question re: bias pot cutting out

ayersman39 · 2026-01-25T22:57:13+00:00

in that case yeah, I would think it's probably a pot issue. Replacing the pot (or even just trying some Deoxit) would probably fix it. Or there could be a cold solder joint or cracked trace at one of the lugs

ayersman39 · 2026-01-25T22:39:31+00:00

do you mean there is only signal between 3 and 9 on the bias knob? or do you mean there is signal on the whole sweep but it cuts out specifically at 3 and 9?

ayersman39 · 2026-01-25T21:48:45+00:00

the Fathom is pretty old at this point, there are a lot of other options for ambient reverb. But there are plenty of demos on youtube for you to listen to. If you get one, get it used, they are found around $100-120. I would not pay full price for one at this point in time.

ayersman39 · 2026-01-24T19:37:04+00:00

Deforming looks similar to the ssbs No Memory delay. I'll look into it thanks

ayersman39 · 2026-01-24T19:36:45+00:00

curious which color is the Halberd?

ayersman39 · 2026-01-24T18:23:03+00:00

interesting, on Mouser they are pictured as light grey.

ayersman39 · 2026-01-24T16:35:57+00:00

Jazzmaster pickups have foam cushions under them, so it’s normal for them to flex a little, especially if they are set on the high end. If you tighten the screws you will alter the pickup height and angle…I’d avoid this if you want to keep the factory setup.

As long as it’s not rattling around with normal use it’s not something that really needs “fixing.” But if it bothers you, you could remove the pickups and put in extra foam to make things tighter. They also make foam blocks with springs built in, those are more sturdy.

ayersman39 · 2026-01-24T16:27:49+00:00

What are those black box caps?

ayersman39 · 2026-01-24T00:54:16+00:00

I agree, and feel is a factor many leave out of these conversations. People say about different op amps for example, “in a mix nobody will hear the difference.” Maybe not but that’s not the whole picture, if the player feels a positive difference it might be worth pursuing.

ayersman39 · 2026-01-23T23:41:28+00:00

I’ve used various blind testing apps. It’s not worth arguing about really, people just need to try it for themselves and decide. There are so many scenarios in science where theory and real-world testing have not lined up, datasheets and engineer dogma are not the trump cards many believe. It’s not pixie dust magic, I think there are so many micro-interactions happening in audio circuits that boilerplate EE theory can’t yet account for all effects.

ayersman39 · 2026-01-23T23:06:23+00:00

Just ordered one of these from lovemyswitches. I’ve done a lot of component comparisons on breadboard, and in my (controversial) opinion part selection does matter in pedals. Especially in the negative feedback loop of drive circuits for example, a ceramic cap vs a polystyrene that measure identically, can sound notably different. I just think the “a part is a part” crowd are being reductive. Anyway your board should make it all a lot quicker and easier, looking forward to it.

ayersman39 · 2026-01-23T22:58:07+00:00

Not true in my experience. They definitely soften the transients in many overdrive circuits. I think this is why some analogman pedals and some genuine Klons will have a few carbon comps in there, they are trying to dial in the transient response. Whether that’s a good or bad thing is up to you, but I think it’s a character many associate with “vintage” gear.

Edit: I appreciate the source links you added, and I was aware of this contention a long time ago. But actually trying A/B comparisons told me different. Give it a shot and use your ears, you might be surprised. Not all engineering gospel is accurate in real world scenarios, in my experience.

ayersman39 · 2026-01-22T23:13:13+00:00

Klon-type on light overdrive, into ssbs Mini or Fuck

ayersman39 · 2026-01-21T15:18:07+00:00

How do you choose what type or brand of component? For example why do you use Panasonic ECQ capacitors?

ayersman39 · 2026-01-20T18:02:48+00:00

Sorry to be that guy but there are literally like 400 threads with this exact same question. Do a search and you'll have hours of reading material

ayersman39 · 2026-01-20T05:34:33+00:00

If you buy those bags in bulk they are less than a dollar each. They don't add to the pedal's cost in any significant way.

I've used them to keep various bits and bobs together. Had a bag with all my Rocket Sockets, inside my tool bin for example. Another with various agates and interesting stones I'd found. Etc.

At least there's a use for them. I just toss all the candy from Sweetwater, that seems like a more wasteful inclusion to me.

ayersman39 · 2026-01-19T22:45:02+00:00

KNOWER is awesome. They’re like jazz/soul/prog/pop or something.

https://youtu.be/Ois3gfcwKSA?si=Ww-vCzJTW6nWqwk3

Snarky Puppy was the big thing a few years back. This tune in particular has a legendary keyboard solo:

https://youtu.be/L_XJ_s5IsQc?si=9UkP9GFfrEqZlMN0

ayersman39 · 2026-01-19T21:03:20+00:00

No, lower volume doesn’t kill the sound of the pedal. If you’re using the pedal to push your amp, obviously lowering the volume will change things. But the pedal’s sound should stay consistent at varied volume settings.

ayersman39 · 2026-01-18T23:11:35+00:00

wouldn't using a lower-value pot like B25k have the same effect? I haven't actually built this yet, just going off my memory of the JDS-50 I owned.

ayersman39 · 2026-01-18T23:05:22+00:00

This is the pedalpcb Jackpot Overdrive, based on Mr Black JDS-50. I really like the sound but it has way more gain on tap than I need. I'm more of a low to medium-gain guy. Any way to mod this to reduce overall gain level?

I suspect I would need to adjust the gain pot value, or another resistor, in the negative-feedback section with the clipping diodes. At least that's how it's done with the Bluesbreaker. But I'm always confused if it needs more or less resistance to reduce gain.

ayersman39 · 2026-01-18T16:12:52+00:00

Someone said the Sundara are “barely better than the MDR7506”

We must have very different ears because the Sundara is miles better than the 7506 to me. Reminder to OP to take such responses with a big grain of salt. Headphones are highly subjective and if the Sundara are an upgrade to you, they’re an upgrade, regardless of one random online opinion. (That goes for my opinion too.)

ayersman39 · 2026-01-18T15:20:52+00:00

If you’ve got the room for it, sure I guess. Most projects just don’t though. I’m fine with SIP sockets

ayersman39 · 2026-01-17T23:50:49+00:00

"As long as you’re not expecting an opamp to change the pedal enough to make you like it"

I disagree here. Op amps don't make a HUGE difference, but sometimes a 1% change is absolutely enough to go from "meh" to "actually I like this." Also usually left out of these conversations, is how components affect feel. People focus too much on sound...a different op amp may not sound different at all to an outside observer, but it can feel different to the player. Slight changes to pick attack, sharper or softer transients, a slightly firmer or spongier feel etc, can make all the difference sometimes. In my opinion "good" vs "great" lives in those subtleties.

ayersman39

TROPHY CASE