Which BSIAB do you recommend?

I've been wanting to try one of these circuits for years. I'd prefer a built pedal, and I know that there are several out there based on this circuit. Although it's not my first choice, I'm willing to build from a kit, but only if the maker of the kit can provide a finished enclosure, and only if the supplier has a good rep for providing ALL of the correct components and good instructions. A pre-built pedal is better for me at the moment (my time is very limited).

What have you tried, and what do you like, and why? Thanks in advance for any responses.

Unfortunately, I have to apologize and say that I've never looked at that specific pedal that way.

The reason is because it was originally created as DIY only, so I get a bit P.O.'ed at "complete repackages" of the BSIABII, even though many of them are good. OF COURSE they are good - it's a good fundamental design. But I know a few companies that would have shallow pockets if it weren't for their variation on it.

That said, CMAT has the Brownie, and he isn't afraid to reveal that it is based off the BSIABII, at least that used to be the case. He may have some other similar type of pedal now. His prices are affordable too.

I don't even want to mention some of the heavyweights who have repackaged the BSIABII with their own tweaks.

As far as a "good kit," that is going to be subjective as well. The final gain stage needs to be biased. It's not hard, but it can be a little aggravating for folks who are new to it.

...jFET's vary wildly in gain and transconductance, and you could swap the handful of transistors in a BSIABII and it would sound different.

Part of the reason why it was intended to be DIY is because it is a HUGE friggin' tweakfest. Some folks like to substitute 2N5457's at the "second minibooster stage" to make it rounder sounding. I think CMAT may use all 2N5457's for his. Just as a point of reference, many of the Catalinbread amp sim pedals also use 2N5457's in their minibooster-ish designs, and there is a lot of obvious love for those pedals.

...And that is just two types of jFET transistors. IMO, J201's (the "original" for the DIY project) are a bit too sharp/crunchy/aggressive, but it is so daggone subjective.

The BSIABII also has a sort of "dual redundant" low pass filter on its output that is supposed to simulate treble roll-off with a speaker cab. Thing is, it's a "crude simulation." Lots of folks who DIY the pedal will end up either bypassing the filters, or going with a different one (or adding to it).

So even if you get a "complete" kit, you will probably want to get some transistor sockets, a pile of different jFET's, and some alternate capacitor values that might help to shape the EQ at certain points.

The transconductance with some transistors might be unacceptable as well. Lots of transistor sorting with the BSIABII - another reason why it was intended to be DIY.

...So...I guess that's not really helpful! I guess even though I have nothing against their kits, you might want to avoid General Guitar Gadgets because there can be issues with missing or wrong components. And the directions are what are up at the website, so if you review them and think they aren't turn-key enough, you might want to move onto BYOC. I'm assuming they have a kit.

I can help you with the drilling/powdercoating options if you PM me. I don't want to discuss that here.

CMATMODS "Brownie"

CMATMODS Brownie x1000. Chad rules - one of the nicest people I've ever met and his pedals are affordable and are amazing.

Pick up a Butah too...and the Signa Drive...

What this guy "Liquids" has to say in the 2nd post of this thread makes a lot of sense too:

http://www.musictoyzforums.com/showthread.php?32183-BSIAB-II-Pedal-Builder

He gives details on options to get a BSIABII built, but states that the Brownie is going to be hard to beat for the price.

And I know it may not be a concern to many folks, but the BSIABII was designed by Ed Guidry as a DIY design. Chad not only doesn't hide that the Brownie is a BSIABII, but he's got Ed's blessings (the Brownie is built under license), and the price is incredibly fair.

It sounds like the Brownie has what I'm looking for, and the endorsements here appear unanimous. Thanks for your input, folks.

the endorsements here appear unanimous.

You might also just want to contact John Lyons just to see what he might charge. He does really good work.

http://www.basicaudio.net/

Gallery of his work (really nice stuff, inside and out):

http://www.basicaudio.net/photo-gallery.php?gallery_id=7

The wooden enclosures are cool, the hammered powdercoat is cool, and the "lack of over-used Davies-style knobs" is REALLY cool IMO. The Davies are okay, but IMO too many builders use them with those blinding blue LED's. If your criteria of "only if the maker of the kit can provide a finished enclosure" is as important as you seemed to indicate, John might be the way to go. Knobs and status LED might be purely aesthetic, but maybe you might like one of John's options. IDK - just including it.

It would probably cost more than the Brownie, but maybe not by much. I really have no idea, but you may want to keep John as a "premium option." He might have ideas on playing around with the transistors, too (and socket them on the circuitboard for you).

Just something else to include with the Brownie.

I just dropped 200$ on a wampler pinnacle without trying one in person. It's the most money I've ever spent on a single pedal so obviously I hope it works out for me and my gear. The YouTube vids seemed consistent and nearly all of them blew me away. That is the sound I've been trying to get with my crunch box, not quite getting there unless the gain is maxed and then the bass is too loose.. So I have high hopes for the wampler take on the bsiabII

I just dropped 200$ on a wampler pinnacle without trying one in person. It's the most money I've ever spent on a single pedal so obviously I hope it works out for me and my gear. The YouTube vids seemed consistent and nearly all of them blew me away. That is the sound I've been trying to get with my crunch box, not quite getting there unless the gain is maxed and then the bass is too loose.. So I have high hopes for the wampler take on the bsiabII

Not to resurrect a zombie thread here, but how do you like the Pinnacle? The demos I've heard impressed me too.

I used to use one and of that brown sound/van halen tone is what your after it is amazing! Also does a good OD as well at lower gain and with the boost off