Pedal builders inquire here

[twangster2]

I have an idea for a pedal, I know nothing about electronics, but an idea that is not a clone or as far as I know has never been done before..

[Guitar_Alec]

I'm no pedal builder... But can I ask what it is?

[FosterF]

May I ask what it is?
-Foster

[winny pooh]

Did the idea come to you on the john?

[11 Gauge]

Originally Posted by twangster2

I have an idea for a pedal, I know nothing about electronics, but an idea that is not a clone or as far as I know has never been done before..

There aren't enough builders here TTBOMK. And those of us who are may primarily be "small fish."

You don't need to know anything, and even some guys started building literally a short time after they learned the basics. Dwarfcraft pedals is an example of this. I think the guy who builds them still doesn't really understand much, because it's a sort of counter-culture called "pedal hacking." Not to say that applies to you, just that the field of effects isn't very "traditionally structured."

And some big name pedals were actually either mostly or completely designed for some "makers," because they are in the same position as you.

Here's the rub - it isn't possible to copyright/trademark/etc. a circuit design. You can copyright a schematic of your design, and you can copyright the pcb layout, and that is it. If someone come up with their own layout or changes a few components, they are not liable of any wrongdoing. Even if someone did copy what is yours, you have to hire and employ the resources to make them stop (very expensive).

My suggestion is that you go directly to big companies like EHX and license or sell your idea outright, after discussing how to do it with a lawyer. Alternatively, you could go with a smaller company like Cusack and also license it, and have him build it for you with your name on it. He does this for Lovepedal - anything by LP with the electronic switching and "nipple style" switch is a Cusack-built pedal. The Les Lius is an example.

You might also want to find an "intermediary designer" and find out the fees to design something, and then their specialty is to have the entire pedal manufactured overseas. A good example of this is Joyo building pedals for BBE and quite a few other companies.

As far as contacting a "small fish," I advise against it. You could get eaten up entirely by a "big competitor" in the blink of an eye, and your builder should be someone who is either a close friend, or bound by a business agreement. Since "money talks," that is usually the way to go. If you don't have it yourself, you need to demonstrate that it is there to be made (lots of it).

IMO. The effects realm is super tough, at least by this stage of its evolution.

[twangster2]

Originally Posted by winny pooh

Did the idea come to you on the john?

Haha no, I have had it running around in my head for years, and first I want to know if it can be done and if there is anyone besides me who likes the idea

[Enaitz]

I just hope it's not another Tube Screamer clone.

X-D

[twangster2]

Originally Posted by Enaitz

I just hope it's not another Tube Screamer clone.

X-D

Dang.. You found me out.. Geezz... Hahaha

[Briggs]

What's the idea? I might be able to tell you if it's possible or not...