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gmoon
(/member/gmoon/)
Redplate City
(http://redplatecity.blogspot.com/)

(/member/gmoon/)
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Bio: Go sit in the Faraday cage and think

about what you've done...

More by gmoon:

(/id/Isolation- (/id/The-
transformer- ValveLiTzer-
upgrade-for- Low-voltage-
old-guitar- Tube- (/id/Guitar-
(/file/FXGUGY6FD80OYJ2/) amps/) Booster/) Tube-Amp/)

Here's a relatively simple way to add some "bite" to your old guitar amplifier. Related

Amplifier overdrive and distortion is usually achieved by signal clipping--pushing Very simple and cheap
Guitar/Bass distortion pedal
the gain until the signal peaks are chopped off. "Real" tube overdrive isn't
(/id/Very-simple-and-cheap-
possible without major changes (adding additional preamp stages, etc.), but GuitarBass-distortion-pedal/)
here's another option: (/id/Very- by pyrohaz (/member/pyrohaz/)
Distortion For Cheap!
(/id/Distortion-For-Cheap/)
Preamp clipping can be simulated by installing a diode-clipping circuit. In fact, by heyzuphowsitgoin
some big-name amp manufacturers (Marshall and Fender, for instance) have (/member/heyzuphowsitgoin/)
(/id/Distortion-
used diode clipping for a more ballsy sound (especially at low volumes.) In fact, Simple overdrive effect pedal
it's made a bit of a resurgence in boutique amps... (/id/Simple-overdrive-effect-
pedal/)
by magnus0
The danger of converting a tube sound into a harsh "solid state" sound exists. (/member/magnus0/)
(/id/Simple-
Tubes clip with a softer "shoulder" and have a more pleasant, warm sound....of Overdrive Pedal
(/id/Overdrive-Pedal/)
course, it's a matter of taste, after all.
by randofo (/member/randofo/)

But a carefully designed diode-clipper circuit can mimic those tube (/id/Overdrive-
Distortion of DOOM! (for the
characteristics. "Peak clipping" more closely approximates tubes than bass) (/id/Distortion-of-
"crossover clipping," which is common to transistor design. Plus we can utilize DOOM-for-the-bass/)
asymmetrical clipping to emphasize the "correct" harmonics. And since our new by bscott47
(/id/Distortion- (/member/bscott47/)
sound is contained within a tube amp, it will help to soften the effect.

Of course, diode-clipping can be used (and is) for solid state amps, too.
 Video clip shows the three switch-selected settings: 1) clean; 2) medium
clipping; 3) max clipping:

Diode-clipping on a small Kay amp

Warning: This is a "mod," and does require a bit of rewiring. All the usually
cautions about discharging power supply filter capacitors apply here. To restate
them:

Don't touch the internal components of a guitar amp without first draining
the filter capacitors. Please. You could really harm yourself. Here's a link to
my older amp project, and the section Discharge those Caps!
(https://www.instructables.com/id/SQWYOA2F9T400IV/)

Step 1: Let's Examine Diode Clipping...

(/file/F75P8CHFD80OUVN/)
 (/file/FWK34XRFD80OUVO/)

Wow--at first glance, a diode connecting the the signal path to the ground looks
like a short circuit! How can this work?

In theory, diodes conduct current in only one direction. But they don't operate
"perfectly." All diodes have a "forward voltage" -- they won't conduct until that
voltage is reached.

If a diode is connected between the signal path and the ground, the signal won't
be channeled (shunted) to ground until it exceeds the forward voltage. And even
then, the whole signal isn't dissipated, only the portion of the signal above that
forward voltage. So it's peaks are simply "chopped off."

But it also results in more attenuation, as some of the signal is lost. That isn't all
bad! Clipping the loudest parts is also a form of "limiting" -- you loose some
dynamics, but accentuate the lower-volume sounds.

Plus, many amps don't begin to distort until turned up too loud for many venues.
Like a stomp-box, diode-clipping lends a killer sound at a lower volume. Your
family, roommates and neighbors will thank you.

advertisement

Step 2: Types of Diode Clipping

(/file/FOUR47YFD80OUWQ/)
 (/file/FKNK4A2FD80OUX2/)

The clipping effect works in both directions relative to ground--so a circuit that
clips both the positive and negative signal peaks is two diodes connected in
opposing directions. The diodes can be chosen to pass as much of the signal as
necessary. More clipping equals more distortion.

The first illustration shows:

1) An unclipped signal
2) Asymmetrical clipping, one side of the signal (not limited to a single diode.)
3) Symmetrical clipping, where both the + and - signal is clipped equally.
4) Asymmetrical clipping, both sides.

Variation #4, asymmetrical clipping, offers the most natural and "tube-like"
sound. Plus, it's the most flexible--any number of diodes in series can be used to
shape the effect.

Picture #2 shows just a few variations of asymmetrical clipping. Notice that

LEDs are used as diodes in examples B and C! LEDs have a much higher
forward voltage than typical diodes, so the clipping can be softer and more
subtle.

Step 3: The Design

 (/file/FLLJ5W7FD80P2QZ/)

(/file/F5S4961FD80OUYZ/) (/file/FILXPYLFD80OXDG/)

As mentioned, using a combination of diodes, including LEDs, is a great way to

begin. I've included a schematic, a wiring diagram and a photo (showing just
how simple this circuit is.)

After much swapping in-and-out, I choose a combination of one germanium

diode, one silicon diode and one LED.

-- a 1N4148 (D1) and a 1N60 (D2) for a combined forward voltage of ~1.05V
-- a red LED (D3) with a forward voltage of ~1.7V

The diode pairings are connected to SW1, an on-off-on double-pole switch. The
center setting is "off," or no diode clipping at all. The other two settings are:

-- the diodes connected directly to the signal path.

-- the diodes connected through a pair of resistors (R1: 47K, R2: 100K)

The resistance softens the clipping, which shapes the effect. When the resistors
are connected, more of the natural tube signal leaks through. There are many
ways to accomplish this, and this is merely a simple example (See the "Other
options" step for more info.)

To help you choose your components, here are the forward voltages for some
common diodes:
 ~790mV -- 1N4148 (Silicon)
~265mV -- 1N60 (Germanium)
~1700mV -- LED (red)
~205mV -- Schottky 1N5819
~740mV -- 1n4001 (Silicon)

Germanium diodes tend to have softer transitions which give a non-linear, more
"tubey" sound. But silicon diodes can give a sharper "square wave" metallic
distortion, if that's your thing.

Before you build it:

It's important to understand that the peak signal voltages will differ greatly, amp-
to-amp. No one combination of diodes will give the same effect in different
amps.

And no one combination of diodes sounds good to everyone, either.

Experiment! Try 2, 3, 4 or more diodes in series. Keep the sides unbalanced, or
use switches to tap the signal in different ways.

(Note: on some amps, the LED(s) will actually light up--they don't in my amp, the
peak voltages aren't high enough.)

Step 4: Inserting the Circuit

(/file/F9X6OSDFD80OXEG/)

(/file/FSUYY4OFD80P0Z6/) (/file/FF3V2X9FD80P0ZA/)

Exactly where should the clipping circuit be added? Well... first, where NOT to
place it...

--Don't insert at the input circuit (before the preamp.) Guitar signals are quite
weak, and even if the circuit functions partially with a really hot pickup, it likely
 won't work at all with other guitars.

--Don't insert in the driver portion of the power amp (output transformer primary.)

--Don't insert in the output transformer secondary / speaker loop.

The last two examples will greatly attenuate (lessen) the volume of the amp,
probably "fry" the diodes, and possibly ruin the power tubes or the output
transformer.

So, where should it go?

--Within, or just after the preamp circuit. The red line illustrates the signal path
between the preamp and the output stages. This amp has a single preamp
stage, so this is the only acceptable place (in this case.)
Add Diode-Clipping Distortion to Your Guitar Amp by
gmoon (/member/gmoon/) in guitars (/explore/category/play/keyword/guitars/)
The points B and C are all possible places to connect the clipping circuit. I chose
C, Download
since this amph is never too loud, and turning down the volume will
(/id/Add-Diode-Clipping-Distortion-to-your-Guitar-Amp/) change. the
6 Steps
character slightly. Connection point B are probably better if you wishCollection to retain the I Made it!
  Favorite  Share 
full clipping effect when the volume control is turned down. Point A is unsuitable,
due to the DC plate voltage.

Amps with a dual-tube preamp are ideal--any signal attenuation lost in the
clipping can be recovered by increasing the gain of the second preamp stage.
(Of course, that pre-supposes that you have the expertise to do so...)

There will be some attenuation with diode clipping--some signal will be lost. This
isn't really tragic, however. Most players would prefer to get "that sound" at lower
volumes.

Step 5: Other Options...

(/file/FTWEZDZFD80OV0O/)

Although I chose an on / off / on circuit, the amount of distortion can also be

controlled by simply adding a POT. Now the effect can be adjusted, and the
desired asymmetry "dialed in." It should be noted that I've add a fixed "mix
control" to mine--the two resistors. But a variable control might be of value....

And there are many diode types we haven't covered: zener, silicon, other LED
 colors, etc. Even MOSFET transistors have a voltage drop.

Flipping the asymmetry--switching the directions of all the diodes, will also have
an effect. This can emphasize odd or even harmonics. Choose whichever
sounds best to you.

There are a great many variations of diode clipping circuits. Here are a few links
to get you started... :
-- DIY Fever: Diode Clipping (http://www.storm-software.co.yu/diy/index.php?
project=flexi_clip)
-- MOSFETs as diodes (http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?
topic=38581.0)
-- AMZ - Diode clipping staturation controls
(http://www.muzique.com/lab/sat.htm)
-- AMZ - "Warp" controls--balancing diode clipping
(http://www.muzique.com/lab/warp.htm)
-- AMZ - Mosfets and Zeners as clipping diodes
(http://www.muzique.com/lab/zenmos.htm)

Step 6: But How Does It Sound?

Well, IMO, pretty good...

It definitely gives a harder-edge to the natural distortion of my amp. But it's a

small amp, and the attenuation is fairly significant in the "full-on" setting.

At least one thing must be noted:

A simple mod like this isn't going to give you an over-the-top metal-chorus-
delay-flange-mega-distortion effect. You're better off using a stompbox or fancy
rack-mount fx unit. But if you like the sound of your amp clean, you probably will
like it even better with a little "dirt."

To be honest, a good tube amp with some flexibility really brings out the
character of different guitars better than the external FX. And you can always
use the stompboxs with the mod anyway...

Comments

We have a be nice comment policy.

Please be positive and constructive. w I Made it!  Add Images Post Comment

2017-01-03 Reply
Jimi Novack (/member/Jimi+Novack/) made it!

Hey, can somebody to mark in the circle, where should I connect diodes to the
signal path?
Thanks!
(https://cdn.instructables.com/FZW/99LX/IXGFP8W3/FZW99LXIXGFP8W3.LARGE.jpg)

ChristinD (/member/ChristinD/) 2016-08-22 Reply

Hey, I wanted to do this with an op amp I made out of spare computer parts but
I'm a newbie at this, where do you think I should put it?

gmoon (/member/gmoon/) . ChristinD (/member/ChristinD/) 2016-08-23 Reply

You might look at a "Tube Screamer" schematic, which uses diodes in a

feedback loop, for "soft clipping."

ChristinD (/member/ChristinD/) . gmoon (/member/gmoon/) 2016-08-24 Reply

Thank you so much, I tried doing your thing and it just made whole signal
fuzzy with mine :(

chadsmiff (/member/chadsmiff/) 2016-04-07 Reply

I'm still in the building process of an single channel 18 Watt clone. But, I'm
thinking ahead about greasing up the tone. I've put together a quick Diode
clipping circuit with a switch like yours and a potentiometer. I still have to
breadboard it to determine what components I want to settle with. But as far as
the potentiometers ground/signal connection and the signal flow order of the
switch and pot, which of my two diagrams do you see as a fail/success?

(https://cdn.instructables.com/F4X/3OPY/IMPQRW3M/F4X3OPYIMPQRW3M.LARGE.jpg)

gmoon (/member/gmoon/) . chadsmiff (/member/chadsmiff/) 2016-04-07 Reply

A few comments:

-- On both your drawings, the first (signal path in) switch doesn't split the
signal and sent it to the different diode clippers before recombining. It
simply either inserts two resistors in parallel (which works as a single
resistor) -- or removes them completely. That circuit split has to carry
through the clippers before it's recombined, to work like this project.

Might the circuit in your drawing have an effect? Sure, some resistance is
added. But the clipper in the project was "tuned" asymmetrically (to my
ear) with that setup, and yours is different. Not necessarily bad (if it
sounds good), just different.

-- the switch in your left drawing connects the clippers to the signal, or to
ground. It either clips, or mutes the signal entirely.
-- All the values (diodes, resistors) in this project are somewhat dependent
on the peak preamp voltage. So don't get caught up on the resistor values
(for instance). It definitely needs to be breadboard tested first.
 -- A switch might add or switch out the two LEDs in your drawing. The
voltage drop over LEDs is greater than the other diodes, so that's all
gonna depend on the peak preamp voltage in your amp.

chadsmiff (/member/chadsmiff/) . gmoon (/member/gmoon/) 2016-04-07 Reply

Yeah, I wasn't set on any values yet. I was more concerned with the order
of the pot, switch and circuit. So, what you are saying is that the pot
should be either before the switch or after the circuit, rather than in
between the pot and circuit. Like in this diagram.

(https://cdn.instructables.com/FT3/7Q7C/IMQD7KZ7/FT37Q7CIMQD7KZ7.LARGE.jpg)

gmoon (/member/gmoon/) . chadsmiff (/member/chadsmiff/) 2016-04-07 Reply

That's more functional. Although (look carefully) the first (input) switch isn't
needed. The switch with the resistors (if it's center OFF like I used) will do
everything. Just connect the two middle contacts to the input.

Middle is OFF (no clipping), one direction is full clipping, other direction is
clipping through the resistors.
You might use a second switch to play with the diodes instead...

chadsmiff (/member/chadsmiff/) . gmoon (/member/gmoon/) 2016-04-07 Reply

Ha! My potentiometer does look like a switch doesn't it? That's a pot from
an above angle. I wanted to control the depth of the clipping effect. And
that is a on-off-on switch. Thanks.

gmoon (/member/gmoon/) . chadsmiff (/member/chadsmiff/) 2016-04-07 Reply

Ah, my bad! Rock on!

valve.king.5 (/member/valve.king.5/) 2014-09-20 Reply

I have been wondering if I connected a rectifier tube in the same manner, would
it have the same effect in a tube preamp circuit? Isn't a rectifier just a big ole'
gassy pair of diodes in tube form?

gmoon (/member/gmoon/) . valve.king.5 (/member/valve.king.5/) Reply

2014-09-21
Yeah, you can use the diodes in a tube rectifier for a clipping
effect. I've never tried it, but you can search the web and find examples.

freeza36 (/member/freeza36/) 2012-10-07 Reply

I love the sound of overdrive. I bought a tube overdrive pedal for $20 at Guitar
Center because they came out with a new version. Score!

Calligraphy (/member/Calligraphy/) 2009-04-14 Reply

So I have a cheap-o First Act bass amp in combination with a Peavey 126 and I
want to have my first act act as a dirty channel.(since the volume is lower)
Would I have to make any changes in these plans to accommodate bass freq.?
This is probably a stupid question but oh well.

ski4jesus (/member/ski4jesus/) . Calligraphy (/member/Calligraphy/) Reply

2011-03-22
Btw, first act guitars are not all that too baad, i refinished one
and it came out pretty nice. and im pretty sure that the bass would not
have a difference with that schematic.

gmoon (/member/gmoon/) . Calligraphy (/member/Calligraphy/) 2009-04-16 Reply

The most important consideration is the peak voltage of the signal--where

ever you decide to install the clipping diodes. The diodes shouldn't
change the frequency.

Find a point along the signal path after a coupling capacitor and before an
amplifying component (transistor, opamp, tube, etc.)

Look at step five for ideas to control the amount of clipping.

eyeball226 (/member/eyeball226/) 2011-01-02 Reply

I just had an idea while reading this... what if you were to have 2 pots (only
using 2 lugs), one for each diode. Then you'd have constantly variable
asymmetrical clipping. What do you reckon?

gmoon (/member/gmoon/) . eyeball226 (/member/eyeball226/) 2011-01-04 Reply

Yeah, I'm sure that's one way to do it...That AMZ article notes quite a few.

It should be reiterated that the total voltage drop for the diodes should be
calculated for the peak voltage of the signal path, and not just taken
verbatim from my project...

oweng4000 (/member/oweng4000/) . gmoon (/member/gmoon/) Reply

2011-01-13
You have the basis for a circuit by tim escobedo called the
"Simple Square Wave Shaper made simpler."
http://folkurban.com/Site/SimpleSquareWaveShaperMadeSimpler-
712.html.
Check It out

gmoon (/member/gmoon/) . oweng4000 (/member/oweng4000/) 2011-01-13 Reply

That particular example (note the capacitor, in particular, and read the
description) doesn't really work like this one...

Incidentally, diode-clipping distortion is MUCH older than any of Tim

Escobedo's circuits. TONS of guitar effects use it.

oweng4000 (/member/oweng4000/) . gmoon (/member/gmoon/) Reply

2011-01-15
I meant what eyeball226 was talking about. I use diode clipping
for all sorts of circuits. I didn't mean that you where copying tim escobedo.
 gmoon (/member/gmoon/) . oweng4000 (/member/oweng4000/) 2011-01-16 Reply

Ah, got it.

Tim E. made some cool (and some oddball) FX...

GatedSound (/member/GatedSound/) 2010-05-28 Reply

I'm confused at the wiring to the lugs of a pot. Which are the diodes attached to,
and which goes to the signal?

gmoon (/member/gmoon/) . GatedSound (/member/GatedSound/) Reply

2010-05-29
The "wiper" (the arrow) is always the center tab of any POT.
Here you see that goes to the signal path.

The other two tabs are identical for linear POTs, other than effecting the
direction (whether resistance changes up or down, right or left.)

Log or audio POTs also have a taper, so greater "change" is bunched up

on either side. They'll have to be tested in the circuit.

Check out those AMZ links (Step 5) on saturation and warp controls for
more options...

fastcar123 (/member/fastcar123/) 2010-04-26 Reply

so im thinking of triing this and i always love to make things at easy access
so wat i want to know is can this be embeded into the guitar itself?

also would it matter what color the leds are and can i use leds for all of the
designs or would it sound beter with real diodes ?

this does work with transistor amps right?

gmoon (/member/gmoon/) . fastcar123 (/member/fastcar123/) 2010-04-27 Reply

This can work in the guitar itself, but remember that it clips peaks, so the
output of the pickups will be reduced.

Each diode type--LED, silicon or germanium--has a "forward voltage

drop," and that determines when clipping starts.

General purpose silicon diodes have the smallest voltage drop, So they
will clip at a lower voltage (MORE clipping.) LEDs have a larger voltage
drop (less clipping), and different color LEDs have different voltage drop.

Transistors amps will work too. Just place the diodes after a coupling cap.

gmoon (/member/gmoon/) . gmoon (/member/gmoon/) 2010-05-06 Reply

Sheez, I mean general purpose germanium diodes have the smallest

voltage drop...

fastcar123 (/member/fastcar123/) . gmoon (/member/gmoon/) 2010-04-27 Reply

so this means i will just need to turn the amps at a higher volume right? or
does this work like the volume control and grounds the signal and some of
the gain
silicon diodes are the plastic ones that are usually black or grey in color
right?
do 3mm leds have lower voltage drop than 5mm

what is a coupling cap

gmoon (/member/gmoon/) . fastcar123 (/member/fastcar123/) 2010-04-28 Reply

Yes, there will be some signal attenuation. That's a "feature" of diode

clipping--more distortion at lower volume. You can always switch it out for
more (clean) volume.

The color of the LED is more important than it's size. Check the diode
specs., it will indicate Si or Ger.

Capacitive coupling (http://www.kpsec.freeuk.com/capacit.htm#coupling) -

- amplifier stages are separated by a coupling cap. Stages amplify DC
voltages as well as the AC signal voltage. The cap blocks that additional
DC.

A clipping diode must be placed after that cap, because the clipping won't
work with the DC offset voltage present. The diode would remove the AC
signal entirely.

fastcar123 (/member/fastcar123/) . gmoon (/member/gmoon/) 2010-04-28 Reply

but it wil still sound as good right?

so is this stuff sold in radio shack or do i need to buy online

ok none of this matters if it is inside the guitar right?

gmoon (/member/gmoon/) . fastcar123 (/member/fastcar123/) 2010-04-29 Reply

If you build it before the amp (in the guitar--or in a stompbox), you'll
probably have to raise the signal a bit. You could do that with a simple
boost circuit, then follow with the clipping diodes.

But at that point, you might just start thinking about building a "real"
stompbox from one of the many plans online. That would get you more
predicable results, since it will take some experimentation with the diodes,
etc., to come up with a workable sound.

The diode setup I used was "custom fitted" to the amp. I hope that's clear
from the 'ible--that every amp is a little different.

fastcar123 (/member/fastcar123/) . gmoon (/member/gmoon/) 2010-04-29 Reply

aa boost circuit just makes up for the lost volume right? so is it easy to
build and is it cheap ?

i ve thought of bulding one but i dont have any way of powering them (no
9V or AC adapters) also i like to make things as easy as possible

so if yours was custom how do you think i should do mine (just useing
signal then wtih the booster)

gmoon (/member/gmoon/) . fastcar123 (/member/fastcar123/) 2010-04-30 Reply

Yep. And it increases the signal strength (voltage) to the point where the
diodes have a more pronounced effect.

Surely you can get your hands on a 9V battery or two?

Customizing the effect--

-- Find a likely spot in the signal path; EARLY in the signal path. Not at the
very input, but definitely not in the power amp section.
-- Test it for DC voltage with a voltmeter. Should be zero (it's after a
coupling cap.)
-- Ideally, you would then use an oscilloscope to find the AC peak voltage
(help to chose the diodes.)

You probably don't have a 'scope. So try this instead--

-- Find a likely spot in the signal path; EARLY in the signal path. Not at the
very input, but definitely not in the power amp section.
-- Test it for DC voltage with a voltmeter. Should be zero (it's after a
coupling cap.)
-- Breadboard the diode clipper. Connect one side to the GND. Then very
carefully jumper the other end to the signal path. You might have to
solder a test lead in place, to prevent shorting the amp with your jumper
connection.

DISCLAIMER: Hey--even a running solid state amp COULD have enough

voltage to kill you. YOU PROBABLY SHOULDN'T BE DOING THIS WITH
THE AMP ON--OR OFF, FOR THAT MATTER. These instructions are for
educational use only. THIS IS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS.

fastcar123 (/member/fastcar123/) . gmoon (/member/gmoon/) 2010-04-30 Reply

yes i can can get some 9V so is that all a boost is? just a 9V before the
diode circuit?

i dont have a voltmeter either so would i just use some diodes htat you
have used here?

I didnt know that solid state amps are potentially dangerous because ive
disassembled my amps 4 times i think so that concerns me

but doesnt the guitar have a very low (if any) stored electricity when
unplugged?

so could i damage my pickups by putting a 9v in its path because they are

passive pickups

i was also wondering what would happin if this low volume circuit was
turned to a high volume?

the overall question is it this possible to put this in the actual guitar with a
booster curcuit with no damage to my equipment?

gmoon (/member/gmoon/) . fastcar123 (/member/fastcar123/) 2010-04-30 Reply

I gotta give a disclaimer--especially if the amps' internal wiring is hooked

up temporary via breadboard. Even SS amps could have 24-48 volts in
the PS, which is enough...

There's more to it than just the battery...but a boost circuit doesn't need to
be very complicated. Here's the Fetzer valve circuit
(http://runoffgroove.com/fetzervalve.html) (which itself gives some
overdrive, too.) It's just a single transistor and some discrete components.
You could add diode clipping to that very easily.
 You could try the circuit as-is, but like I said: silicon diodes will clip the
most, LEDs the least... Play with different combinations. There will be no
danger if working with a low-voltage boost.

Using a correctly-wired boost will not harm your guitar. But you shouldn't
try wiring a battery in there by itself--it won't do anything, anyway. I was
merely asking if you had access to batteries, since originally it seemed to
be a problem...

And the guitar itself poses no danger if unplugged.

fastcar123 (/member/fastcar123/) . gmoon (/member/gmoon/) 2010-04-30 Reply

ok 48V isnt enough to kill just to know you back right?

i can try that

and the best way is to have asymetrical on both sides

i can get 1 or 2 batteries yes

\i didnt think it did i just needed to double check from someone more
experianced
what about if it is plugged in and the amp is running

gmoon (/member/gmoon/) . fastcar123 (/member/fastcar123/) 2010-05-01 Reply

From Wiki on Electric shock (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_shock):

however, death has occurred below this range, with supplies as low as 32
volts.

And just to drive the point home, here's Tim's 'ible on DC welding using
batteries (https://www.instructables.com/id/Golfcart--Welder/). It's a 36V
setup. You wanna take a chance with that? Even if it doesn't kill you, it
could do major damage...

fastcar123 (/member/fastcar123/) . gmoon (/member/gmoon/) 2010-05-02 Reply

thats pretty bad i need to be more carful with what i do ive been known to
fix things and do lots of tests with low voltage things but now it doesnt
seem so voltage now

fastcar123 (/member/fastcar123/) . fastcar123 (/member/fastcar123/) Reply

2010-05-02
ok so ive bulit mine useing 1n914 type diodes but it doesnt
seem to do anything i get the same sound no matter where the switch is
and ive built it the same way you did only in guitar itself

LeviMan_2001 (/member/LeviMan_2001/) 2010-04-02 Reply

Any tips on finding the part where pre amp and power amp separate?

gmoon (/member/gmoon/) . LeviMan_2001 (/member/LeviMan_2001/) Reply

2010-04-05
Anywhere following a coupling cap (C2, for example) should be
good.

The coupling cap will remove any DC bias.

indrekhaav (/member/indrekhaav/) 2010-03-21 Reply

You mention that you chose, quote, "a combination of two germanium diodes
and one LED", yet immediately afterwards you specify a 1N4148 which is a
silicon diode. Was it a typo?

gmoon (/member/gmoon/) . indrekhaav (/member/indrekhaav/) 2010-03-21 Reply

Nope, just me assuming that all glass-envelope diodes are

germanium...which were the most common type when I was growing up...

Obviously I was confused about this myself when I wrote it--I list 1N4148's
as either Germanium and Silicon.

Definitely has a forward voltage appropriate for SI, though.

I'll need to fix this soon, thanks.

indrekhaav (/member/indrekhaav/) . gmoon (/member/gmoon/) 2010-03-21 Reply

No problem, and thanks for the clarification.

Lenny24 (/member/Lenny24/) 2010-01-27 Reply

I've Used A Zener Diode in my Diode-Clipping Circuit. It doesnt' Work really

good, but that could beause I only used a LM741 as "Preamp Stage", and then
a 1-Watt-Amplifier-IC out of Old PC-Speakers. I Attached the Diodes after the
1Watt Amp and Put an 10K Resistor after that and Connected it to an Old
Guitar amp (That hasnt' OD). I also tried Retifier-Diodes. That Worked a lot
better.

gmoon (/member/gmoon/) . Lenny24 (/member/Lenny24/) 2010-01-27 Reply

That sounds about right. Thanks for the info!

Lenny24 (/member/Lenny24/) . gmoon (/member/gmoon/) 2010-01-27 Reply

No Promblem! ;)

Mandela (/member/Mandela/) 2009-06-02 Reply

I'm still confused at here (im beginner) If guitar voltage output is beetween .1V
and 1V, arent the voltage never been cut because the forward voltage is more
than 1V ?

gmoon (/member/gmoon/) . Mandela (/member/Mandela/) 2009-06-03 Reply

Good question. The diodes follow a preamp stage, which boosts the
signal peak voltage. But yes, if the voltages don't exceed the forward
voltage drop there won't be any clipping.

Mandela (/member/Mandela/) . gmoon (/member/gmoon/) 2009-06-05 Reply

thanks oh yes! i almost forget that you made this effect to the amp ! :D But
if i want to make guitar effect (not at the amp) i just have too buy
lower(under 1V) forward voltage ? thanks again !
 I More Comments

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