Telecaster Guitar Forum - View Single Post

jjmantele · July 30th, 2007, 02:05 PM

If you can solder, the BYOC FF is a great kit. Comes with germanium and silicone diodes so you can hear the difference and decide for yourself. It uses sockets so you can swap just like tubes. I found a lot of about 30 germaniums on a UK site cheap. Then I built the cheapo gain and leakage tester and “rated” all of them for both. I selected for low leakage and high gain. The “tester” lets you use your voltmeter and costs a dollar or 2 to make.

The coolest BYOC FF feature is the adjustable bias pot (just like the tube thing again.) You can set it “cooler” for more punch and less fuzz potential. Or set it “hotter” for huge compression. I like it in between. The bias is on the board but you could mount it as an external adjustment if desired.

I use mine much more than my MXR Dist+ or my DS-1.

July 30th, 2007, 02:05 PM	#25 (permalink)
jjmantele Tele-Holic Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: New Jersey Posts: 846	If you can solder, the BYOC FF is a great kit. Comes with germanium and silicone diodes so you can hear the difference and decide for yourself. It uses sockets so you can swap just like tubes. I found a lot of about 30 germaniums on a UK site cheap. Then I built the cheapo gain and leakage tester and “rated” all of them for both. I selected for low leakage and high gain. The “tester” lets you use your voltmeter and costs a dollar or 2 to make. The coolest BYOC FF feature is the adjustable bias pot (just like the tube thing again.) You can set it “cooler” for more punch and less fuzz potential. Or set it “hotter” for huge compression. I like it in between. The bias is on the board but you could mount it as an external adjustment if desired. I use mine much more than my MXR Dist+ or my DS-1. __________________ JJman If it says "Vintage" on it -it isn't.