What do you need to know to build a clone?

[journo]

Hi,

I have no knowledge whatsoever of electronics. I have soldered the odd cable in my 35 years as a musician but am not experienced.

Now I got this idea that I would like to build a clone.
What do I need to know?
Where can I learn?
What equipment do I need?

Any thoughts and tips appreciated.

Cheers,

Mats N

 

[dosmun]

Good soldering skills is probably the #1 thing. If you can't solder well the chances of having intermittent problems and reliability problems down the road is pretty good.

 

[blong]

Molecular genetics and cell culture.

Actually, you would need to understand the physics of electricity, capacitors, resistors, amplifiers, etc. The quality of the components, including the wire, pots, solder, etc could affect everything. I'd rather buy, unless you are really interested in learning how to build an amp.

It might be good to sit in with an amp repairman and do an apprenticeship there, but the ones I know are pretty odd and secretive. Maybe take a small electronics repair course at a local community college.

Just my thoughts.

Bob

 

[dosmun]

Actually, you would need to understand the physics of electricity, capacitors, resistors, amplifiers, etc. The quality of the components, including the wire, pots, solder, etc could affect everything. I'd rather buy, unless you are really interested in learning how to build an amp

That is not necessary to build a pedal clone. It is pretty much a paint by numbers type thing from what I understand. Knowledge of the other stuff is very helpful in troublehshooting if it doesn't work but if you take your time and solder everything well it should be pretty simple. I believe they also offer support as well.

 

[journo]

Originally posted by dosmun
That is not necessary to build a pedal clone. It is pretty much a paint by numbers type thing from what I understand. Knowledge of the other stuff is very helpful in troublehshooting if it doesn't work but if you take your time and solder everything well it should be pretty simple. I believe they also offer support as well.

Hi Dosmun,

Thanks for the info.
I guess I should have mentioned that it was pedals and not amps I wanted to build.

Cheers,

Mats N

 

[dosmun]

Check out www.diypedals.com for the best DIY pedal info on the net.

Other links are:

www.muzique.com
www.geofex.com
www.tonepad.com
http://fuzzcentral.tripod.com/
www.generalguitargadgets.com
www.runoffgroove.com
www.smallbearelec.com

 

[Highway Jones]

To build a clone, you just need to know how to follow directions. To troubleshoot your problems after the build, that's where experience and a bit of knowledge come in to play.

www.diystompboxes.com

www.generalguitargadgets.com
www.tonepad.com

The above links are good starts. Start with a simple project like a boost or fuzz and work your way up.

 

[TAVD]

I just finished a uni-drive clone for a customer. If you're doing a kit, it really is simple. If you're working from a schematic only, it requires a little more knowledge. And if you want to make changes to the circuit, an even better understanding of electronics. The good news is that there's a wealth of info available.

 

[blong]

My bad, I thought you were talking about an amp clone.

Still, good knowledge of those items might lead to some interesting variations on a clone that could improve the circuit, tone, etc.

Bob

 

[trucks]

BYOC is a great place to start. They also recommend starter tools. Another easy starter pedal is the Tweak-o from SmallBear (see projects - also tools in their stock list). Read the directions at either site and you will see what you are in for.

It really only takes learning to solder. The remainder of the skills required for a kit are basic. A good reference is the Basic Soldering Guide. Make sure to look at The Basic Soldering Guide Photo Gallery. Before you start on your kit, go to Radio Shack and get a pad-per-hole board (breadboard) and some cheap resistors, capacitors, etc. of different sizes. Total cost is $3-4 dollars. Use this to practice. You'll quickly learn and be ready to build.

Lots of information over at diystompboxes.

When you want to upgrade your tools, see Audiologica's suggestions. This is directed at the audio builders, but the tools are the same. Those guys know the good stuff and how to spend money almost as well as us.

Good luck and have fun!

Gary

 

[journo]

Hi,

Thanks very much to everyone who has contributed to this thread.

The info has been good and sometimes I feel ready to do it and sometimes I feel too inept to even think about it.

I've read a lot about RadioShack. We don't have that in Sweden so I will have to find a similar store.

Thanks again!

Cheers,

Mats N

 

[Kaiser]

I´ll be trying it too!!