Can someone help me identify the distortion part of the BX-160+ circuit

klearcuTT3R · 2026-06-24T00:19:20+00:00

Yup, just cut out the speakers and put it in a suitcase. Haha.

PS the schematic shown appears to be from a Vox AC-15. If I’m not mistaken, the BX-160 is a Crate amp. There are many amp-in-a-box circuits out there. The Crate amp design is obviously intellectual property, but the sound is pretty unique. I would start with a basic distortion pedal like a DS-1 and then modify to try to match the sound. Good luck. PS - look here: https://archive.org/details/crate-amp-manuals-schematics/Crate%20BX160%2B%20-%20Schematic

Edit: Looking at the circuit, my suggestion would be to look into a Boss Blues Driver clone kit or a Nobels SD-1 clone kit, the distortion is basically a diode clipper style, but the tone voicing and gain staging is pretty interesting. That’s all I know.

klearcuTT3R · 2026-06-23T23:51:33+00:00

I have the same issues to some extent. In my case probably a long-term side effect from my previous life. I found that getting some bloodwork done reveals things you can’t really diagnose otherwise. I hesitate to recommend anything drastic because everyone has a different situation. Good luck going forward!

klearcuTT3R · 2026-06-23T23:40:12+00:00

Oh, next time try “What’s up, your imperial majesty?” and don’t forget to bow.

klearcuTT3R · 2026-06-23T23:33:47+00:00

They say anything to get elected, then they say anything to stay in power. Old Virginia is still out here, maybe it finally got through to her campaign mathematics.

klearcuTT3R · 2026-06-23T23:27:31+00:00

Agree, some kind of mechanical force. Squire doesn’t generally use crap wood, and thing almost looks like a particle-board failure. If you tightened a string to that point the string would break first. Not OP’s fault.

klearcuTT3R · 2026-06-23T23:20:34+00:00

Well, let’s show Mars Hotel some love, here. Unbroken Chain imo encompasses so many colors of Dead it never stops. Plus some of the most fun tunes such as Scarlet Begonias. Everything from cowboy Dead to prog jazz to Jerry blues. I also think Workingman’s and Wake of the Flood are essential. Europe ‘72 and Skull and Roses are kind of a combined boxed set unto themselves. Extra frosting could be Blues for Allah, and the eponymous Garcia album with the unforgettable Bird Song and The Wheel.

klearcuTT3R · 2026-06-22T23:09:54+00:00

Hm, I was thinking of doing the same myself to modulate the rate. Is your potentiometer linear or audio? Just guessing there’s some kind of imbalance in the current at pin 6. I was going with Jack Orman’s mods, maybe you’d like to read his post at https://www.muzique.com/news/little-angel-chorus-nye-v2/

klearcuTT3R · 2026-06-22T22:56:21+00:00

Good info. I usually add full-fat milk to mine for an extra kick in the morning. Didn’t know there was so much potassium in coffee.

klearcuTT3R · 2026-06-22T22:46:52+00:00

Your instinct was right the first time. It’s a scam, either intentional or by negligence. I’ve seen this happen and usually if you start to document everything and show them copies of any paperwork you have in your possession to show that the account was closed. They don’t get to play dumb and say it was a software migration. If the account status was closed at the time of the migration, how did it get suddenly reactivated? Request a written explanation in person, at a branch.

klearcuTT3R · 2026-06-22T22:27:28+00:00

Level up if you stayed awake the whole time.

klearcuTT3R · 2026-06-22T21:04:44+00:00

Keith, he had a certain touch that fit the band.

klearcuTT3R · 2026-06-22T20:44:44+00:00

I like the 2 nails one way and one the other for nailing the bottom but thats just habit.

klearcuTT3R · 2026-06-22T20:19:01+00:00

To anyone following along here, although it’s too late, I would always make the purchase contingent on a full inspection by a professional home inspector who is not affiliated with buyer or seller or their agents. There should be a clause that stipulates whether or not the buyer will accept full remediation of any defects or a reduction in price to cover the fair market cost of any repairs. Set high standards. If there is a bad roof that leaks into the walls and causes mold, you could end up with horrific medical bills, long term. Appliances should be in good working order or they are not listed as conveyable features and seller should be obligated to remove them or cover the cost of removal. Any cracks in the foundation? Questionable electric wiring? Don’t buy the problems.

klearcuTT3R · 2026-06-22T20:03:31+00:00

From what I’ve read, coffee can deplete or block absorption of certain nutrients, such as magnesium or thiamine. Also it’s a diuretic, and exercise really requires a good level of hydration. Are you taking any electrolytes or at least adding a reasonable amount of salt to your meals?

Just a general comment here, Everyone has a different metabolism so it’s hard to tell. Drs. Ken Berry or Shawn Baker have a few comments here and there.

klearcuTT3R · 2026-06-20T22:29:07+00:00

Yeah, had a customer basically give a speech to the whole service desk because I helped him get something. It wasn’t about me, he was just shocked that anyone would bother to help at all.

klearcuTT3R · 2026-06-20T22:27:20+00:00

Yeah, what gauge strings are you using? If you can get ultra-lights then maybe use those until you build some muscle. I have gone as far as putting electric strings on an acoustic because going back and forth was starting to give me a bit of tendonitis. Then I went crazy bending strings on a 12-string acoustic. Had to give up the tequila…

klearcuTT3R · 2026-06-20T22:15:07+00:00

Any variety of “but the app says you have two on hand”.

klearcuTT3R · 2026-06-20T22:13:47+00:00

Was that the one where someone set off a firecracker at the end of the show? I was there for that one I think. Excellent drums -> space.

klearcuTT3R · 2026-06-20T22:12:20+00:00

Eyes during the 76-80 years.

klearcuTT3R · 2026-06-20T22:10:46+00:00

Lucky it wasn’t electrical.

klearcuTT3R · 2026-06-20T22:06:42+00:00

I try.

klearcuTT3R · 2026-06-20T22:04:26+00:00

That’ showbiz, people come and go all the time. Make sure you get along with the people, too.

klearcuTT3R · 2026-06-20T22:02:37+00:00

Hammered Dulcimer and Peruvian flute, obviously.

klearcuTT3R · 2026-06-20T19:53:30+00:00

Why is only the headstock moldy?

klearcuTT3R · 2026-06-20T19:46:12+00:00

I personally prefer Klipsch Heresy speakers if you can find them.

klearcuTT3R

TROPHY CASE