Build Your Own Green Gizmo™️ Pickup Re Voicer | Before Buying New Pickups

Easily tweak + MOD Your Pickups for cheap. I show you how to build the Green Gizmo™️ Pickup Re-Voicer
Unit and Schematic available here
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Waylon McPherson Guitar
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Facebook : / mcpherson.stompboxes
Website : mcphersonmusic.site/

[@wepopcreative]

People have been asking men how often they think about the Roman Empire… for me all week has been, “how do I make that pickup sound changer pedal thingy?”

[@brycnaird6210]

My wife just asked me that and I had no idea what she was talking about lol

[@johnepavek]

I’ve been wondering if Marcus Antonius would have just been content being a low level officer if he’d been able to impress the ladies with his soldering skills.

[@wepopcreative]

dude could you image if he had access to Gibson Custom Shop and a Fender Twin with Celeston Creambacks during the War Of Actium haha ;) @@johnepavek

[@chuckthaalchemyst3539]

I would love to see a new version of Gladiator with exactly that @wepoppublicity The intro battle scene would epic.

[@wepopcreative]

haha this is true :) @@chuckthaalchemyst3539

[@retread1083]

Things to consider: 1 - You can only shift the resonant frequency downward by adding capacitance, not upward. 2 - The toggle switch is a nice feature but not absolutely necessary. You could have one position on the rotary that does not have a capacitor. 3 - The volume control on the guitar should always remain at maximum when doing this evaluation. Turning the volume even slightly CCW will add resistance and affect the Q of the circuit, which will soften the peak. 4 - The loading caused by the resistance of the volume and tone controls soften the peak a lot and reduce the resonant frequency slightly, compared to an unloaded pickup. To sharpen the peak, one could use a no-load tone pot and/or use a volume pot of higher resistance value. 5 - Exploring inexpensive modifications is fun. Do it!

[@moroboshidan7960]

If inductors were easy to make or buy, we could make it work both way. I know nothing about resonance peak, but I guess that several inductors (or one with several taps) would do the trick, removing mud and keeping the high end.

[@nalukeko]

I hardly use tone controls... looking around to which guitar I'm gonna install one of these instead of the tone pot.

[@johnnyway8667]

So I guess its better to use 250k pots for humbuckers to have more options if resonant frequency can only be shifted downward?

[@retread1083]

@@johnnyway8667 reducing the resistance value of the pots will tend to flatten the peak and also lower the point where the high frequencies roll off.

[@retread1083]

@@moroboshidan7960 if your goal is to reduce the mud, you could use a passive bass-cut control similar to what G&L does with their PTB circuit.

[@jritechnology]

I'm probably one of a handful of U.S. viewers that bought the blueprint (and found that some of those capacitors are hard to come by on Amazon without buying 250-500 others) and decided to find out how bad their soldering skills diminished over the years. 1. The box I ended up getting was too small by 1/2 a size. However, I found my inner Japanese manufacturing skills and made it fit. 2. The 12P dial I ended up receiving was a piece of garbage, but I was not willing to spend too much on my first attempt. 3. For anyone trying this out, just use the wire you trim/cut from the capacitors to bridge them. This is not a big learning curve, it is a rather simple project. Finding the right capacitors and dial was the hardest part, and then fitting them into this small box was a feat I would not want to go through again....but I bought 3 of these boxes, so I imagine I will try two more times.

[@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar]

I love hearing about these sorts of experiences, glad you get it up and running :)

[@RetroResurrectionAI]

@@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar Digikey lets you buy just one of each item and shipping is only $5. I ended up getting 10 of each value since I plan on modding a few pickups and will need the extras. The switch I got from amazon was junk too but it works for it's intended purpose so I live with it.

[@CJJC]

It’s real nice to hear that L in solder. Feels like it’s been ages.

[@GarethRidout]

Never understood why Americans don't pronounce it.

[@ericgendell8874]

Thanks for your generosity posting a how to build. BTW, You play beautifully.

[@mark.guitar]

I'm a luthier in the UK. I installed a version of this idea into a prototype bass in 2006. It gave me four very useable tones (and two that were really weedy) out of a single pup. I put resistors to even up the overall volume and replaced a six way with a four way tele style pup. Everyone was happy! Great vid mate!

[@chrissturley823]

Im a guitarist in the United States. I installed myself in a chair at the local guitar center and started playing. I then stopped. Everyone was happy! Great vid mate!

[@dougsadler5496]

One small thought is to put a footswitch on the box beneath the knob so the effect could be kicked in and out during a performance. I know I would use it that way.

[@RC-Flight]

About12 years ago I added the same type of switch with many capacitors on it right into one of my custom guitars. I still have this setup.

[@Csartreweghhgf]

Who else would be interested in a bass version!

[@Alchemist_X]

Absolutely

[@shortymcsteve]

What a legend! Thanks mate, this is going to be very useful - Not just in the workshop, but it’s also a perfect tool when double tracking guitars in the studio. Usually if bands don’t have many guitars around I’d get them to just switch pickup position, but this opens up the options a lot. Can’t wait to build this.

[@39KHall]

No kidding. A studio engineer could have a field day with a Green Gizmo. Thinking seriously about buying or building one myself. Subscribed to the channel so I can find this easily again.

[@thejmaker]

I just downloaded the schematics and have already found all the components online. Can't wait to make my own Gizmo ! Many many thanks! I really appreciate this video!

[@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar]

Great! Enjoy the build!

[@swat7s]

How very generous of you to share your knowledge, skill and time Waylon. The schematic is a bargain. I'm going to give it a crack. Ian

[@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar]

No problem, have fun building it!

[@reboot110]

I’ve had really good luck with that Solder Rizz

[@terryeaster1]

Dude! I am so incredibly excited about your channel and what you are going to bring us. I've always wanted to make my own pedals. I was flight simulator tech for 15 years and I can't wait for this!!!!

[@redkurn]

THANK YOU! this is going to be a cool project.

[@TheRealcdawg22]

This is a great idea! Thanks so much for sharing it. I plan on making one for myself before I get into a few guitar mods and pickup changes.

[@2bikemikesguitartopics145]

Ok I built this gizmo box and works well for me finding parallel filters, but the other one, I call gizmo 1 for series filters I also needed to build it more like gizmo 2 with at least 7 different cap values to choose from. that works better also

[@gergemall]

So cool . Thank you so much’ ❤I’ll check it out’ loved the last video.😊

[@arrodisbaletide2726]

Ordered the Schematic and parts. Super excited to try this!

[@SashimiPanic]

Love the idea and design behind this, definitely picking up the schematic. I feel like this tool is going to help with all the guitars I refurbish.

[@sideoutside]

Ok, just found your channel, this is next level stuff, I'm subbed, going to buy the schematic on the 1st and get these parts, I need to make one..

[@grahambird3257]

Excellent. Nice playing as well. Thankyou.

[@jamlemon]

That looks a lot easier to build than I expected!

[@Sankeyite]

Thank You for this... if you haven't made your first million yet your on your way now!!

[@tostrmofo6686]

I like you stuff and all the knowledge you are sharing is incredible. So I also baught a schematic to support the channel. I will build it in a few weeks I think.

[@coffeedudeguy]

Don’t we all love a big knob 😆 Interesting looking project, might give me the kick to finally start mucking around with diy!

[@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar]

haha, definitely have a crack!

[@DarrellW_UK]

Liked and subscribed, as a big fan of inexpensive guitars this idea is gold dust to me - gonna have a binge watch this avo!!!

[@J.C...]

Time to build one of these. I probably have all the parts already. Except a pedal enclosure. I do have a few breadboards though lol

[@joeyskar]

I just stumbled upon your channel and I really like what you're doing here. I watched 3 videos in a row that were highly educational and straight to the point. Your flow is great, explanation is fast which I love, and you play very well. I'm subscribed with the bell on, I look forward to learning more from you and thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@mintyfreshdeath7128]

Oh my god you made the video, and so quickly. You’re a legend!

[@ParapluieDefenestrator]

rad! i'm gonna build this for sure. thanks.

[@MrMillipeed]

Mate thanks for that, such a great idea. I bought one of your vintage ODs years ago and it finally gave up on me a couple of months - it is a brilliant piece of kit, top quality and I'll get it looked at by a local tech. I'm back in the UK now or I'd have come back to see you again. For anyone reading this I can't recommend Waylon enough. A thoroughly decent guy and hand makes the most incredible stuff.

[@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar]

Thanks so much!

[@adcary2008]

This is genius 👏 super awesome tool ! And thanks for sharing this video and links to the schematic/pedal !

[@plompyy]

This looks amazing! Can you help me understand how this is different than a tone knob? Caps are run in parallel and grounded to the tone pot. Could you help me understand how this functions differently? Thanks!

[@russellzauner]

Algorithm brought me - it's like the G&L OMG switch in a box, nice.

[@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar]

Thanks, glad you liked it!

[@mrrootytooty5797]

Thanks for the vid and for making the schematic available! ❤

[@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar]

No problem!

[@bradshannon862]

THANK YOU!!! I knew you would come through for us!

[@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar]

You are so welcome!

[@stuartp8658]

Thank you. This will be extremely useful to me. It is much appreciated that you are willing to share this with us.

[@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar]

Glad it was helpful!

[@0000song0000]

Dude, you are SO cool you didn't censor the capacitors or anything, so anyone can replicate a version of your idea even if they dont 100% nail the capacitor values ❤❤❤

[@jcb-ly9sm]

Insta-subbed from the previous gizmo video and insta-bought the schematic. Thank you for sharing and I hope you reap in the kiwi bucks from your innovative idea.

[@Bingopete71]

I'll be using the solderstud hash tag! ❤

[@sdy30]

Just been on your website and bought one of these. Making it would be fun, but I don’t the have the time to do that and I’m more than happy to support you and this channel, it’s great!Looking forward to trying it out.

[@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar]

Nice, thanks so much!!

[@ParedCheese]

Thanks! Great little project. I just bought the schematic and now I'm off to Aliexpress for some bits. :)

[@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar]

Nice!!

[@dr.gregoryweisswassernd7251]

Cool device and project. Thanks for sharing

[@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar]

No problem 👍

[@vejabill]

Awesome! This will be my first pedal very soon! Thank you sir!

[@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar]

No problem, have a blast :)

[@13druber]

Thank you so much. Im building one as soon as the parts come in

[@13druber]

Got all my parts yesterday and put it together! Wow, this is so cool. I have " fixed" my Prince tele. I was going to swap out the pickups, but now I have them dial in. Thank you again, 3 dollars, which was like 1.89 US, for the schematic! Thank you for sharing them.

[@toddbrous_untwist]

This is BRILLIANT! Thank you for creating this and sharing it with the world!

[@kennyh5083]

Not really! It's just the same as the caps you solder to the tone pot! You will never used the majority of the settings on this pedal, you should rather add alligator clips to the tone pot and swap caps until you find the ones that sounds best, then add a mini-switch to your guitar wired to the tone pot and include the caps that you like best, it's not rocket science and guitar techs have been doing this since forever! I use a mini switch with switchable .001/.010/.033 caps with my HB's and been doing so for over 35 yrs!

[@chipsngravy321]

Yep not new but convenient and the pedal/box form does not change the aesthetic of the guitar. @@kennyh5083

[@endlessnameless01]

Just found this and love the idea. If we ordered one from you can you add the cheat sheet to it? I would not be able to remember what capacitors are where

[@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar]

Thanks :) Yes all the capacitor values are listed in the manual when you purchase a Green Gizmo, cheers!

[@54fighting5]

This is such an interesting concept. Thanks for sharing. Now i have to get off my arse and actually give it a go. When the girls hear I am soldering I expect they will be lining up at my door😁

[@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar]

Haha, Glad you liked it!

[@SucksToBeYouRecords]

Thank you so much I really want to make one of these I could see it being used as a recording solution to get more tonal options 🤘

[@philw1562]

SOUNDS LIKE A COOL PROJECT, I USED TO SOLDER FOR A LIVING AT MCDONALD DOUGLAS UP HERE IN CANADA & KINDA MISS IT. SO THIS SOUNDS LIKE A GR8T LITTLE PROJECT. THANKS MUCH WAYLON & I'LL CHECK OUT YER OTHER PROJECTS, HECK THIS MAY INSPIRE ME TO TRY SOMETHING NEW MYSELF. KEEP ON A PLUCKEN BROTHER. MANY THANKS AGAIN, PHIL

[@crazydougthewolf]

Thanks for the great info!

[@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar]

Glad it was helpful!

[@joemanganese]

Well done!!!

[@pjmtry7]

This is Awesome!

[@SunsetPunk]

Yes!! Thank you 🥳👏🏻

[@SIMPle-BoXMaN]

Thanks for idea. I've built one and it's really helpful)

[@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar]

Glad I could help!

[@hockeyman2274]

I've watched 3 of your videos today - I learned a lot!

[@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar]

Glad you like them, thanks!

[@hwstokkan]

Looking forward to the humbucker -thingy at the back!

[@Tzuau78]

This is a great little tool. Def going to lose a tone pot for maybe a 7 selector version of this. Thank you… bought the schematic to chip in for a great vid 👍🏻

[@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar]

Cool idea, thanks!

[@dutchfpv7010]

Yeah, that's the move. The box is so useful that once you have it it seems silly to fix your pickups to one value. Why not have all the good choices available to you? Your way is def the best of both worlds. Have the 6 best choices plus a clean option. No box required. Way better than a tone pot. Thanks in advance for letting me steal this idea.

[@johnstitt2615]

Effectively we are dialling in our guitars when using this device to choose the right capacitor. The amount of money to be saved because of a crafty Kiwi.

[@sparks3019]

Thanks so much, Waylon!

[@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar]

No problem!

[@rafaelzengo5534]

Thanks for sharing. This could be a cool little project to work on. I’ll try to find the time. Would be great to revoice a strat bridge pickup to sound a little more substantial.

[@hodaboy1]

Michigan here.. Just ordered the schematics order number 4188. Can't wait to get building. Thanks for providing the schematics... sharing this video with all my fb friends.

[@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar]

Stoked, thanks for the share :)

[@fviannaval]

You're a legend, thank you.

[@jtech011ify]

I made something like this and installed it directly on a strat around 20 years ago. Great tones if you pick the right caps

[@ashrogersmusic]

Hey Waylon just stumbled upon your channel. Love the content, keep it up and see you in the shop at some point in the future :)

[@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar]

Cheers Ash, thanks!

[@MrGwg11]

Hello friend, i'm no where near your technical understanding, however, the knowledge share means a lot to me. Your video's are very well delivered, your very well spoken, and your expertise is clear. looking forward to more content. Cheers Friend!

[@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar]

Awesome, thank you!

[@stargazer279]

I really like this. I think you got something that electric guitar players should consider getting.

[@DukeStarbuckle]

Fabulous device! My main concern, though, is that your shop is entirely too clean. What are you hiding? 😆 Great and informative video. Thank you.

[@simonkormendy849]

I just bought a copy of the schematic, cheers!!!

[@MGC-1977]

I'd love to put this onboard my guitar. It would be great when switching between genres, rhythm bits, soloing, etc

[@stevejohnson5251]

I believe this is what B B King has on Lucille

[@sthi3396]

@@stevejohnson5251 Yes, a 6-way Varitone switch. Does the same as this 12-way version, but less subtle.

[@willacewallace5905]

This is a good mod to wire into the guitar itself. A standalone unit that can be installed as a knob unit itself. That will put the circuit as close as possible to the pickups lowering resistance created by cable lengths.

[@shawnhagerich2559]

That was my thought. It would be super fun!

[@willacewallace5905]

@@shawnhagerich2559 I just may. Rather than a standalone on/off switch, see if there is a push/pull switch. That way, all functionality is in one switch. I just did away with all tone pots and caps on my strat. I have the red, blue, silver Lace pickups drop-in pickguard. Just volume and wide open pups with a three way switch. Wicked hot strat. Warmoth, you can order a pickguard of your build choosing. I placed the volume in tone pot #2 location omitting the other tone pot holes. That way, the damn thing is outta my way. Always turning it down accidentally. Those Lace pickups rock. The bridge puts out 18 ohm.

[@Andres_VB]

hello great video, thanks for sharing. Do you thing it would be possible to put that inside the guitar? i mean geting a smaller rotary switch and install it inside the guitar?

[@hectoralegria3049]

Love it.

[@gabibartok4544]

Millions of thanks, i just finished building my one. Amazing results, i love it. Extremely useful in any given situation, im amazed especially as now i have just tested it with an octave-fuzz. Brilliant tool for studio use, but i have added a footswitch and a led so it could also live on a board. (for some reason when the led is on, i mean its connected to a power supply, it generates a little hiss on top. nothing serious just what a mild boost pedal would generate).

[@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar]

Very cool, so stoked! Yes a power supply can induce a little noise into the signal even when it's not connected to the audio path, cheers!

[@gabibartok4544]

@@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar im actually glad to hear that as it means i didnt screw up anything. Are there any ways to filter that noise tho?

[@TwoBassed]

Thank you!

[@johnnyxmusic]

Nice! We asked for it! ❤

[@bcjaliu]

So cool! Thanks for dropping such cool knowledge on us! What happens if you put a buffer/buffered pedal before the Green Gizmo? Will this obviate the need for using the shortest cable possible before the Gizmo?

[@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar]

All good thanks for check this out, if you used a buffer the capacitor would no longer be in parallel to the pickup and it would not work, cheers!

[@stubrakon9683]

Genius work!👍😃🤘😎

[@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar]

Thanks a lot!

[@dankygnome5083]

You’re my hero.

[@taytaytazermusic2539]

I just built one using your schematic and it sounds awesome! It's my first pedal build from scratch and I love it!!! Thank You!!!

[@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar]

Your Welcome, I'm stoked :)

[@dylannenneth]

Is it possible to make this pedal with slightly different caps?? I’m finding just a few hard to find

[@LovinMusic1965]

I have three caps in my lap steel. I just did the mini version of this with a three way toggle, after selecting caps. As stated before by another, the volume knob or volume pedal will obviously take any cap out of line. The biggest thing anyone can do as a player, is have fun, spend time, more than money on fun projects. If you choose, build this item, and if you add mini pots, CTS, 250 and then a 500 or 1000, you can directly line the guitar into it, then not only choose caps, but choose pot values for any guitar or circuit, or combination. Then just write down your results, and kick on the soldering iron. 😬😂 The possibilities, and the myths out there, you'll soon realise can be misleading with size or brands, or models. I'm not a scientist, but I also have taken caps from cheap things such as radios, or whatever I see at a garage sale I can use. Don't always get caught up in "guitar parts" as the end all. At one time James Buchanan had a dryer starter cap in a 50s telecaster. Why? Well listen to him on Austin City Limits, and I guess that's why. Have fun!!

[@congamike1]

Rats! I am in the USA so I have to use PayPal. I canceled my Pay Pal account last year. I would have enjoyed having one of these; you dialed in an awesome tone from that Bullet.

[@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar]

🙏Thanks to everyone who requested this video, The link to purchase the pedal or schematic is mcphersonmusic.site/product-category/pickups/the-green-gizmo%ef%b8%8f/

[@bulletsforteeth5029]

I never built a pedal before, but I'm fascinated by all the pedal building channels, so this should be a fun introduction to pedal building and learning how to solder things together. I just purchased the schematic and I'm looking at getting a soldering iron to take a crack at it, I can't play guitar as much as I used to, got a bad case of tennis elbow, so I need a new hobby, thanks for that.

[@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar]

@@bulletsforteeth5029 No problem, thanks!

[@mattyh2180]

Thanks for sharing, bought myself a copy of the schematic and went to jaycar for parts this arvo.

[@antoniorinaldi784]

Cool

[@danielhunter8008]

It's like a different type of varitone switch! I would want this in my Lucille!

[@fanbladeinstruments]

I'm going to build a version of this for bass, when I've worked out the cap values I'll send them to you so you can include them on your schematic.

[@bevinmodrak4997]

Really like this. Have you done one for bass and how different would be the capacitor values.

[@lrowlands53]

I finished building the box last night and had a good session trying it out this morning. It's great and I'm now considering installing it in my guitar, especially after seeing your other video. Thanks.

[@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar]

Awesome, great to hear!!

[@jamielodberg]

Schematic purchased, parts ordered, subscribed. You had me at Green! 😂

[@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar]

Awesome, thanks man!

[@jamielodberg]

@@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar Yeah! I went with polyester film caps, as it made it easier to find all the values in your series. Now I find myself wondering if I should've gone with polypropylene or something else 🤔 Which type of caps are you using in your green delight?

[@jimmie999999999]

subscribed! gonna make one!

[@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar]

Cool, thanks!

[@larsfrosznielsen3536]

Thank you so much. I builded something like that in my early teens, I just builded into a homemade fuzz and it gave me so funny sounds. I'll try to build this one, and it's a very usefull tool (and yes - I subbed you)

[@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar]

Great to hear, thanks!

[@larsfrosznielsen3536]

@@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar You are very welcome Waylon

[@bobbobberts]

in the mid 70s I had a GBX bass amp, it had a rotary (notch filter). In the preamp, The head was the preamp the amp was in the speaker cab.

[@confusedscreaming9727]

Fascinating stuff, reckon one could build something similar to audition values for a treble bleed?

[@erock.steady]

lol solderstud lmao that's funny that's a good laugh thank you

[@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar]

haha! Thanks!

[@jasonbright425]

Just finished building mine, its a silver gizmo (no paint). It works brilliant. I built a Strat with P90's and the bridge pickup was very harsh. I add a 1nF cap and now it sounds like it should. Thanks again.

[@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar]

Awesome🔥🔥

[@godsinbox]

dont underestimate a series cap. best for humbuckers. 150pf. worth an experiment.

[@wjniemi]

What a clever idea!

[@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar]

Thanks :)

[@1171karl]

1:03 its worth subscribing for that comment alone 😂

[@monstasonix]

You could wire a selector switch and some capacitor options into the guitar. In place of the tone knobs. I literally always have tone knobs wide open. Never use them. This is better!

[@monstasonix]

Yes. I’d never heard of that (never owned a Gibson) but I just checked out the schematic and yes it looks like it.

[@mikee6666]

Just saw the other vid (followed the link to this one), and that pickup mod was great. But this Gizmo! - I reckon this as a pedal would be far more handy to have on hand (for me personally). Love the idea of it! I know, I know, that's not what it's designed for, lol. But being able to revoice the guitar (any guitar) on the go could open up some interesting tone possibilities.

[@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar]

mcphersonmusic.site/product-category/pickups/the-green-gizmo%ef%b8%8f/