madbeanpedals::forum

Projects => Build Reports => Topic started by: Chinchen on January 01, 2013, 09:46:09 AM

Title: Happy New Year, An introduction and my first pedal.(And an Electric Mando)
Post by: Chinchen on January 01, 2013, 09:46:09 AM
Hey there all. My name is Jason and I thought I would show you guys my first pedal and introduce myself. I live in the Eastern Sierra of California and work primarily as a graphic designer and musician. Been building and repairing instruments for a long time. I used to work at Breedlove Guitar Company in the Early 2000's. I have been playing mandolin in a band recently and just finished a little electric tele-mandolin and needed some effects, so being a DIY kind of guy the only logical solution was to build a few. So here is the first one from a kit. (http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/148981_4227752777048_162009933_n.jpg)

(http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/309302_4227775377613_179194160_n.jpg)
I did try to build a few from scratch, a boost and a red llama with no pcb....neither work,yet, but it did give me some time to get my soldering down better and become familiar with the components.
I did learn how to use my multi-meter finally. You can bet I will be posting an SOS or two soon.

Heres a pic of the mandolin. Thats another story, sort of a hot-rodded kit mando.

(http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/599906_4067968742547_2001807114_n.jpg)

I am looking forward to learning a lot from y'all this next year. Thanks!
Title: Re: Happy New Year, An introduction and my first pedal.
Post by: whitebread47 on January 01, 2013, 09:53:33 AM
Hi Jason, and welcome!

That is one heck of a first build you got there!  Very obvious just from the pics that you're no noob to soldering.  Oh, and that's a mighty fine looking electric mandolin as well.  :o
Title: Re: Happy New Year, An introduction and my first pedal.
Post by: juansolo on January 01, 2013, 11:13:25 AM
Most impressive sir on both counts!
Title: Re: Happy New Year, An introduction and my first pedal.
Post by: gtr2 on January 01, 2013, 02:09:20 PM
More info on that mando/tele please!  :)

Josh
Title: Re: Happy New Year, An introduction and my first pedal.
Post by: wolfingsworth on January 01, 2013, 05:18:08 PM
That Mantele is siiiick! Also that's a very impressive first build!
Title: Re: Happy New Year, An introduction and my first pedal.
Post by: Chinchen on January 01, 2013, 06:39:30 PM
Thanks a bunch guys.

I am happy with the comp but the switch doesn't seem to affect much that I can tell...should I adjust the trim? It is set in the middle like the instructions said. FWIW I did try to set it with the meter and did not get the even readings from the 1/2 and 3/1 legs that were expected. They were always just way off.

I am sure it was probably operator error...
Also, should I solder the transistors into the sockets or just leave them loose? I would hate to have one fall out.
Title: Re: Happy New Year, An introduction and my first pedal.
Post by: midwayfair on January 01, 2013, 06:40:48 PM
Nice pedal (awesome graphic), but man, dat mandotar.

Quote from: Chinchen on January 01, 2013, 06:39:30 PMI am happy with the comp but the switch doesn't seem to affect much that I can tell...should I adjust the trim? It is set in the middle like the instructions said. FWIW I did try to set it with the meter and did not get the even readings from the 1/2 and 3/1 legs that were expected. They were always just way off.

Need more info: Schematic, etc. I'm not even sure what compressor or kit this is.
Title: Re: Happy New Year, An introduction and my first pedal.
Post by: Chinchen on January 01, 2013, 07:42:33 PM
Yea, sorry. Its a Morc comp from GPCB/Mammoth.

The Mandolin is a Saga kit that I "modded" big time. It came blonde with plywood facing front and back. I planed off the plywood, added a 1/4" maple top, bought an Almuse p-90 mando pickup for the bridge position, bought the hardtail bridge, installed through body string ferrules, made the tele pick guard and repositioned the controls to the tele spot. Did the sunburst and nitro lacquer finish and viola..my wife says I cheated...I usually build from scratch but this was fun and fast! Plus it sounds so rad!


This is the original project:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41x85V3wLzL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)


Heres a few pics of the build:
(http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/318910_3988599918376_1337340935_n.jpg)
(http://sphotos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/665720_4019399928357_296764114_o.jpg)
(http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/57271_4024118806326_341230066_o.jpg)
(http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/176899_4036828724066_1337689389_o.jpg)
(http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/54381_4045562262399_1123336915_o.jpg)
Title: Re: Happy New Year, An introduction and my first pedal.
Post by: gtangas on January 03, 2013, 01:59:16 AM
lovely job man!!

loved the graphs!!
Title: Re: Happy New Year, An introduction and my first pedal.
Post by: jkokura on January 03, 2013, 02:09:46 AM
Rad Mando Tele build. I love how a pedal build report turned into a "I need to see/hear/know/admire that mando tele" thread.

Jacob
Title: Re: Happy New Year, An introduction and my first pedal.
Post by: nzCdog on January 03, 2013, 02:49:23 AM
Wow!  Sweet looking builds!
Title: Re: Happy New Year, An introduction and my first pedal.
Post by: bigmufffuzzwizz on January 04, 2013, 02:21:29 AM
Your a freakin pro at graphic layout! Diggin it very much!
I'm in awe at how much that gloss coat brings out the grain of the wood. Really beautiful! That's some serious skill you got there!
Title: Re: Happy New Year, An introduction and my first pedal.
Post by: Chinchen on January 04, 2013, 04:16:29 AM
Hey thanks guys!
QuoteRad Mando Tele build. I love how a pedal build report turned into a "I need to see/hear/know/admire that mando tele" thread.
Funny how the Mando build turned into a "I need to build lots of pedals" obsession...lol.
QuoteI'm in awe at how much that gloss coat brings out the grain of the wood. Really beautiful!
Yes! I love that too!! Always a surprise, but knowing the steps helps too!
Title: Re: Happy New Year, An introduction and my first pedal.(And an Electric Mando)
Post by: hoodoo on January 04, 2013, 10:03:06 AM
Hi Mate, great first build, and love the mando too. "Graphic designer, muso, diy kind of guy" , can't wait to see what you do next.  ;D
All the best, Matt.
Title: Re: Happy New Year, An introduction and my first pedal.(And an Electric Mando)
Post by: Chinchen on January 05, 2013, 06:57:29 AM
Thanks Matt.
Title: Re: Happy New Year, An introduction and my first pedal.(And an Electric Mando)
Post by: Chinchen on January 12, 2013, 08:28:20 AM
Looks like I will be building one of these compressors for the Bass player in my band...cool.
Title: Re: Happy New Year, An introduction and my first pedal.(And an Electric Mando)
Post by: gingataff on January 12, 2013, 12:01:23 PM
Nice work.

A friend of mine has an early 2000s Breedlove mandolin, awesome axe.
Title: Re: Happy New Year, An introduction and my first pedal.(And an Electric Mando)
Post by: jimilee on January 12, 2013, 03:05:57 PM
Quote from: gingataff on January 12, 2013, 12:01:23 PM
Nice work.

A friend of mine has an early 2000s Breedlove mandolin, awesome axe.
More of a hatchette than an axe  ;D
Title: Re: Happy New Year, An introduction and my first pedal.(And an Electric Mando)
Post by: Chinchen on January 12, 2013, 06:24:16 PM
Cool Ginga! For sure one I built.