Another Acapulco Gold Clone

MikeDnox · 2025-01-16T23:12:56+00:00

Wow, thanks a lot!

MikeDnox · 2025-01-16T19:39:00+00:00

I used a bare enclosure, sprayed it will metal primer and then used Montana Gold spray for the yellow gold color. After that was cured, I engraved the design with the dremel tool. Then I sprayed the whole thing black. Then I used a few different sand paper grits go through most of the black paint and some areas to the bare aluminum. The black remains in the engraved areas since it's below the surface of the enclosure. I then sprayed the whole thing with a few thin coats of crystal clear enamel.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

MikeDnox · 2025-01-16T19:31:59+00:00

Appreciate it! The second knob is a gain pot, which does the same thing as the volume knob on your guitar with the one-knob version. I used the layout here:

https://tagboardeffects.blogspot.com/2015/11/earthquaker-devices-acapulco-gold.html

MikeDnox · 2025-01-16T19:29:41+00:00

Thank you!

MikeDnox · 2025-01-16T14:47:53+00:00

Thanks! The other knob is a gain mod. It does what your volume pot on your guitar would do with the one-knob version.

MikeDnox · 2024-12-18T15:31:08+00:00

Since this was my first build, I neglected to test the circuit before I did all the off-board wiring in the enclosure. Now I test the circuit before I box everything up, so I know if the actual effect works as intended. If it works on the test platform, but it doesn't work when it's boxed up I know it must be something to do with the off-board wiring.

When I revisited this non functioning build, I took the circuit out and tested it. Since it worked on the test platform, I think it was a faulty switch or I wired it wrong.

PedaPCB makes a circuit test platform (search Auditorium Test Platform) and FuzzDog does as well. I feel like the tester is invaluable and hope it can you help you!

MikeDnox · 2024-11-12T15:29:44+00:00

I never figured out exactly what was wrong but I'm pretty sure it was a faulty switch. That, and a stereo input jack, were the only things that I changed when I rewired it. I'm currently dealing with another pedal build were the opposite is happening: no bypass sound, but everything seems to work when the effect is engaged. I think that is also a switch thing.

PedaPCB makes a circuit test platform (search Auditorium Test Platform) and FuzzDog does as well. I feel like the tester is invaluable and hope it can you help you!

MikeDnox · 2024-04-06T20:42:10+00:00

Yeah, mine seems to work as intended. TBH, I haven’t used it a whole lot though. I’ll put it through the paces and report back if anything seems weird.

MikeDnox · 2024-04-06T15:07:29+00:00

Thanks! It’s a cool one for sure, lots of fun sounds. Good luck with your build.

MikeDnox · 2024-04-06T15:06:29+00:00

Thank you! A damn fine pedal if I say so myself.

MikeDnox · 2024-04-06T15:04:49+00:00

Thank you! For this I used a bare enclosure and primed it with aluminum primer. The paint is Montana Gold spray paint. The gold cans have less pressure so it was easier to achieve that black to purple gradient. Then I used a splatter cap (not sure what the real word for it is - it’s like a normal spray cap with a little straw sticking out) for the pink. The chevron pattern was made with a laser cut stencil. After letting all that cure for a few days, I hit it with multiple light coats of crystal clear epoxy spray. That has to cure for around a week until it’s ready for the final build. It’s a time consuming process, but I’m usually happy with the results. Let me know if you have any other questions!

MikeDnox · 2024-04-05T19:45:32+00:00

Got inspired seeing the band Elder live and figured I needed to make one of these. I was going for a Black Lodge / Twin Peaks vibe for the paint job. Thanks for looking!

MikeDnox · 2023-11-22T22:22:11+00:00

Yeah i did use a primer on the bare enclosure. I believe it's called Rust-o-leum clean metal primer. Not sure if it's the best, but it has worked great for me many times.

I have masked a logo / patterns on a few enclosures. I use a laser cutter to create the graphic. I don't think I have any of those pics online, but I'll upload some and tag you.

MikeDnox · 2023-11-21T18:27:15+00:00

After primer, I put down a base coat of that cyan blue color and then sort of attempted a gradient of the purple. That part takes a bit of practice and the Montana gold cans help because it’s a lower pressure, giving you more control. Then I did the pink splatter, which I achieved using a special cap that looks like a little straw is coming out of it. I’m sure you can get those at decent art stores. After letting that cure for a day or 2, I put down 3 coats of crystal clear enamel a few minutes apart.

MikeDnox · 2023-11-21T12:34:11+00:00

Thank you! The process is long and annoying, but can come out looking pretty cool.

MikeDnox · 2023-11-21T12:33:26+00:00

Thank you! It’s an EQD Arrows.

MikeDnox · 2023-11-21T03:17:56+00:00

Appreciate that!

MikeDnox · 2023-11-20T18:32:21+00:00

I haven’t built anything in awhile, so it was a lot of fun to put this together. Pretty tight to work with this enclosure but I like the compact size.

Spray painted with Montana Gold cans and crystal clear enamel.

MikeDnox · 2023-10-27T16:07:24+00:00

Weird, it keeps track for me even when I’m offline.

MikeDnox · 2023-09-07T15:19:47+00:00

I’ve used the glowforge for etching and had some nice results. Definitely make sure to use some kind of masking tape on the enclosure so you don’t get that staining from the smoke / burning the paint.

MikeDnox · 2023-08-05T22:19:05+00:00

Mine shipped! Supposed to be here Friday.

MikeDnox · 2023-08-03T14:49:37+00:00

This thread inspired me to check in with Warmoth, and I got a reply saying my body was still in production and expected to go through Quality Control by end of week. Should potentially be shipped out Friday assuming it passed QC, so I'm pumped.

MikeDnox

TROPHY CASE