General Guitar Gadgets ITS8 Tube Screamer kit with Landgraff DO mods...

[Deaj]

A couple of guys over at The Gear Page recently did an A/B comparison between a Landgraff DO and a General Guitar Gadgets ITS8 Tube Screamer kit modded to L'DO specs (using poly caps and cc resistors) and posted their results in this thread (http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=324190). Neither could distinguish one from the other and the L'DO picked the kit/clone as his L'DO in a blind comparison. I was intrigued enough to order a kit and upgrade parts to put one together myself. I have never played a Landgraff DO but I can tell you that the finished product from my build sounds fantastic and is very flexible as well! The total cost, shipping and all, was pennies under $85. I believe this is the most bang-for-the-buck I've ever realized from any DIY project I've undertaken.


For those interested here's the whole project in one concise list:

General Guitar Gadgets ITS8 Tube Screamer kit may be found here:
GGG ITS8 kit (http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=22&category_id=7&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=45)

Instructions for the kit build and modifications are listed on this page:
GGG ITS8 documents
(http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=82&Itemid=26)
Here are the key documents:
ITS8 kit layout / wiring diagram (http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/pdf/ggg_its8_lo.pdf)
ITS8 modifications (http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/pdf/ggg_its8_mods.pdf)

Mouser (http://www.mouser.com) part numbers for the Xicon carbon composition resistors, AVX metalized polyester box caps, Drive potentiometer, and additional parts to complete the L'DO and Fat boost modifications (with these parts the GGG mods kit is unnecessary):

Carbon composition resistors:
30BJ250-100 (http://www.mouser.com/search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=30BJ250-100) – 100 ohm resistor (1) R15
30BJ250-1.0K (http://www.mouser.com/search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=30BJ250-1.0K) – 1K ohm resistor (5) R1, R6, R8, R17, R18


Metal Film resistors:
271-10K-RC (http://www.mouser.com/search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=271-10K-RCvirtualkey21980000virtualkey271-10K-RC) – 10K ohm resistor (1) R7

Variable resistor / potentiometer:
31JA601-F (http://www.mouser.com/search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=RV16AF-10-20R1-A1Mvirtualkey14860000virtualkey31JA601-F) - 16mm 1Meg Audio drive pot (1)

Metalized polyester box capacitors:
581-BF014D0223J (http://www.mouser.com/search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=581-BF014D0223J) - .022uF capacitor (1) C1
581-BF014D0104JDD (http://www.mouser.com/search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=581-BF014D0104JDD) - .1uF capacitor (1) C10
581-BQ014D0224J (http://www.mouser.com/search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=581-BQ014D0224J) - .22uF capacitor (3) C3, C5, C9
581-BQ074D0105J (http://www.mouser.com/search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=581-BQ074D0105J) – 1.0uF capacitor (2) C2, C8

Parts for the AMZ Fat Mod:
633-M201201-RO (http://www.mouser.com/search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=633-M201201-RO) – ON/ON toggle switch (1)
581-BQ074E0474J (http://www.mouser.com/search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=581-BQ074E0474J) - .47uF capacitor -alternative to hard-wire bypass (1)

Additional part - IC socket (makes swapping chips feasible):[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=2]
571-2-1571550-2 (http://www.mouser.com/search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=2-1571550-2virtualkey57100000virtualkey571-2-1571550-2) - 8-pin gold contact IC socket [COLOR=DarkRed](1)

[nbabmf]

Hahaha... those corksniffing idiots deleted the thread. Gotta maintain the status quo of paying extra for nothing!

[dsquared]

Hahaha... those corksniffing idiots deleted the thread. Gotta maintain the status quo of paying extra for nothing!

?

Thread's still there man. Sometimes gearpage and links from here don't get along.

[Deaj]

For some reason the link doesn't work for me either. Here's the url for the thread mentioned above (copy & paste into the address line in your browser):

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=324190

[nbabmf]

That's funny that the two sites seem to argue! I just skimmed the whole thread and I am DEFINITELY building one of these.

[Deaj]

That's funny that the two sites seem to argue! I just skimmed the whole thread and I am DEFINITELY building one of these.

I think you'll dig the finished product! :thu:

[Armoredfist316]

I just ordered a kit at the end of last week. It cost me under 70 for the kit, the extra mod kit and shipping.

Im looking forward to this one

[LordOVchaoS]

Guys, I would actually recommend against using carbon comp resistors everywhere! They can get really noisy especially when used in the input or drive circuit. Metal film is by far the best choice and the tone of the circuit won't be any different if you use them instead of carbons! Carbon comps sound good in amps that have enough voltage to make them distort in a good way but do nothing for effects pedals but make them noisy.

http://www.geofex.com/article_folders/carbon_comp/carboncomp.htm

Metal films are quiet, low tolerance, and cheaper!

[Armoredfist316]

Wow........i built this tonight and it works perfect on the first try. Im kind of surprised because it was my first build. It was very easy and sounds amazing. I cant wait to give it a full workout in the morning.

This is the best purchase ive made in a long time. I may buy another before the sale ends.

[AMZ-FX]

Complete info about AMZ mods are here:

http://www.muzique.com/lab/main.htm

regards, Jack


.

[Deaj]

A couple of guys over at The Gear Page recently did an A/B comparison between a Landgraff DO and a General Guitar Gadgets ITS8 Tube Screamer kit modded to L'DO specs (using poly caps and cc resistors) and posted their results in this thread (http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=324190). Neither could distinguish one from the other and the L'DO picked the kit/clone as his L'DO in a blind comparison. I was intrigued enough to order a kit and upgrade parts to put one together myself. I have never played a Landgraff DO but I can tell you that the finished product from my build sounds fantastic and is very flexible as well! The total cost, shipping and all, was pennies under $85. I believe this is the most bang-for-the-buck I've ever realized from any DIY project I've undertaken.


For those interested here's the whole project in one concise list:

General Guitar Gadgets ITS8 Tube Screamer kit may be found here:
GGG ITS8 kit (http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=22&category_id=7&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=45)

Instructions for the kit build and modifications are listed on this page:
GGG ITS8 documents
(http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=82&Itemid=26)
Here are the key documents:
ITS8 kit layout / wiring diagram (http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/pdf/ggg_its8_lo.pdf)
ITS8 modifications (http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/pdf/ggg_its8_mods.pdf)

Mouser (http://www.mouser.com) part numbers for the Xicon carbon composition resistors, AVX metalized polyester box caps, Drive potentiometer, and additional parts to complete the L'DO and Fat boost modifications (with these parts the GGG mods kit is unnecessary):

Carbon composition resistors:
30BJ250-100 (http://www.mouser.com/search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=30BJ250-100) – 100 ohm resistor (1) R15
30BJ250-1.0K (http://www.mouser.com/search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=30BJ250-1.0K) – 1K ohm resistor (5) R1, R6, R8, R17, R18


Metal Film resistors:
271-10K-RC (http://www.mouser.com/search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=271-10K-RCvirtualkey21980000virtualkey271-10K-RC) – 10K ohm resistor (1) R7

Variable resistor / potentiometer:
31JA601-F (http://www.mouser.com/search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=RV16AF-10-20R1-A1Mvirtualkey14860000virtualkey31JA601-F) - 16mm 1Meg Audio drive pot (1)

Metalized polyester box capacitors:
581-BF014D0223J (http://www.mouser.com/search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=581-BF014D0223J) - .022uF capacitor (1) C1
581-BF014D0104JDD (http://www.mouser.com/search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=581-BF014D0104JDD) - .1uF capacitor (1) C10
581-BQ014D0224J (http://www.mouser.com/search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=581-BQ014D0224J) - .22uF capacitor (3) C3, C5, C9
581-BQ074D0105J (http://www.mouser.com/search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=581-BQ074D0105J) – 1.0uF capacitor (2) C2, C8

Parts for the AMZ Fat Mod:
633-M201201-RO (http://www.mouser.com/search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=633-M201201-RO) – ON/ON toggle switch (1)
581-BQ074E0474J (http://www.mouser.com/search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=581-BQ074E0474J) - .47uF capacitor -alternative to hard-wire bypass (1)

Additional part - IC socket (makes swapping chips feasible):[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=2]
571-2-1571550-2 (http://www.mouser.com/search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=2-1571550-2virtualkey57100000virtualkey571-2-1571550-2) - 8-pin gold contact IC socket [COLOR=DarkRed](1)

I updated this post to reflect the appropriate number of parts and also listed the part locations recommended to duplicate Landgraff's DO. I had a few too many parts listed. The above list reflects the parts needed to supplement the GGG kit to facilitate building a L'DO clone.

I had made an error in judgment and replaced all of the resistors with carbon composition type. I went back and replaced all resistors not listed with metal film resistors. The pedal is quieter and sounds exactly the same.

For those building this project - I highly recommend adding the fat mod switch to toggle between .22uF and .47uF at C3. This really adds a good bit more flexibility to an already widely flexible overdrive pedal!

Here's a picture of the finished pedal (no interest in paint, just the sound ).

http://home.centurytel.net/flanneldrawers/LDO-clone-finished.JPG

[joesl8]

Thanks for the info. I've only built and modded a few pedals, so I'm no expert but I really wanted to build GGG's OD soon as well, so the info is really appreciated! I built the BMP a year ago, went pretty easy as well.

:thu:

[ranchonodinero]

got a kit coming from the sale and want to do your mods and mouser order-I take it those aren't the stock knobs? Got a part no.?

Thanks!

[Deaj]

got a kit coming from the sale and want to do your mods and mouser order-I take it those aren't the stock knobs? Got a part no.?

Thanks!

Yes indeed. :) The Mouser part number for the aluminum knobs on my pedal is: 45KN031 (http://www.mouser.com/search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=45KN031virtualkey56100000virt ualkey45KN031)

[Deaj]

The following is an alternative fat mod to the one illustrated in the GGG mods document. It's still a substantial boost for the low end and works very well with the substantial increase in gain that the L'DO has over a stock TS..

http://home.centurytel.net/flanneldrawers/Fat-mod-wiring.jpg

Remove C3 (.22uF/224) from the PCB and solder one lead of that cap to one of the outside terminals on a SPDT On/On toggle switch. Solder one lead of a .47/474 cap to the other outside terminal of the switch and then solder the open leads from each capacitor together. Run hook-up wire from one of the C3 solder pads to the center terminal of the switch. Run another hook-up wire from the other C3 solder pad to the soldered lead connection between the two capacitors.

[ranchonodinero]

I just finished my first kit-the compressor from BYOC and it works great!! The IT8 from GG arrived today so perfect timing. Thanks for the post on the mods.

[LordOVchaoS]

The following is an alternative fat mod to the one illustrated in the GGG mods document. It's still a substantial boost for the low end and works very well with the substantial increase in gain that the L'DO has over a stock TS..

http://home.centurytel.net/flanneldrawers/Fat-mod-wiring.jpg

Remove C3 (.22uF/224) from the PCB and solder one lead of that cap to one of the outside terminals on a SPST On/On toggle switch. Solder one lead of a .47/474 cap to the other outside terminal of the switch and then solder the open leads from each capacitor together. Run hook-up wire from one of the C3 solder pads to the center terminal of the switch. Run another hook-up wire from the other C3 solder pad to the soldered lead connection between the two capacitors.

That's how I always wire up all my cap/resistor/diode switches but it has to be a spdt on/on switch, spst won't work as they only have two terminals. It does the same exact thing as the dpdt used in Landgraff's pedals but you won't have the diode lift option.

[Deaj]

That's how I always wire up all my cap/resistor/diode switches but it has to be a spdt on/on switch, spst won't work as they only have two terminals. It does the same exact thing as the dpdt used in Landgraff's pedals but you won't have the diode lift option.

Good catch - thanks! I corrected my post to reflect the corrects switch type. :)

[Armoredfist316]

I thought id post pics of my finished build. The brown one is a large beaver and then theres a full board shot.
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b16/armoredfist316/Picture380.jpg
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b16/armoredfist316/Picture403.jpg

[gskuse]

Last Thursday I ordered an ITS8 kit from General Guitar Gadgets and I received it today. That is particularly good service, especially in light of the holidays. I can't wait to build and use this kit and I suspect it is the first of many I am likely to order from them.

Can anyone suggest a good, neat and easy to letter the kit? I do want it to look good when I am done and am at a loss for the best way to label it.

[LordOVchaoS]

Last Thursday I ordered an ITS8 kit from General Guitar Gadgets and I received it today. That is particularly good service, especially in light of the holidays. I can't wait to build and use this kit and I suspect it is the first of many I am likely to order from them.

Can anyone suggest a good, neat and easy to letter the kit? I do want it to look good when I am done and am at a loss for the best way to label it.

I hand painted all my pedals up until now. Now I use vinyl decals. I found a guy that only charges me 50 cents a decal that fits perfectly on my pedals! I prime it, put on two layers of paint, apply the decal, then put on two layers of clear coat. Works and looks great!

[ranchonodinero]

Is he on the web? Could you PM me his details? I looked for templates without much success. I've got the BYOC compressor and my sharpie skills leave a lot to be desired-I'd like the ITS8 to look better.
Thanks

[gskuse]

I discovered an interesting "gotcha" for anyone considering one of these kits. I built it in about 3 hours following the wiring diagram posted at the GGG website. On the first try it didn't work so I looked at the actual pedal and discovered there was no signal going from the guitar to the circuit board. When I revisited the GGG website I found that there was indeed a yellow wire from the tip of the input jack to the switch but it didn't show up on the black and white printout I was following. Once I installed it the pedal worked flawlessly.

This is not a problem with GGG but rather with the monochrome wiring diagram I printed. If you do something similar, beware of invisible yellow wires.

Otherwise the kit was a blast to build and so far it sounds great.

[LordOVchaoS]

Is he on the web? Could you PM me his details? I looked for templates without much success. I've got the BYOC compressor and my sharpie skills leave a lot to be desired-I'd like the ITS8 to look better.
Thanks

No, he's my assistant manager's brother. He does it more for a hobby than anything. He's a race car driver and decided he'd like to start making his own decals for his car.

[dap99]

I'd like to contribute as well. I too built the GGG ITS8 pretty much to the Landgraff specs. I did not do two of things suggested (use metal film caps and use the two different caps at C3), but I will (I was actually just thinking about the C3 mod).

Something different that I did was I put MOSFETs in as one of the clipping options. I've been loving my Fulltone OCD lately so I want to see how close I can get the 808 circuit to sound like the OCD.

So last night I recorded some A/B clips and posted the clip on the Effects Forum. Overall, I was surprised at how close the modded GGG pedal got. Not surpisingly, the OCD still sounds better, but overall, I think my pedal holds it's own. but I need to listen to it w/ fresh ears since I got a little fatigued last night making the recording.

EDIT: here's the link to the recording. The one below is to the original thread. OCD GGG comparison (http://www.balderdashrecords.com/tunes/OCD%20GGG%20comparison.mp3)

Check it out HERE (http://acapella.harmony-central.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1847907) and let me know what you think.

[ranchonodinero]

So I was thinking that since I have some of the sockets left over from a compressor build, that I could put them where the LEDs are so that I could switch LEDs (the instructions say something about trying different color LEDs)-I already put them in place for where it calls for transistors thinking that I could get some different sounds too.

[chaerin]

Hmm. This is quite interesting. BRB i gotta do some reading since your post is quite long. I'll be back.


Regards,
Chaerin
Simulation pret immobilier (http://simulationpretimmobilier.net)