Boss DC-2 Dimension C Clone

[jfromel]

Wanted to see how much interest there would be for a DC-2 clone. I have finished up the PCB layout and the only way I could get it to fit into a 1590BB box is with a 4 layer board. If there is enough interest I will run some proto's.

Functionality will be the same as the original, mono in, 4 selections, stereo out. I may also make a version with adjustable rate and depth controls. Major difference will be much higher quality parts and true bypass switching.

I am estimating the price to be about $300 retail.

[fyrwyr]

I am still kicking myself for letting my mint condition NOS one go last year, the only problems were the high end was a little much for electric guitar, great for acoustic though. True bypass and adjustable rate and depth would be cool. A bigger box would be fine for me if it was better to build it that way. Glad to see someone willing to redo/improve on those gems;)

[Dog Boy]

I would definitely be interested......however not at 300 bux....srry.

Anyway to bring the price into the 200 range? if so you got a sale!

[ShonCAE]

yea, great idea, but $300 seems a bit steep... get it around 200 and im sure youll get quite a few orders

[fyrwyr]

$300 seems fair to me for a hand wired, high quality and improved version, but certainly you could sell more if it was cheaper...

[Guitar Josh]

For $300 I'd just buy an original on eBay, for $100 less.

[jfromel]

I will do what I can to get the cost down. There are about 200 parts on the PCB so the labor will be pretty intensive. The other killer is the cost of the PCB, because it is a 4 layer board I cant even make my own prototype boards. I hate expensive pedals as much as anyone so I understand.

I will say that the pedal will look as good as it sounds, My plan is to put the first few in enclosures by Lucibox. http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=355449
Thanks for all the feedback so far, I will keep everyone posted.

[akivisuals]

I love my DC-2 and got it for around $125 less than what you're asking for the clones. It's an amazing pedal and I have it in a loop of my MusicomLab, so there's no tone suckage. I agree that you'd probably sell a good amount of 'em at $200-225. Great pedals.

[Rob Sharer]

Heavy DC-2 user here. TB would be nice; especially nice would be stereo ins. I'd probably even pay $300 for a DC-2 with stereo ins. PM me if you get one together. Cheers,

Rob

[devnulljp]

DC-2 is my secret weapon, so don't you go spoiling it now.
Stereo in would be awesome. I'd buy one for $200~$250 or thereabouts. An original can still be had for less than $150; add a bypass box for a bit more.
Those luciboxes look great though, much better than the boss piglet pink of the original.

[jfromel]

I toyed with the idea of stereo input. On the plus side most of the circuit is already in place to have stereo input. On the negative side is space, the circuit would require about 30 more parts, which would require a box bigger than a 1590BB. I could make it work in a tall box similar to the one the Tim pedal is in, and although I love my Tim pedal, it is tall.

One other problem that I have not yet solved is true bypass with a stereo input, but that should not be so hard.

Right now I am working on getting the price down to under $250 and I will start working on more features later.

Working name for the pedal is currently "Lush" I suppose a version with stereo input and adjustable rate and depth could be the "Lush Deluxe"

[jfromel]

One feature that will also be included is the ability to combine modes. On the DC-2 only one mode could be selected at a time.

[williamh]

heck, I'd be interested in a true bypass straight up clone that allowed me to use more than one option at the same time. If you've heard this chorus in real life, do you honestly think you need to be able to tweak rate and depth? I think the presets sound great the way they are, and if you need something less subtle just push a button farther up. The only thing I'd ask for(other than true bypass), is to space the buttons out a little more so you can select them with your foot and not have to reach down and press.

[magnus]

It's still easy to get an original DC-2 in good condition so I don't quite see the point of a clone that will be more expensive than a used original.

I would be more interested in a rack mount version that could handle line level signal and also had controller jacks for bypass and selecting different modes. A piece like that could maybe compete with the upcoming Fulltone Tri Stereo Chorus reissue (if it ever sees the light of day :puh)

[jfromel]

WilliamH...I like the idea of selecting modes with your foot and have been trying to incorporate that into the final design.

Magnus...My clone will sound much better than than the original DC-2, even though the circuit is basically the same, except for the true bypass, the quality of the caps and resistors will make a big difference. I have landed some NOS NE570N, MN3207 BBD's and MN3102 clocks, I haven't decided on which op-amps (there are 5 dual op-amps in this thing) to use yet and at least the first batch will be socketed so I can swap out different configs. The original also used a single layer PCB which can allow noise into the signal, my design uses a 4 layer with dedicated layers for ground and power

Roland did make a Dimension D (SSD-320) Rack unit that would handle line level and balanced signal, also had stereo inputs, the circuit is pretty much the same and honestly it would be a much easier build as a rack unit. http://www.modezero.com/roland-dimension-D.htm , Ahh rack gear, brings back memories of the 80's.

[devnulljp]

Do you have a projected timeline for this? I love my DC-2, and would hate anything to happen to it. A replacement would be good, and if it's really better...

[jfromel]

I do have a day job but I hope to have the first few proto's done in the next month. I will keep everyone posted.

[jfromel]

Update on the bypass circuit. In mono the unit will have the choice of true bypass or buffered via a switch inside the box. The problem with true bypass in a stereo circuit is the need for a 4PDT switch, which do not hold up well to stomping and are pretty expensive. The other option would be to just split the mono signal when bypassed which would suck tone. In true by-pass mode the unit will only work in stereo when the effect is on, when by-passed the B output will have no signal. In buffer mode the signal will be split in stereo and mono and both outputs will work. On the plus side the buffer will be a high quality-non tone sucking high impedeance presenting buffer that will not suck tone.

[Sofus]

I will mos def be interested even at $ 275 - 300. Put me on the list :)

[jfromel]

Update: The BBD and compander chips are in and the PCB's are on order. I am thinking that when I lay this out all the input/output and DC jacks will be on the top of the pedal. I will be messing with a few different high quality stereo buffers to see what works best over the next few weeks.

[stark]

Update on the bypass circuit. In mono the unit will have the choice of true bypass or buffered via a switch inside the box. The problem with true bypass in a stereo circuit is the need for a 4PDT switch, which do not hold up well to stomping and are pretty expensive. The other option would be to just split the mono signal when bypassed which would suck tone. In true by-pass mode the unit will only work in stereo when the effect is on, when by-passed the B output will have no signal. In buffer mode the signal will be split in stereo and mono and both outputs will work. On the plus side the buffer will be a high quality-non tone sucking high impedeance presenting buffer that will not suck tone.
You could do relay switching on the board. I'm interested put me on the list.

Adam Stark

[magnus]

You could do relay switching on the board. I'm interested put me on the list.

Adam Stark

I'm interested if the relay could be switched by an external signal, for instance from an Axess CFX4.

[jfromel]

Update, the PCB's (there are 4 proto's) are in, if mouser is not backordered on any of the 200+ parts that go into this thing I should have the first proto on my pedal board in a week for testing. Final layout has not yet been determined but I hope to fit this into a 1590BB, if I can't make it work then I can easily fit it into a 1590C (same size at the Tim pedal).
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc43/jfromel/L1030670.jpg

[TheGrooveking]

Please keep us informed on the progress.

TheGrooveking

[gitman]

put me on the list - i will postpone the TC Nova Modulator...

[Burnsonix]

I'd be grateful if you could put me on the list too -
sounds cool :)

Graeme.

[Rob Sharer]

Still watching with interest...

[jfromel]

Update, I am keeping a list of interested people in the order that I was replied to or PM'd. If all goes well I will have some audio clips up by weeks end.

[jfromel]

Update: All the parts are in, assembly tonight and if all goes well - clips tomorrow:)

[RC2]

Please put me on your list for one also.

[PmCimini]

I'm currently working on a clone of the Roland Dimension D (for the people that don't know, the DC-2's 'big brother).

I'll probably have the protoboard done by next weekend and I'll see if marketing a small batch of them is possible.

[jfromel]

The circuit for the Dimension D should be the same as the DC-2. Both use the same chipset, I think the only difference is the SDD-320 has stereo input and output and is balanced as well, higher quality and larger value caps and resistors than the original DC-2. I have thought about making the board twice as big and making a rack unit with lot and lots of options. When space requirements are not so much of an issue there is a lot that can be done with this circuit that Roland missed.

Here is a link to a DIY DC-2 rack version from Scott Stites that is pretty impressive. http://mypeoplepc.com/members/scottnoanh/birthofasynth/id9.html. I have been sharing my progress with Scott and he has been very helpful.

I would love to hear about your progress so far on the rack version.

[fyrwyr]

A bigger pedal or a rack would be great to cram in as many cool options as possible;)

[jfromel]

The next version - LUSH Deluxe - will have stereo input and output, control of rate and depth via sweepable pots or the pre-sets and a TZF flanger. For now I am concentrating on the current version, should have all four boards soldered up by tonight.
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc43/jfromel/e59daa3e.jpg

[fyrwyr]

Looking forward to some clips!

[jfromel]

The first two prototypes are built and this thing sounds incredible. I will get sound clips up soon but the video I made does not do the pedal justice. I was able to fit it into a 1590BB box and the look is pretty cool. I will be contacting the people who asked to be on the list then taking orders. Since the pedal is now for sale I have started a thread at the Manufacturers Emporium.

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?p=3983504#post3983504

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc43/jfromel/L1030759.jpg

[jfromel]

Update,

I have been busy with my day job and not had a lot of time to get the sound clips up or contact everyone on the list. I have made a change to the pedal. The switching is now true bypass in mono or stereo and the fourth switch on the top is to switch between stereo and mono mode. The unit will work in both modes either stereo or mono, the difference is that the chorus separation is optimized for stereo when the switch is engaged. I am finding that the battery life is similar to a digital delay pedal and I am thinking about not having the battery clips. Could I get some feedback on the battery clip? How many Duracell users out there?

[PmCimini]

The Dim-C eats up 30mA... http://www.stinkfoot.se/andreas/diy/power/brands/boss.htm

It would last something around 18 hours in a alkaline battery.

[paraedolia]

I don't see a need for a battery clip in pedals like that - I've never used a battery in a chorus or a delay. My Retrosonic delay has no battery clip inside.
Sounds like you two are on the same page...

[fyrwyr]

No batteries;)

[jfromel]

Update: Sound Clips

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZvP_inKbas

I am playing a Baja Tele through two Frenzel amps in stereo, each running into a 2x12 cab.

[fyrwyr]

very nice;)

[jfromel]

I have sent out PM's or e-mails to everyone who asked to be on the list. There were about 20 on the list and the wait time is estimated to be at about 4 weeks now. I will keep the list in order for everyone who pays by April 31, after that I will ship in order by payment received. The price is $279 Shipped and PP's CONUS. I tried to get the price down, I hate expensive pedals as much as anyone.

The first issue is the shear quantity of components (about 200 total) takes a long time to assemble and solder the board, I can build 10 overdrive pedals in the time it takes me to do one of these.

Second is the cost of all those components and I didn't go cheap on anything in this pedal. Here are the build Specs...


Double Layer 2oz Copper PCB, plated through holes, 1mm min trace width.
Silver Bearing Solder
MN3207/3102 BBD chipset.
NE570 companders
Socketed op-amps (OPA2134 at input and output, TL072 for BBD's, TL082 for LFO).
Switchcraft Jacks
22 ga, solid core wire for all audio paths.
AVX and Xicon Caps
1% .25 watt metal film resistors.So even though it's expensive I think it would still be a good value at $300.

[paraedolia]

OK, one sold. :drool
Who's next?

[alschnier]

pm sent...

[stratotone]

I'm just curious... You're using high quality components throughout, why are there so many ceramic caps (per the board shot a page or so back)? Wouldn't micas be better?

[jfromel]

I may mock one up with mica's in the future, the original spec caled for ceramic so that is what I am using for these protos. The original spec also called for some tantalum caps, which normally I would not use but kept them anyhow. Interestingly when I had all OPA2134 op-amps all the harsh qualities of the DC-2 were gone but it was a little dark for my taste. The one in the demo has TL072's for the BBD's, a TL082 for the LFO and OPA2134 for the input and output stage. The result was nice and warm, good top end sparkle.

Mica caps tend to have a smoother, warmer tone, less grit and less top end sparkle than ceramics. That is great for a Marshall head, I think it may end up being too dark for this pedal.

[jfromel]

Udate on orders and lead time. I just ordered another 50 PCB's and the lead time for them is 2 weeks. The first LUSH orders will all ship this week, after that the lead time will be about 4 weeks (with the new PCB's). Once I have a stock of PCB's and get caught up on orders I will hope to have the lead time down to 2 weeks to ship after payment received. I do not plan on having any standing inventory of these but I will have everything ready to assemble when an order comes in. I have a few new designs in the works including a compressor using an opto-coupler, a ring fuzz, overdrive, a boost OD, and straight up boost, and some combo pedals as well. I want to get the new designs done rather than stock up on inventory. Any orders after this point will be shipped in the order payment is received and if you want a 9v clip please make that request, at least for now I won't charge any extra for the clip.

[DonneR]

can you engage more than one switch at a time ???

[jfromel]

Oh yes you can, engage as many as you like. Essentially when a switch is engaged it changes the rate and depth of the LFO with fixed resistors as opposed to using a pot to change the resistance. The more switches you have flipped the faster and deeper the LFO gets. With all three engaged it is pretty swirley. The original DC-2 only lets you have one pre-set at a time, not so with my pedal.

The next version will have variable rate and depth as well as the presets. But don't hold your breath for it, I have a few other projects I want to get off the ground first.

[Windup 43]

Anyone have one of these yet? Reviews? Clips sound great :drool

[jfromel]

The first four are built and I was going to ship yesterday when a compander on #1 blew out, I think it got shorted with a positive lead hitting the enclosure, the others are working fine but I want to make sure they are fairly bullet proof before shipping, so I am working on adding some extra shielding between the PCB and enclosure. Keeping this inside a 1590BB has been difficult at best and I may just through up my hands and go to a 1590C at some ponit. The other option is to go to 1/8 W resistors like the original DC-2, which will give me some more clearance but will sacrifice some headroom.

[tonewave]

arggh
don't sacrifice the headroom
headroom is sacred with these kind of effects

[Rob Sharer]

arggh
don't sacrifice the headroom
headroom is sacred with these kind of effects


+1

Rob

[crosse79]

Sounds nice :)

[deluxemeat]

The first two prototypes are built and this thing sounds incredible. I will get sound clips up soon but the video I made does not do the pedal justice. I was able to fit it into a 1590BB box and the look is pretty cool. I will be contacting the people who asked to be on the list then taking orders. Since the pedal is now for sale I have started a thread at the Manufacturers Emporium.

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?p=3983504#post3983504

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc43/jfromel/L1030759.jpg

always wanted a dimension c clone w/ toggles instead of pushbuttons!:AOK:AOK

[jfromel]

UPDATE----

Not blowing any companders, all problems solved, for a pedal the headroom is really huge, I was blasting it pretty hard with the signal generator at 10K Hz at 1.2 V before the BBD's started distorting on the Oscilloscope.

The noise floor is really low as well, of course what ever noise you give it (such as an overdrive) will be effected when the pedal is engaged.

The first three will ship either today or tomorrow then I am at the mercy of the parts I am waiting on for the next batch.

[tonewave]

its been a while
any news?
any clips?
any reviews?
Is the next batch nearly ready?

[paraedolia]

its been a while
any news?
any clips?
any reviews?
Is the next batch nearly ready?I got mine today. After a quick noodle with it this afternoon at home, I like it. Lots of headroom, the stereo image is great, and I like being able to combine modes, which you can't do on the DC-2. I'm going to give it a good A/B with my old DC-2, but first impression is that it sounds close, but cleaner..if that makes sense? I still don't get what the fourth toggle does, it's very subtle (so subtle I can't hear a difference): it does something to the voicing for stereo? Maybe I'll notice more at higher volumes, and with more space between the amps? Who knows. But a quickie, I like it. I like to keep the effect subtle but with the switches it's possible to get a real drippy Cure/Cocteau-type chorus effect, but without the wobble. Ah, it's impossible to describe sounds in words...dancing about architecture.
It's superficial I know, but I kinda dig the acid-etched box too :D
This one's mine.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3165/2567091002_be4ecbef8d.jpg

My DC-2 is coming off my board for the first time in a long time...

EDIT: Hey, what happened to the Manufacturer's Emporium thread? Did it get killed in the upgrade

[Funky Monkey]

Very cool. Thanks! I have faith, but was starting to question my decision to sell my DC-2 to fund this before getting to do an A/B test. Reading what you wrote about yours, all concern has been erased. :)

If I have anything to add after I receive mine, I'll post here. Mfr. Emporium threads get killed after 90 days. :(


I got mine today. After a quick noodle with it this afternoon at home, I like it. Lots of headroom, the stereo image is great, and I like being able to combine modes, which you can't do on the DC-2. I'm going to give it a good A/B with my old DC-2, but first impression is that it sounds close, but cleaner..if that makes sense? I still don't get what the fourth toggle does, it's very subtle (so subtle I can't hear a difference): it does something to the voicing for stereo? Maybe I'll notice more at higher volumes, and with more space between the amps? Who knows. But a quickie, I like it. I like to keep the effect subtle but with the switches it's possible to get a real drippy Cure/Cocteau-type chorus effect, but without the wobble. Ah, it's impossible to describe sounds in words...dancing about architecture.
It's superficial I know, but I kinda dig the acid-etched box too :D
This one's mine.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3165/2567091002_be4ecbef8d.jpg

My DC-2 is coming off my board for the first time in a long time...

EDIT: Hey, what happened to the Manufacturer's Emporium thread? Did it get killed in the upgrade

[plord]

I got mine about a week ago, but have been traveling too much to comment yet. Here's a pic:

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc43/jfromel/L1030839.jpg

It sounds awesome. I'm running into two small amps in stereo, and on the lowest setting it's just the most subtle, shimmery thing, truly a spectacular effect. John's build quality is superb and I also like the etched box look. I've never had a DC-2 to compare directly, but I'm pretty familiar with the Dimension sound and this pedal does what it claims on the box. In short, I'm THRILLED. I might as well nail this to the pedalboard, it isn't moving :)

[paraedolia]

I got mine about a week ago, but have been traveling too much to comment yet. Here's a pic:

It sounds awesome. I'm running into two small amps in stereo, and on the lowest setting it's just the most subtle, shimmery thing, truly a spectacular effect. John's build quality is superb and I also like the etched box look. I've never had a DC-2 to compare directly, but I'm pretty familiar with the Dimension sound and this pedal does what it claims on the box. In short, I'm THRILLED. I might as well nail this to the pedalboard, it isn't moving :)

:agree
My DC-2 hasn't been out of work for over a decade, but I just put it back in the drawer this morning :)
I A/B-ed them and I actually think the Lush sounds better than the DC2...is this what the Dimension D sounded like?
It's not as dark? Has a better top end than the DC2...
This is a thing of beauty for sure.
I am not a number, I am a free man...but my Lush is #3 :D

[jfromel]

Update: I should be able to ship out all the current orders tomorrow. I wanted to get all the standing orders filled before the next wave started. I have parts and supplies on hand for 8 more, and soon should have enough stock to build out the first 50. I am going to hold the price at $279 shipped CONUS for TGP members until the current run of 50 boards is done. The price will most likely go up to $299 plus shipping after that. If you are trying to wait until I have stock on hand you will never get one, I build these as orders come in. When I don't have orders to fill, I am working on some new pedals that I am really excited about, and getting a web site up. Who knows this may become my day job.

I am still quoting the wait time at about 4 weeks, some of you waited a long time and I really appreciate your patience. These are still prototypes so some of the bugs need to get worked out as I build. I am still trying out different op-amps in the BBD and LFO but they are all socketed so swapping is pretty easy.

I am also finding that 20 year old chips are not all that consistent:). I will most likely be switching over to the CoolAudio clone of the BBD, Clock, and possibly the companders. So far the reviews on the CoolAudio chips are good, brighter and have more headroom.

Paraedolia: This is closer to what a Dimension D sounds like in sonic quality but still different, the Dim D uses the MN3007/MN3101 BBD set which is an older hi voltage version of the MN3207/MN3102 in the DC-2. For a straight up guitar pedal I think the DC-2 used to be the absolutely best chorus available, the Lush sounds far better because I am using higher quality components and higher rated caps and resistors than Boss did. This equates to more headroom, greater bandwidth, and less noise. However the Dim D was better still, it has a 20v power supply, more headroom greater bandwidth. The Dimension D was designed to be a studio effect and not a stomp box so the voicing is a little different and the Dim D can handle a lot hotter signal.

I am sure everyone here is also watching PMCimini’s thread on the Dim-D clone he is working on. I can’t wait to hear clips of his work. Looking back on this project I think I must have been crazy to take it on, especially for my second pedal (my first is a ring modulator with about 15 components). He is crazier than me.

I have rambled enough, I will put a post on the MFG Emporium again and get the next batch rolling. Orders will be shipped in the order they come in. http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=404157 (http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=404157)

[GuitarsFromMars]

PM sent...

[Funky Monkey]

Brief report after a few gigs and some basement time...love it. No regrets ditching my ol' beloved DC2 for it. Definitely more headroom and no noise here. The mix and tone are set perfectly (no volume boost/drop or frequency spikes/cuts.) Lush is right! Thanks John!
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc43/jfromel/L1030843.jpg

[plord]

...and an update here from a basement woodshedder. I am running mine at the end of the chain, right before two smallish amps, after an Ethos. I can crank the Ethos and the Lush doesn't blink; *plenty* of headroom. Great pedal!

[NewarkWilder]

ahhhh well ive been waffling on this for a while now, i adore my dc-2 and don't really want to get rid of it but the glowing reviews here (and beautiful box!) I think have finally convinced me.

[nrvana8775]

Ugh, I want one of these.

[murkat]

Hey J
I would really like one of these but in a rack application, mono in, stereo out, or?
If I could just get a kit, I would be happy to put into rack form myself. Think about it, lmk when you have time. Thanks for your consideration.
jay

[jfromel]

I have a rack version coming out pretty soon: Here is a gut shot
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc43/jfromel/L1050045.jpg

Stereo in/out with buffered input, expanded lfo range, CV control

[murkat]

I have a rack version coming out pretty soon: Here is a gut shot
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc43/jfromel/L1050045.jpg

Stereo in/out with buffered input, expanded lfo range, CV control

thats what I'm talkin about :) I want it. put on the list if there is, if not, well, I want. I will deposit. lmk, pm me, whatever ;) I want it. :)

[tonewave]

couldn't the stereo in/out one just be a big pedal :-) a la memory lane

[jfromel]

If I make a stereo in/out pedal version it will look something like.......

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc43/jfromel/L1050060.jpg

but will NOT have 4 footswitches or 4 LED's. And no, you cant have one like the one in the picture, it was a one-off custom.

[paraedolia]

If I make a stereo in/out pedal version it will look something like.......

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc43/jfromel/L1050060.jpg

but will NOT have 4 footswitches or 4 LED's. And no, you cant have one like the one in the picture, it was a one-off custom.Such a tease!

Still loving mine BTW. :drink

(nrvana8775 et al., you know you want one....)

[magnus]

Now we're talking :drool
Is it gonna have true bypass switching controlled by a jack so that you can control it with a switcher?

[jfromel]

Is it gonna have true bypass switching controlled by a jack so that you can control it with a switcher?
Yep, still need to design the bypass circuit. The bypass circuit will have options.

1. Hard/True bypass
2. Buffered bypass that keeps the signal in the input and output stages but bypasses the delay lines. Part of what makes the lush sound so good is the subtle EQ shift, it sounds great with acoustic instruments and hollow body guitars.

[Tomo]

For $300 I'd just buy an original on eBay, for $100 less.

Is it (original) worth $200? I didn't know that. I have 2 those from early 80s.

Tomo

[paraedolia]

Is it (original) worth $200? I didn't know that. I have 2 those from early 80s.

TomoThey (DC-2 ) seem to go for anywhere from $150 up these days. I got mine years ago for ~$80, and I thought it was expensive then. Still, a great effect.
The Lush is fantastic though.

[jfromel]

The Lush sounds much better becuase of the high quality of the components I use the other difference is true bypass. I of course have both and I still think the DC-2 sounds good, so if the bypass is not that big of a deal the original is a good option.

If you really want to save some bucks Beherringer is making a clone for $35.

But like everything else, you get what you pay for.

[Sofus]

The waiting is the hardest part :) - looking very much forward to my Lush :)

[Sofus]

It's here :) - for those who like the original DC-2, you should try the Lush, it is beyond the original IMHO. Great pedal.

[DonneR]

Ive got a custom one in the que --- cant wait !!!!!

[todd richman]

DonneR-specs please?

[DonneR]

DonneR-specs please?

oh dont you like suprises :YinYang it'll be more funner :munch

[jfromel]

DonneR's is the second custom build and I have a 3rd in the que. Perhaps I should change the name of the company to Burger King - have it your way:) The one I am making for DonneR is nothing I have not thought of before, and some of the features have a good chance of showing up in future models. However I will leave it to DonneR to give out the specs for his build if he wants to. In the meantime - order a Lush.

[todd richman]

DonneR-please-I hate surprises!!!

[DonneR]

Ok its nothing too crazy....

its a reworking of the 1st custom --- in talking about some possibilities John mentioned that the R/D knobs took themselves out of the chain at zero - so I thought you could put the Knobs on a second stomp and then you could stomp between either what toggles were selected OR the setting on the knobs ... kind of like having a preset ....


so 2 stomps ~ on/off and knob/toggle

the 3 toggles and Rate and Depth knob

Lusher :BEER

[todd richman]

Nice ideas as usual Don.

[jfromel]

Here's Donners, I did the etching then sent him the box for paint, then he sent it back for assebmly. That's a lot of miles on a brand new pedal.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc43/jfromel/L1060043.jpg

[jfromel]

And here is the new look, now looking even older.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc43/jfromel/L1060206.jpg

[todd richman]

What happened to the fourth toggle-didn't the original DC-2 have 4 pushbutton settings? Do you get that setting when all 3 toggles are engaged?

[jfromel]

On the original DC-2 mode 1 was a default, it's only function is to make sure that none of the other switches are pushed, each additional mode changes the resistance to either the rate. depth or both.

here is the original spec for the rate and depth modes, without getting too geeky....

Mode 1 Rate = 510K Depth = 55K
Mode 2 Rate = 510K Depth = 33K
Mode 3 Rate = 245.68K Depth = 54k
Mode 4 Rate = 180K Depth = 20K

The lower the resistance the greater the rate or depth, when combining modes

Here is how the modes correspond.
All switches down = Mode 1
Only switch 1 on = Mode 2
Only switch 2 on = Mode 3
Only switch 3 on = Mode 4

Other combinations are possible by engaging more than one switch at a time.

The fourth switch was there to engage a cap that optimizes the voicing for stereo operation. In the original circuit this cap was triggered in the bypass buffer when a jack was inserted for stereo operation. Since my pedal is true bypass it lacks the buffer so I added the switch to the top of the pedal. There were two reasons for this, first it helped the pedal resemble the original in a small way, 2 it was easy to implement. I made the change after doing a custom pedal, I used an output jack that has two isolated DPDT switches in it so that when a cable is plugged into the stereo jack it switched the cap on, automatic stereo voicing:). I have also found that I can use the same drilling template for a few different designs I am doing such as "Death is Gain" which I am almost finished designing. Overall I really like how the look is now with the staggered switches, etching over the entire face, and the volitile clear coat for extra bling.

[magnus]

Any news om the rackmount DC-2?

[jfromel]

I can build one by custom order, I already have the boards made, two of them are populated and ready to be fired up, just need to wire a few up. Still working on the bypass circuit.

The one I am designing is pretty cool. It uses non-latching relays for true bypass. Why is that cool???? Because if you lose power to your pedal it automatically goes into bypass, it may not be the sound you were after but it's better than suddenly finding yourself playing air guitar because the bass player tripped over the power cable to your pedal board on his way to do a ROCK pose on the monitor.
:RoCkIn:dude:dude:dude:RoCkIn
Thinking about making a separate bypass looper with the same function???

[magnus]

Price?

[DonneR]

Here's Donners, I did the etching then sent him the box for paint, then he sent it back for assebmly. That's a lot of miles on a brand new pedal.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc43/jfromel/L1060043.jpg



I never did report back, Doh!


Yeah mine sounds great and the R/D knob mod works really well , I find I usualy set the three switches down which is just the nice stereo image and then stomp to the knob settings - so its always imaged and I can smear it more with a stomp.....

and jf tweeked the ops for less noise and its dead quiet now..... thanks and 3 thumbs up jf :bow

[jfromel]

I went crazy last week and built a bunch of these so I could work on my new stuff without being distracted, I have 5 in stock and ready to ship.

[rreiser]

Let me know when the stereo version is available. Thanks, Russ

[jfromel]

With regret I am changing the name of the pedal to something different, I have sold all current stock except for the last one which is #21. Until I decide on a new name the pedal will have the following inscription on the face.
進退両難
which means "Finding oneself between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea"

[DonneR]

With regret I am changing the name of the pedal to something different, I have sold all current stock except for the last one which is #21. Until I decide on a new name the pedal will have the following inscription on the face.
進退両難
which means "Finding oneself between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea"


Why change t he name ? 'Lush' is very descriptive and short and sweet

[jfromel]

Why change t he name ? 'Lush' is very descriptive and short and sweet

That's a long story Donner. It all started with a bogus claim of trademark infringement by another pedal manufacturer whose line has a name that rhymes with the previous name for my pedal. It is my well supported opinion that their intention was to take my name for their own use. Obviously that did not sit well with me.

While performing due diligence in this matter I discovered that Lush Guitars who has owned the trademark Lush for over 4 years is planning on coming out with a pedal. Lush guitars has been great to work with and we are finalizing an agreement between us. As a show of good faith toward Lush Guitars I am changing the name as quicly as possible so that when his pedal comes out there will not be any confusion in the market.

What about the other company? I am choosing to take the high road on this one and not mention their name. The quality of my products speaks for itself.

[Rob Sharer]

That sucks a$$, John. They can't have mine, though! Lush it is - Lush by name, Lush by nature. Cheers,

Rob

[sleepingtiger]

Price? Did I miss that? If so, Sorry!

Tony

[jfromel]

There is now 1 left, it's number 18

[whoismarykelly]

So what does the new one look like.

And that pedal company with a carpet style for a name is a bucket of worthless shits. They ripped off the zendrive first and now theyre trying to steal your name because it rhymes with theirs thats a load of shit. Their amps dont even sound that great.

[orange worker]

just got #21 in the mail. thanks john! i paid for it weds afternoon!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/joetbs/music/lush.jpg

[jfromel]

I don't know what the new one looks like yet, I have not yet finished the enclosure. The top layout will be the same as the last batch, standard will have all the jacks on top, I can do jacks on the side by request for no additional charge.

My goal will be to make it look like an ancient artifact. I have 26 boards for this first run left and regardless of the name the pricing will remain at $279 shipping in CONUS. There were a total of 54 boards but 6 of them were used as crash test dummies largely socketed lots of part swapping and they destined for the heap

[nrvana8775]

Bump, this pedal is amazing.

[eldanko]

Got mine today!!!

This is the finest chorus pedal I have ever used. Warm yet clear, simple yet versatile - I'm in love. Thanks John!!

http://www.carricomusic.com/Lushsmall.jpg