BYOC Effects Chorus (Boss CE-2 clone)

[JPK]

This forum doesn't look like it gets much traffic but this is an effects thread so here it goes. After only building amps I'm curious to how much I like doing effects. We'll see. It's basically a Boss CE-2 clone. I'll post results. Just got the kit in the mail. I measured the bare cast aluminum enclosure and then ordered some green 3M automotive wrap for it (link below $4.71 for qty (3) 3x5" samples shipped). Not the original CE-2 color but I like the green. Not sure how I'll do lettering. Maybe just some vinyl white or black letters you can buy online. Rate or Depth. If I like this project I might do a Stew Mac Ghost overdrive (a Klon Centaur clone).


Pedal:
https://buildyourownclone.com/collections/modulation/products/analog-chorus


Green wrap:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B9ZVV6SN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

[brewdude]

Cool project. Please share your experience.


I recently pulled the trigger on an overdrive pedal kit—supposedly a Zen Drive clone.  I haven’t started it yet.


Good luck with the build.

[JPK]

^ Will do!

Parts counted and sorted. I checked all resistors with my Fluke, then marked the values on the tape ends. They didn't miss anything. Now I just gotta pick a day to start it.

[JPK]

The circuit board is almost done. Just have to solder in the electrolytic caps but continuing tomorrow. I found that a bench vise works really well to hold the board while soldering. You can angle it any way you want. I did get the hang of the tight soldering and made no screw ups. As I mentioned, I found that video they made to be very useful. I actually timed his application of heat and then counted the same seconds while I did each one. Totally perfect solder joints. I have very little circuit board soldering experience but guitar amps, a lot (turret board and point to point). This was good experience for my board level soldering.

[ShoemanGB]

Nice work.  Pedals are fun to build, I've about a dozen.  Get a Unibit for drilling the enclosure if you have not already. Save a few minutes time.  My latest fave build is a King of Tone clone from one of the guys at the DIYstomboxes forum.  I'm artistically challenged so my finished boxes are not show quality at all.  That wrap is interesting.

[JPK]

Well I got it done yesterday. The wrap was a total success. Felt like I was in my grade school arts & crafts class. It's very easy with a sharp exacto blade. Took maybe 15 minutes to cover and I'm slow. If I were knit-picky (I totally am), the corners show some imperfections and you can see overlap, but from the distance I will be looking at it, you can't see any of that. At first I didn't have enough effect. I adjusted the bias pot to where it gets the effect but it's not enough with my intensity turned all the way up. Then I went on the BYOC forum and saw another person's build and noticed I left out a 56k resistor (instructions are confusing about this resistor, watch out if you're building one). Now it has a lush full chorus sound. Really impressed by the sound quality of this pedal.

[JPK]

Another.

[Lectroid]

Well done.  Very nice work. I love a good shimmery chorus.

 

[JPK]

Thanks! I ordered up some black vinyl lettering so I can add the final touch to this. I'll post final pics when graphics are applied. It looks too plain without it. And because the darn thing sounds so good it deserves it. I'll attach the proof the guy sent me. I actually ordered for my next Klon clone lettering at the same time so that is on the attached proof as well. Since they'll be sitting next to each other on the floor I sort of coordinated the funny names.

[bmccowan]

Very nice - I have built a few pedals. A Klon clone (Silver Pony) and a Dallas Arbitor (something like that) treble boost. I painted the treble boost lime green and call it Loudmouth Lime, although I was tempted to call it Debbie Does Dallas. I think Loudmouth Lime that was a Kool Aid name? I cleaned the bare case with white vinegar and spray Rustoleum (or something like that) stuck really well.
I also have done a few of the Monte Allums (again something like that) pedal mods and those are great. Turned a so-so Voodoo Sparkle Drive into awsomeville (or something like that)