the schematic. I can be of help but my time is very limited these days.This sounds fun!

[thebot]

I would love to see the schematic. I can be of help but my time is very limited these days.This sounds fun!

Cool! I don't know about anybody else but I didn't see this as a 'quick' project anyway (probably going to take me ages to solder it for a start:D). I think I speak for us all when I say any help at all would be appreciated.

[BJF]

Hi,

Here's a link to the original article:
http://www.custom-sounds.com/epages/customsounds.storefront/43f573fc01cbddf42741d94dcd0106d4/UserTemplate/33



October issue of FUZZ magazine contains an article on a De Luxe version however that's in swedish.De luxe schematic is more or less the same just
has some finer points and instructions. Right that's not on the webb either so I need to find it. In what measure time allows I'll help

More to come

Have fun
BJ

[dbx]

This would be interesting to try out...I built a MOSFET booster (Jack Orman design) from a kit..it was very simple but came with a pre-etched circuit board...we talking about a buildup from a schematic?

[derek_32999]

Yes build up from scratch which would be harder, cause it would be PTP, which is tougher than stuffing a circuit board, but either way, I'm in!!!

[dbx]

Yes build up from scratch which would be harder, cause it would be PTP, which is tougher than stuffing a circuit board, but either way, I'm in!!!

I just quickly skimmed the instructions for the Folk Fuzz where Bjorn mentions building this on perf board...so is there a list to get on?

[Craise]

Glad to see we have some more people on board. Yeah this isn't a sign up thing. I was just thinking, we would all just get the parts, case ect...and then have someone that has the knowhow...to read the schem and layout a step by step..solder this to that...this wire goes here, type of BYOC instruction. Photos would be the best. I would like to wait a bit to see if we can't get the Deluxe version going on.... jimib, thanks for jumpping on board..Do you think you might be able to work us up a step by step for this thing?

[Craise]

Ok BJ just sent me the Deluxe Folk Fuzz schem. Thanks Bjorn, you are the man! I'm pretty busy today and tomorrow..but I'll have some time to look at everything this weekend..and try and sort somthing out... BJ say's it's super easy to build and that elementary kids have built it!

http://home.comcast.net/%7Enanookrubsit/Deluxe_Folk_Fuzz.jpg

[dbx]

I'm no expert but it would be educational to build on of these up on a protoboard then commit it to a case...if you are considering a group parts buy, I would be in for that...but we're probably not talking very large numbers of components or participants?

:AOK

[DonneR]

ooops, should have read this one sooner ; ]

Yeah thats the Folk Fuzz I and Dean have with the tone control etc.... I did the boxes in TV Yellow with woodgrain like an old Les Paul Special.... BJ of course did everything else.....

I wonder if we could have Small Bear or BYOC Keith do a group buy and make up some kits , give BJ a cut , and work thru them together ..... could even for those that want it send some of the cases over to be artworked with the proper BJFE look.....:AOK

[asdf]

I think that'd be great, but the key would be keeping the price still near a regular BYOC kit. They are affordable, have great directions, and give ya all the parts ya need. If they could do that, I'd be happy :)

[Blues Lyne]

I'd be interested in building one. I'm pretty happy with the other fuzzes I've built, but BJ's take on a fuzz has got to be worth the time and effort. Can't really have too many dirt boxes, can you?

[DonneR]

yeah I think that was sort of t he point - a fuzz for the masses thats a little different than whats out t here.....

it sounds really good into the LGWonder and HBee


we shall see what happens

[JKoeth]

Hmmmmm...Very interesting. I've been jonesing for a BJF Fuzz...

[BJF]

Hello,

This is a build it yourself project.
Parts for pedals can be expensive, but then maybe smallbear or DIY can make a kit.I have no contact information for either unfortunately

Hey, it's fun and easy to build this and it's just an experience that can be fun to look back at even if you'd never had thought of holding in a soldering iron or drill. It's sort of part of guitarist training -like changing tubes,setting up a guitar: you don't have to know everything (unless you want to)
Make your own fun paint: maybe iron a beer etikett and clear paint over it
Maybe you are a grapic designer that can make the smile of everybody with
something outwordly… bring out your sprayguns, brushes or what have you?

This fuzz was made as a build it yourself in easy fashion, yet sound fine with parts that are easy to find. The Deluxe version uses slightly harder to find parts and a few more parts just to show the level of difference between what you easily can find at any electronic store to some boutique refinement, with same circuit.

If you want to take this to next level you listen and measure the parts, socket T2 and listen again; adjust the 150pF cap os it just swaps out ultra high noise,with treble intact; reduce value of R2 to 1K or less for maximum gain( you might want to have a 500K to 1M reverse log as fuzz control.
You can go big and install a rotary switch for the clamping transistors T3 and T4 and choose a couple of different trannies with different emitter diode properties- let your imagination flow!

Don't be afraid of electrons and circuits, but see the magic, that has no secret mojo but is with you and in your hands and ears.

You can do this with no prior experience- I've had elementary school kids on a severe budget build this- yes OK the wanted to come to my workshop for guidance, but confidence in their abilities was all they really needed and frankly I placed them at a table next to mine and they did it all themselves with just minor guidance- and yes they felt a lot better about themselves
as they did something they never thought they were able to.


This is not about making pedals to sell but to build and have fun.:BEER

I suggest you believe in yourself and get the parts and build your fuzzes for your own fun and if you run into trouble just post it and I'll help out.
I think and hope some of the other guys will lend a hand if necessary the bottomline being that it's fun and you'd get to know some basics in pedal design that may prove quite helpful should you ever decide to take the entire Danelectro line apart and put them into your kitchenmixer to produce the ultimate Gear Page pedal or just a megaton model and start your own enterprise as in Tube Screamer Galore.:horse

Remember this is for your fun and enlightment, your time and work: for all purposes except profit you may call this your own

Really this is simple and it would usually work on first try.

Ah OK you'd like someone to look at the schematic?

Might I qualify ?
If you believe I can teach you, you will be educated

Don't feel lost at a schematic it'll become real in a functioning unit you made yourself and hopefully be of use to you for years to come.
It'd be so much fun to compare what you all have made and maybe a tourbox can be organized: meaning make it a fun happening!

At your service
BJ

[dbx]

...If you believe I can teach you, you will be educated...

Thanks for the confidence Bjorn...looking forward to the "virtual" apprenticeship...

Here's a first question...it should be fairly straightforward to assemble these parts on a protoboard, but how do you reduce the layout to fit on a perfboard, is there a calculation or just trial and error just knowing the size of the case will determine the size of the layout on the perfboard?

[BJF]

Hi,

Layout:

Well, first you take a piece of paper and draw the board boundaries and then you can place the components almost like the schematic, with this circuit.
You'd need to know the physical size of the components .....
Let's start at how big your board can be. This depends on the size of the encloser.

It's pretty straightforward to get all to fit on a board that'd fit inside the normal size of boxes I use for instance: board boundaries are then about 40x53 cm, that's a little over 2 inches times a little over 1 1/2 inch.

You can make a paper model of the size of board you like.
Then place the components according to schematic.
You'd get a B+ line and a ground line, make drawing or two -that's good prior practice to see the flow of the circuit.

Have fun
BJ

[asdf]

Whats a good source for learning all the electronic symobls in the schematic?

[dbx]

http://www.diystompboxes.com/cnews/FAQ.html

Aaron's, Jack's, RG Keen's sites will be a valuable info sources to this project...

[Craise]

thanks donner and bj! kinda busy today..but I'm going to mull over this thing tomorrow...and order my box and parts on monday. Don, I would love it if you could paint my box wooden TV LP JR yellow! I'll be in touch... thanks all!

[♫▐▀▄▀▌♫]

Where are ya going to get the box and parts from?

[Craise]

humm..not sure..that's what I was going to look into tomorrow...
small bear? or some other online shop...

[DonneR]

Yeah I think BJ hit it on the head ..... this is to be educational and fun...

or DIY means Do It YOURSELF ! :BEER

going thru the agggrevation of sourcing and picking and pricing the parts is part of the education and networking process ....... even down to deciding how to knob and paint it;) - you might even run into some interesting people you never would have along the way...

and it is BJs circuit... but should not be confused with a BJFE circuit.

My Folk Fuzz was even built by BJ himself, but I wouldnt sonically confuse it with any of his BJFE pedal circuits. And a good part of BJs pedal sound comes from his hand/ear tuning of the components - the circuit is just the beggining.

So no the Folk Fuzz wont replace the Pink Purple or Candy Apple fuzzes, but it does have a very tasty useful vintage rawness - and in addition to a fun new pedal - you will have an inner smile that can only come from proving something to yourself about yourself.

Fuzz for the Folks ? Folkin A dudes !!:BEER !! - start your soldering irons!!!!

[asdf]

Been a few days, so I'm just wondering if anybody has managed to source the parts and if so through who?

[Craise]

I've been super busy this week...and looks like I'll be busy through the weekend. Anyone else have any luck? still wish we could find someone to walk us through this.... anyone?

[asdf]

Has it been sent over to Keith at BYOC? I think that might be the first place to try. I'd love to be able to source the parts and figure out the circuit for myself, but I don't have the time or the know how.

[thebot]

Yeah, been a bad week and I'm away next week as well. Might have to get my parts from a separate supplier anyway being over the pond and all.

[dbx]

Been a few days, so I'm just wondering if anybody has managed to source the parts and if so through who?

I was thinking about working with Small Bear...Mouser and other suppliers would also have stock but might have minimum order limits on these smaller components...Small Bear caters to the project builder...just need to purchase a few more hours in the week...any one got a good source for free-time ;)

[asdf]

I was on Small Bear trying to find all the parts, but I couldn't find some of them. It could be that I'm just not good at searching through Small bear or that they have parts that could be substituted for what is listed, but I couldn't seam to find 'em all.

[Craise]

thanks for checking...could you list the ones that small bear has and the ones they don't? (this is for the deluxe right?)

[subversivepinko]

I think BJ is right. It'll be more rewarding if you tackle it yourself, including sourcing parts, etc. It's great of him to throw a new circuit out there, but ultimately it's one of hundreds of available fuzz circuit schematics.

It seems like some people might be looking for a cheap BJFE pedal kit, which is not what you're going to get. If you want to do the build because it sounds like a cool DIY project, you'll probably have a very rewarding experience. If you're doing the build because you think you're going to recreate the sound of a very respected builder on the cheap, you're probably in for a disappointment.

I don't mean to damper anyone's enthusiasm. If you go in to this with the right attitude, it'll be tons of fun, and you'll make something that may even sound cool.

[BJF]

I think BJ is right. It'll be more rewarding if you tackle it yourself, including sourcing parts, etc. It's great of him to throw a new circuit out there, but ultimately it's one of hundreds of available fuzz circuit schematics.

It seems like some people might be looking for a cheap BJFE pedal kit, which is not what you're going to get. If you want to do the build because it sounds like a cool DIY project, you'll probably have a very rewarding experience. If you're doing the build because you think you're going to recreate the sound of a very respected builder on the cheap, you're probably in for a disappointment.

I don't mean to damper anyone's enthusiasm. If you go in to this with the right attitude, it'll be tons of fun, and you'll make something that may even sound cool.

Thank you,
BJ

Oh, it should be possible to find all parts needed from suppliers like Small Bear
or BYOC or......
If they don't have the same partnumbers as listed then please tell me what you miss and I'll provide an alternate partnumber.

There's no real magic in the partnumbers and the circuit is functionate with many types of transistors et.c.
Pots are listed as Alps RK09's as that is what I use but you can use ordinary Alphas, Mouser or what you may find and have.

At your service
BJ

[amphead777]

Ok BJ just sent me the Deluxe Folk Fuzz schem. Thanks Bjorn, you are the man! I'm pretty busy today and tomorrow..but I'll have some time to look at everything this weekend..and try and sort somthing out... BJ say's it's super easy to build and that elementary kids have built it!

http://home.comcast.net/%7Enanookrubsit/Deluxe_Folk_Fuzz.jpg
Has anyone built a Folk Fuzz, using this schematic ?

[scottcw]

Has anyone built a Folk Fuzz, using this schematic ?

I'd like to know this also. I would also like to know if there are any pedal builders who can quote a cost to build this pedal for me. Thanks.

[BJF]

Hi,

This is a do it your self project and it has been published in a magazine as such. I have designed it.

There has so far only been one Manufacturer/retailer that has asked for my promission to add it to his line and that respectfully refrained to do so at my request and out of respect for that this is a DIY project and not really a commercial product carried by any retailer other than such that on my request would do ressearch.

Yes of course there would be some that would like me to build it by my own hands but the mere purpose of this thread was to increase interest for people to do by themselves something I would applaud.

It would however in view of this seem a bit odd to find this thread in the forum created for manufacturers to discuss new products.

Hm.

Look anyone reading this thread, would you like some assistanse in building this project by your own hands?

There are threads on this project at DIY sites but I will help you online but not in this section as it would be inappropriate.

Please visit other forums for further information

Thanks and with all due respect

BJ
Affiliations
BJF Electronics
Sweden
www.bjfe.org (http://www.bjfe.org)
www.mpamp.com (http://www.mpamp.com)

[scottcw]

Hi,

This is a do it your self project and it has been published in a magazine as such. I have designed it.There are threads on this project at DIY sites but I will help you online but not in this section as it would be inappropriate.

Please visit other forums for further information

Thanks and with all due respect

BJ
Affiliations
BJF Electronics
Sweden
www.bjfe.org (http://www.bjfe.org)
www.mpamp.com (http://www.mpamp.com)

Hi Bjorn, I think there are some of us that are not handy with a soldering iron or can't read schmatics who would appreciate paying someone for their time and the parts to assemble a FF for us. No harm intended and, speaking for myself, not a request for another manufacturer to add it to their product line.

[Seditious]

I just saw this thread today. I took my first few electronics classes this spring and I have a soldering and fabrication class coming in the fall. I'm going to try and get all the parts and do this myself knowing I can ask my instructor for help if needed. This is so cool of you to give us a place to start from.

[yeahyeahyeah]

I can design a "byoc" style PCB for this. Double sided, plated through holes, with a silkscreen component layout and solder mask.

Because I'm a builder I'd rather not be in charge of buying, selling, or shipping these. I don't want to get into accusations of profiting from another's work. If someone else wants to volunteer to do all of the administrative stuff I'll gladly design a PCB for this project and let you take it from there.

Price would depend on how many we want to order. Manufactured PCBs are less expensive the bigger the order is. For instance: if we order 200, they will be about $2 each but if we only order 100 they will be about $3 each. They get ridiculously expensive for small orders.

I probably won't be able to make extremely detailed instructions because I don't have the time but a nice well manufactured PCB would go a long way to help allot of the folks who can't read a schem but know how to solder. It also ensures proper lead dress in high gain problem areas...fuzz circuits need to have a proper layout or else they can oscillate or be noisy etc.

I can also add options for additional controls like simple bass-cut/treble-cut tone controls and clipping options. So you could build it stock and modify later if desired, or go all out and build a super folk fuzz.

I'm all for diy stuff. I'm offering to design a really nice PCB for free, someone else will have to be in charge of the ordering and distribution. I'll design it and let you guys take it from there.

The PCB will be designed to fit board mounted pots like this: http://www.smallbearelec.com/Detail.bok?no=692

That will take some of the guesswork out of wiring and mounting the board and also keep you safe from lead dress issues. You can use other pots and wire them to the board if you like but these work great.

[yeahyeahyeah]

Ok, I've got the PCB design done. Who wants it?

[jucas]

Well, I'd love one or two of these, so if no one else is willing to look into the ordering I'd be willing to.

The catch is that I don't know too much about PCB's, so if there's a manufacturer or two that is known to be reasonable, that'd be helpful to know if someone on here has dealt with one before.

Also, just glancing back through the thread, I really doubt that we'll get up into the 100 boards range, so I would expect this to end up a little pricier. If you look at GGG or BYOC though, boards are 10-20 bucks, so I guess that paying in that range (no profit for anyone... just shipping and a low quantity purchase) would probably be about where I'd draw the line... It shouldn't be too hard to perfboard it, so once we get up around $20 I'm pretty much out.

At the very least, I'd do the inquiring to a manufacturer and get back to us with pricing/etc so we could figure out actuall numbers.

[thiscalltoarms]

i'm interested in trying to do this. I don't know much of anything though, so it will be a learning experience. I would love to learn to build a pedal though. Yeahyeahyeah- how would I know what to attach where or whatever? Count me in, I'll take my chances...

[Seditious]

Ok, I've got the PCB design done. Who wants it?

Me, me, me!


Please. :)

[yeahyeahyeah]

OK. Whoever does it, here is what I suggest you do:

Get people to pay first so you don't get ripped off, then order a few extras because there will always be interest after folks start raving about it's awesomeness. Start a new thread dedicated to the "BJF folk fuzz kit group buy", and start a thread at www.diystompboxes.com (http://www.diystompboxes.com) to get more people on board. The more people you get the cheaper it will be!

If you want to make full on kits you can do that too. I made a Mouser part number BOM of all the components. The only other things you would need are the foot switch, pots, knobs, and enclosure...which can be found at www.smallbearelec.com (http://www.smallbearelec.com) and www.pedalpartsplus.com (http://www.pedalpartsplus.com)

If you do a full on kit it will be cheaper for everyone in the long run. Get the foot switch and enclosure from PPP and the pots and knobs from small bear.

Guesstimates:
PCB... <$3 to $10+ per person depending on amount of participation
component kits...$7-$10 ea. from mouser depending on amount of participation
pots, knobs...$7 ea. from smallbear
foot switch and enclosure (125b) ...$15 from PPP

Once again it will be much cheaper the more people are in on it. Allot of people will probably want to have their own color or paint job so I suggest letting them get the enclosures and foot switches themselves.

To view the PCB file, go to www.expresspcb.com (http://www.expresspcb.com) and download their free software.

Once you have that you can go to my website (www.noc3effects.com (http://www.noc3effects.com)) and download the PCB file.

You'll notice that there are actually two boards joined in the middle. This effectively doubles your order and makes the PCB's cheaper. You just have to snap them apart when they arrive. I've also added space for extra clipping mods and a clipping switch if so desired.

To determine the cost of PCB's:
1.) read all instructions and tutorials provided by expressPCB.
2.) click compute board cost.
3.) click 2 layer boards
4.) click "production service" (standard service is cheaper for small runs but you don't get the silkscreen or solder mask and it is much harder to work with)
5.) click Tin/lead-legacy and 10 business days (RoHS is harder to solder properly)
6.) enter amount of PCBs needed and click second day air.
7.) you now have a quote.

-Nick

[yeahyeahyeah]

Yeahyeahyeah- how would I know what to attach where or whatever?

The PCB is silkscreened with component outlines that make it like a paint by numbers pedal.

You see an outline that looks like a resistor and it has "100k" written on it... you think "a 100k resistor goes there" you put the part in and solder it. repeat.

:banana

[Seditious]

Fantastic! Now who's in charge of this? :hideThe PCB is silkscreened with component outlines that make it like a paint by numbers pedal.

You see an outline that looks like a resistor and it has "100k" written on it... you think "a 100k resistor goes there" you put the part in and solder it. repeat.

:banana

[thiscalltoarms]

I'd love to be involved with organizing, but I don't have anywhere near the money to front for parts (getting married and paying the whole bill), so while I can try to organize some of it, I can't be the absolute point man in putting this all together...

[jucas]

So, I don' mind being a part of this like I mentioned, but I also am not really interested in putting $350 down up front and hoping that everyone who wants in pays so I don't get stuck with 50 PCB's...

I thikn that this will be complicated enough without putting together an entire kit... I think that one can probably get almost everything they need from smallbear electronics for components, except some NPN germanium transistors, but I think Bjorn sad this was a pretty forgiving project as far as transistor selection goes. If this goes through, I wouldn't mind putting together a list of the necessary parts from smallbear if some of those taking part aren't sure what to order. Also, I thnk that enough of us that'd be involved have done a project or two before and could potentially help a little (I'm a novice, but collectively we can probably get this done) as far as instruction, and building and such.

I got the design from yeahyeahyeah, and checked the prices on the program... I assumed $1.50-2.00 added for shipping to buy enveolpes and a bunch of stamps... Also, I'm in canada, so shipping would add 1-2$per board for the company to send them to me. If they go to someone in the US,

if 20 people buy them it'll be about $16.00 each board
if 30 people buy them, it'll be about $11.00 each board
if 50 people buy them it'll be about $7.00 per board.

So, I don't mind throwing together a sheet of who wants in and dealing with PM's and organizational stuff, but, putting some cash up front isn't really an option. Also, its not much, but someone who's in the states would keep shipping a little cheaper.

So, from here, lets guage some interest at these prices, and see how many are interested? If this is still seeming resonable, we post a thread in the emporium and give the for sale side of DIYstompboxes a try.

Sound good? We'd potentially need someone to handle money or front some money though.

[Andy J.]

I'm in for the PCB! As long as the price stays under, say, 30 bucks, 'cause I'll end up with a shipping charge to Europe as well...

[Andy J.]

Oh my, did I kill the thread or is there another thread concerning this somewhere else?

[thiscalltoarms]

neither, I have a feeling the problem here is that no one involved has the necessary capitol to front for this. I'd be in for organizing and promoting and stuff, but I am super short on cash- college student getting married and gigging to pay my bills this summer.

Hopefully this gets back on track soon... I feel like there are lots of people that would love to make a DIY attempt at a BJ designed circuit. Everything BJ has ever done was golden, even with a mediocre builder like me it has to come out better than 80% of the stuff out there.

rally the troops. this DIY would be totally kick butt.

[thiscalltoarms]

ok, lets see what can come of this. I am going to be compiling a list of people that are interested in this project, and I will try to spear head it. I think the minimum participation (and maximum cost to each individual) would probably be around $60-75 assuming 20 pedals as the minimum number of participants that would make this do-able...

PM me or list here if you are interested...

[jucas]

Yeah, that pretty much summed it up... no one wants to throw down the overhead since at least a few people will flake out and sign up without paying, but no one wants to pitch in 20 bucks to hopefully get a PCB a month from now.

So, A huge thanks to nick for the time designing a great PCB, but my preofessional (ha!) opinion is that its back to the etchant/perfboard.

[Seditious]

I'm in still. I really want to do this. Let me know what kind of help you need TCTA.

[soli528]

I'm in man. With both feet.

[Tonefish]

neither, I have a feeling the problem here is that no one involved has the necessary capitol to front for this. I'd be in for organizing and promoting and stuff, but I am super short on cash- college student getting married and gigging to pay my bills this summer.

Hopefully this gets back on track soon... I feel like there are lots of people that would love to make a DIY attempt at a BJ designed circuit. Everything BJ has ever done was golden, even with a mediocre builder like me it has to come out better than 80% of the stuff out there.

rally the troops. this DIY would be totally kick butt.

I'll help get it going, but it will have to wait until my kids get back to school (early August).

What I would propose to do would be in line with what John Calhoun did over on AX84 for the Doug H's Firefly amp. That is, I'll get hundred(s) of boards built and offer them for $10-15 (whatever no profit is). The parts are up to you, but I would maintain a website with the current parts list and maybe some tips that others learn...and also, of course, profusely acknowledging Bjorn (BJFE) for making his design available, and Nick (NOC3) for graciously laying out the pcb.

I would probably offer the first few boards free to a few who will go figure out the parts lists and build the pedal up to wring out the workings before getting too many boards out there without a clear picture for those who need/want it. Once it runs smoothly (oh please, oh please), we can get it out on other bullboards (if ok w/ BJ) and watch the snowball.

So if this train ain't already running by then, that's what I'm planning to do.

[thiscalltoarms]

awesome! just what we needed- someone to step up and make this all work. I will be/am compiling a list people interested here and on the BJFE forum (since BJ is ok with all this so far), so hopefully we can get the list to a usable amount and then get this party started in August, we should have a nice list of names going. A bit of troop rallying and PR stuff to get this rocking and rolling.


Yessss, I like how this is turning out.

[Andy J.]

Haven't checked this thread in a while, I'm most definitely still in!

[reddgeetarzan]

I'm in! I'd certainly be interested in more information....

[jfromel]

I can help with the whole project. I order my PCB's from ExpressPCB and I could add this circuit on to my next order and it would keep the cost down. I could pretty easily put a kit together as well. I recently did a kit for the DIY synth module crowd and it turned out pretty cool.

Tonefish.... I would love your help on this. In keeping with what BJF wants to do with this project I would only want to include the board and all the components necessary to populate the board. It would be up to the builder to source the box, pot's switches, etc and come up with their own layout.

NOC3... if you could e-mail me the schem and layout in PCB express that would be great.

[yeahyeahyeah]

The .pcb file is on the news page of my website: www.noc3effects.com (http://www.noc3effects.com)

I didn't draw a schem for it as there were already schems online.

I added a LED pop prevention circuit and room on the board to play with clipping options and extra pads so you can add a clipping switch if you want.

[jfromel]

OK I have the schem drawn in English:) I will get a BOM together and then price out the kit with the board. The added clipping options added by Nick are pretty sweet, I think this will be a fun project.

[Cobra]

I'm definitely in for (2) of the Folk Fuzz kits for sure!

[Tonefish]

I can help with the whole project. I order my PCB's from ExpressPCB and I could add this circuit on to my next order and it would keep the cost down. I could pretty easily put a kit together as well. I recently did a kit for the DIY synth module crowd and it turned out pretty cool.

Cool...getting in on another order would be great!

Tonefish.... I would love your help on this. In keeping with what BJF wants to do with this project I would only want to include the board and all the components necessary to populate the board. It would be up to the builder to source the box, pot's switches, etc and come up with their own layout.

I've been out of town and out of touch. What did BJ say about a whole kit? I was just planning for the boards and a website with the rest of the stuff needed to put together the pedal...all no-profit DIY.

Kids go back to school sometime next week, so I should be able to help then.

[jfromel]

For the die hards out there who like to etch their own I have done a single sided PCB layout based on Nick's great work on the PCB. I would like to get Bjorn's blessing before I post the Schem in English and the one sided PCB layout though. For the non die hards please send me a PM to be added to the list. The more people that want to do this project the more cost effective it will be if I order the PCB's. I will e-mail a copy to Nick in the meantime.

[Tonefish]

For the die hards out there who like to etch their own I have done a single sided PCB layout based on Nick's great work on the PCB. I would like to get Bjorn's blessing before I post the Schem in English and the one sided PCB layout though. For the non die hards please send me a PM to be added to the list. The more people that want to do this project the more cost effective it will be if I order the PCB's. I will e-mail a copy to Nick in the meantime.

Hey jfromel. I got your PM...so if you are doing both the board and the kit, it loooks like you've got it all covered? Let me know if you need help or change your mind. I'll be watching for the board. Best, Tonefish

[BMF Effects]

PM'd jfromel with my request. What's the time frame like on this project? Thanks.

[jucas]

So, jfromel said he would throw an order for these in with his next batch...

WHich means we need to keep a tally of how many we want. send me a PM if you want in and I'll be keeping track of who is wanting how many for this.

Thanks everyone!

[jfromel]

When the list gets to 50 I will pull the trigger on the order. In my experience about 15 will flake. Price will be $10 for a board or $20 for a kit and shipping should not be more than $5 in CONUS.

The kit will not have germanium transistors but the other components will be top quality. Here is the BOM..... You should be able to click on the link and create your own order direct from Mouser if you like.

2 1/4W 1% Metal Film Resistors 100Kohms 1% 50PPM (https://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=271-100K-RCvirtualkey21980000virtualkey271-100K-RC)
4 1/4W 1% Metal Film Resistors 100ohms 1% 50PPM (https://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=271-100-RCvirtualkey21980000virtualkey271-100-RC)
1 1/4W 1% Metal Film Resistors 1.0Mohms 1% 50PPM (https://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=271-1.0M-RCvirtualkey21980000virtualkey271-1.0M-RC)
5 1/4W 1% Metal Film Resistors 10Kohms 1% 50PPM (https://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=271-10K-RCvirtualkey21980000virtualkey271-10K-RC)
1 1/4W 1% Metal Film Resistors 47Kohms 1% 50PPM (https://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=271-47K-RCvirtualkey21980000virtualkey271-47K-RC)
1 1/4W 1% Metal Film Resistors 1.8Kohms 1% 50PPM (https://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=271-1.8K-RCvirtualkey21980000virtualkey271-1.8K-RC)
2 1n914 Diodes - Small Signal 100V 4.0ns Diode Single Junction (https://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=1N914virtualkey51210000virtua lkey512-1N914)
2 1n4001 Rectifiers Vr/50V Io/1A T/R (https://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=1N4001virtualkey51210000virtu alkey512-1N4001)
1 1N4002 (https://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=1N4002virtualkey51210000virtu alkey512-1N4002) Rectifiers 100V/1a Rectifier General Purpose (https://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=1N4002virtualkey51210000virtu alkey512-1N4002)
3 2N2219A (https://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=2N2219Avirtualkey51120000virt ualkey511-2N2219A) Small Signal Transistors NPN General Purpose (https://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=2N2219Avirtualkey51120000virt ualkey511-2N2219A)
1 2N2905A (https://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=2N2905Avirtualkey61000000virt ualkey610-2N2905A) Small Signal Transistors PNP Gen Pur SS (https://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=2N2905Avirtualkey61000000virt ualkey610-2N2905A)
3 Standard LEDs Red Tinted Diffused (https://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=TLUR5400virtualkey61370000vir tualkey78-TLUR5400)
1 Mica Radial Lead Capacitors 150pF 500V +/-5% (https://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=CD15FD151JO3Fvirtualkey598500 00virtualkey598-CD15FD151JO3F)
1 Radial Polyester Film Capacitors CAP 100V .022uF 5% (https://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=140-PF2A223Jvirtualkey21980000virtualkey140-PF2A223J)
1 Radial Polyester Film Capacitors CAP 100V 0.047uF 5% (https://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=140-PF2A473Jvirtualkey21980000virtualkey140-PF2A473J)
1 Audio Electrolytic Capacitors 35volt 100uF 20% Radial (https://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=UKW1V101MEDvirtualkey64700000 virtualkey647-UKW1V101MED)
1 Audio Electrolytic Capacitors 63volt 10uF 20% Radial (https://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=UKW1J100MDDvirtualkey64700000 virtualkey647-UKW1J100MDD)

I have this priced out so I wont be losing any money, if there are an amazing amount of ordrers then I can bring the price down a bit or include shipping or something.

If you want to source your own germanium trannies Small Bear has some good stuff. I plan on driving up to Anacortes next week to see a guy who has buckets of old germanium trannies and diodes that are not tested or sorted and I will post what score when I get back. If I get a bunch I would sell some sets.

[Cobra]

Will these kits fit into a 1290 or MXR size enclosure?

[jfromel]

the board will fit in a pretty small box, size of the board is 1"x2"

[BMF Effects]

jucas...PM'd you, thanks.

[DonneR]

We are going to open a 'Folk Forum' on www.bjfe.org (http://www.bjfe.org) for this and maybe some other limited DIY stuff ...... BJ can give direct guidance this way and there can be different threads on various aspects of the contruction making PCBs, sourcing parts etc......

If theres interest I can get with the PCB kit guys here and get it rolling.....

[sa1126]

I would like a kit :)

[Cobra]

Here's a direct link to the new Folk Forum, a forum dedicated to building the Folk Fuzz, with support from Bjorn Juhl himself! There's a central sign-up list, and sub-forums for part sourcing, enclosure painting, & PCB making. As DonneR said, this is the central hub for the Folk Fuzz kit builds, so anyone that's interested, please visit ASAP! The ball is already rolling!

http://www.bjfe.org/viewforum.php?f=10 (http://www.bjfe.org/viewforum.php?f=10)

[jakeddy]

Just now found this thread. I'd like at least one kit, maybe more. What's the price?

[thiscalltoarms]

Depends on participation. Last estimate was hoping to be 10 for PCB, 20 for a kit without DPDT or enclosures. just the raw components plus the PCB

[amphead777]

Wow, when I re-activated this thread, I had no idea how people would come together and make this happen. Unfortunately, I have zero building skills, so I won't be able to get one. Ironic huh ?