1590B, 125B, 1590BB, and 1590XX When I start designing or building a new pedal, one of the first decisions is: what box is this going in? After building a lot of pedals for customers and my own line at KR Sound, I’ve...
As I sit at my workbench surrounded by tools, schematics, and the partially disassembled chassis of an Echoplex EP-2, I can't help but marvel at this piece of audio history. What started as an unexpected opportunity to restore this legendary...
The Tube Screamer is a guitar effect pedal that has been in constant production under one name or another for nearly half a century. It is, quite simply, the most popular guitar pedal in history, and there's a very good...
When comparing germanium and silicon transistors in the context of overdrive, distortion, and fuzz guitar pedals, a nuanced understanding of their performance characteristics is essential. Germanium transistors, renowned for their vintage appeal, introduce a warmth and smoothness to the signal that...
Sovtek and the Russian Sovtek Big Muff Pi Sovtek, an abbreviation for “Soviet technology,” was conceived by Mike Matthews in the late 1980s and early 1990s, building upon his success with Electro-Harmonix (EHX), an esteemed American effects pedal manufacturer. Matthews recognized...
The Klon Centaur is a highly sought-after and influential guitar overdrive pedal that has earned the status of a "holy grail" among guitarists. Its unique tonal qualities, rarity, and a rich history contribute to its lasting appeal and impact on...
Ever wondered about buffers and impedance? You're not alone. Many swear by buffers on their pedalboards, especially before and after fuzz pedals, to maintain signal strength. But why? Let's dive into the world of buffers and impedance. A guitar buffer is typically...