Noob wants to try

[Harvy]

I have researched the DIY kits and i want to have a go at building a pedal. I dont have any of the equipment, so i'm trying to make a list of what all i need.
What i'm asking for is suggestions to everything i would need to build a kit. If you know a specific brand or model that would be very helpful (while i'm not super cheap I cant spend whatever i'd like). Including painting and designing the enclosure. I just want a nice clean white, and i'm thinking either using decals or a stencil to do some black lettering. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Also, if you could recommend certain kits, i'd appreciate it. I more than likely will try the GGG ITS8, unless that would be too hard for a beginner ( i am new, but i usually am good with models and follow instructions well).
I'd also like to try another pedal possibly a compressor, reverb, chorus or a pedal that you think no board should be without? I'm not sure so any insight or suggestions on those is also appreciated.

I know i asked for a lot of help, but after seeing some of the home made pedals posted on TDPRI i just have to do one.. Thanks in advance!

[koen]

This post on the BYOC website has a lot of useful information on how to build your own pedal:

http://www.buildyourownclone.com/boa...hp?f=16&t=6718

Good luck and have fun!

[Harvy]

Originally Posted by koen

This post on the BYOC website has a lot of useful information on how to build your own pedal:

http://www.buildyourownclone.com/boa...hp?f=16&t=6718

Good luck and have fun!

I have read that before and it has a ton of great information for beginners. It gave me a good idea of what to expect and solid tips.
Now, i'm looking into what tools I'll need to complete the kits, any suggestions on that would be awesome.

[koen]

Check out the Terry Downs soldering instructional DVD for more tips on tools. But basically you'd need a decent soldering iron (25-40W), needle nose pliers, a wirecutter, a multimeter, and a lot of patience. A helping hands with magnifying glass is also very useful.

[CA_Dan]

These guys are pretty good too, and less expensive than BYOC. I haven't built kits from either, but I hear the BYOC stuff has better instructions.


www.generalguitargadgets.com/

Search google or youtube for how to solder and practice this before you solder your first kit. Remember to clean the tip of the soldering iron frequently on a damp sponge while soldering.

[Harvy]

@koen
Thanks i will check out that dvd, any idea on whats the best soldering iron tip for this sort of work?

@CA Dan
I'm planning on using generalguitargadets, they look like good kits

[basher]

General Guitar Gadgets' stuff is great, but their instructions (which you have to download from the website) don't spell things out nearly as much as BYOC's. I just finished building my first pedal ever, a GGG Red Llama clone, and if I hadn't spent some time reading BYOC's materials I would gotten into trouble.

The Llama is an awesome pedal and a very easy build, btw.

[koen]

Originally Posted by Harvy

@koen
Thanks i will check out that dvd, any idea on whats the best soldering iron tip for this sort of work?

Depends on the brand of iron you have, but in general I prefer narrow, pointy ones. It's also discussed on the DVD.

[HoodieMcFoodie]

Another option is to go to diystompboxes.com. They have a whole stack of info for first time builders. They even have a beginners project for you to cut your teeth on, with lots of good pics, info and a forum to help you if you get stuck.

[Harvy]

Thanks for the info guys

@HMcF I couldnt find the beginner kit on diystomboxes.com, maybe i just missed it

Anyway, any suggestions on painting and finishing it

[koen]

Originally Posted by Harvy

Anyway, any suggestions on painting and finishing it

There is also a long thread on the BYOC forum on that subject. I'm sure you can find it yourself

[HoodieMcFoodie]

Originally Posted by Harvy

Thanks for the info guys

@HMcF I couldnt find the beginner kit on diystomboxes.com, maybe i just missed it

Anyway, any suggestions on painting and finishing it

It's not so much a kit as a project. You have to source and order the parts yourself or to go an electronics supply store if you have one nearby and buy there.

Direct link to beginners project sub-forum