Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: phsyconoodler on July 28, 2013, 02:11:07 pm

Title: diode distortion
Post by: phsyconoodler on July 28, 2013, 02:11:07 pm

Anyone experiment with passive onboard guitar distortion using schottky diodes,or LED's in amps? I did try an LED circuit in a small amp once but didn't like it much.I do want to tro one in my tele though,having heard one that I liked.

Title: Re: diode distortion
Post by: Tone Junkie on July 29, 2013, 02:23:34 am

I have not tried schottky diodes, but I have tried LED,s I didn't like them either.
I have been looking at a bunch of different types of diode clipper circuits. What I have found so far is I like  a saturation switch 2 u5408 diodes in front of the standard Marshall style treble pot ,doesn't add clipping as much as it changes the feel when picking .
Timbo sent me a link to some literature on different styles of Diode clipping if you want me to find it I will.
Bill

Title: Re: diode distortion
Post by: TIMBO on July 29, 2013, 04:18:18 am

Hi guys, Is this what you are looking for http://www.seymourduncan.com/tonefiend/guitar/onboard-distortion-without-a-battery/ (http://www.seymourduncan.com/tonefiend/guitar/onboard-distortion-without-a-battery/)  :icon_biggrin:

Title: Re: diode distortion
Post by: Geezer on July 29, 2013, 06:04:23 am

Like you, I have tried it in both amplifiers and distortion pedals and do not like it.

In fact, I have come to realize that I do not like diode clipping in any form. I dislike the raspy buzzsaw tone they produce.

I've built many OD pedals And always like them better with the diodes removed...... I like them better as a booster just pushing the front of the amp with no clipping added.

I much prefer FET's in overdrive pedals, but that is a different subject.

G

Title: Re: diode distortion
Post by: Tone Junkie on July 29, 2013, 06:45:09 pm

Geezer what would stop us from using FET,s were we now are trying diode,s and which ones do you like.
Thanks Bill

Title: Re: diode distortion
Post by: Geezer on July 29, 2013, 07:43:33 pm

Bill, I think you're talking about wiring an FET AS a diode, such as the Zendrive does(?)
That is just a slightly different tone, but still diode clipping to my ears.

I was referring to running the FET(s) like a triode gain stage in an amp, only in a low voltage pedal.
My favorite so far is the Himmelstrutz Fetto.....here's a link to the schematic >  
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HDMx7AB7MDs/Txgad6S3yiI/AAAAAAAAAog/fn93dntUIkw/s1600/HimmelstrutzFetto.GIF (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HDMx7AB7MDs/Txgad6S3yiI/AAAAAAAAAog/fn93dntUIkw/s1600/HimmelstrutzFetto.GIF)

It sounds so close to the OD channel(s) on my amps that I can hardly distinguish between them. And when you run the pedal WITH the OD channel, WOW!
It uses 3x 2SK170 FET's

G

Title: Re: diode distortion
Post by: Tone Junkie on July 29, 2013, 08:55:47 pm

Thanks Geezer I might have to build that.
Bill

Title: Re: diode distortion
Post by: phsyconoodler on July 30, 2013, 10:56:10 pm

Hmmmm....gotta try out the Himmelstrutz Fetto !!

 Thanks Geezer!