How To Build Guitar Pedals: Tools and Tips

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[@FuzzlordEffects]

Hey everyone thanks for watching! If you want some one on one help we can setup an online meeting to talk about pedals together or check out the monthly QA at www.patreon.com/fuzzlordeffects or join the DIY Pedals community through the Fuzzlord Discord Server discord.gg/KCnhM323

[@kirstencristobal3204]

That's the cleanest pedal circuit I've seen, no wasted space at all

[@FuzzlordEffects]

thank you Kirsten!

[@joshjames3356]

Can you please just narrate every how to video I ever watch. Seriously. Well put together, very direct and informative and professional.

[@tajmacall7181]

Never built a guitar pedal before but I am beginning my journey here! Now.

[@erikfeldmann5127]

Watching from Chapel Hill, NC, never put any pedals together. I'd like to see more videos like this on the channel!

[@FuzzlordEffects]

Will do!

[@alexvogel754]

Worked a lot with electronics in my engineering degree, but never for audio. Gonna definetely give it a go at some point. Will need to refresh my knowledge in transistors and amp circuits though xD

[@FuzzlordEffects]

V=IR

[@allenbemis2831]

Watching from The Dalles Oregon. Best videos I’ve seen so far, getting ready to build my first kit, I’ve got some electronics experience but not with circuitry, looking forward to starting the new journey. I’ve been playing music for 33 years and can’t wait to start this new path to building something new and using it to further the experience that is my love of music, listening, watching, playing and learning. Thank you for a wonderful video I will be watching them all!

[@conorfowler]

Jason, thanks so much for this content. Because of this, I was just able to build my very first DIY kit with no experience in soldering or electronics. Appreciate you sharing your expertise!

[@fraxz88]

Thanks for the full on tutorial. Lots of juicy information. I like the led .060 away from the switch to reach the leads. Measurements I can understand immediately.

[@FuzzImp]

Man! Jason I built my first kit on New Years 2021 and have since already gotten 6 builds up and running. Some of the tips and ease of use process improvements are HUGE that I picked up from this video

[@felinekaiju4517]

G'day from Australia!. Dude!, these vids are an invaluable resource and your voice make these vids a breeze to watch. Because of your in depth description without prattling on, I'm not switching off and actually absorbing knowledge. I can't wait to learn how to read a schematic and find a kit!. Cheers Jason, you're a legend & one of these days I'll either have the money or get in on time to get one of your pedals.

[@savannahalex]

Dude! I've just started making a space in my garage specifically for building pedals. This one and the last one of yours I watched have gotten me excited about getting started.

[@edward9571]

Checking in from Eugene, OR - proud to call you neighbor! I just ordered my very first pedal kit, a Mouse from BYOC, and am insanely eager to get going. You're legitimately a huge inspiration and your videos have taught me so much. Watching your build clips on IG is what's finally made me decide to make the dive. If I can do the soldering on my guitar volume/tone pots and can repair my enail's coil then I think I've got what it takes. Thank you so much, Jason!

[@davidstump]

Great video! I actually just got my first soldering station and DIY Pedal Kit(Fuzz) and I just wanted to say this video helped me get a plan of attack and feel a lot less nervous about starting tomorrow so thank you!

[@jameshutchinson1469]

Watched one of your videos a month ago, bought all the tools, and just built my first clone! Definitely need to buy a fan for the next one. Thanks!

[@hvince67]

French guy here, living in the UK. Over the years, for myself I built three tube amps (not just kits) and a couple of pedals from kits. I learned a lot from this video! Really love your work here, you're a top builder. From the graphics, how you wire the pedals, the way you're wiring and organised it's a pleasure to watch.

[@shawnbarron7900]

Watching from Long Island, NY. I've built a couple of kits, including a breadboard kit for a fuzz face. That was the most helpful in terms of reading a schematic. The breadboard kit turned into a point to point wired pedal, neat! Thanks!

[@theallseeingarmpit5519]

These are some of my favorite types of vids. I haven't built any pedals yet, but do plan on doing so.

[@FuzzlordEffects]

Doing our best to here to provide more in depth videos like this.

[@husq360na9]

Excellent!! Brought a lot of pieces of the recipe together and helped me understand the structure much better.

[@FuzzlordEffects]

So happy to hear that and thank you for watching!

[@bert_b13]

Never built a pedal but I bought a kit with no instructions just a list of components and their slots. I feel much better about building it now.

[@FuzzlordEffects]

I am so happy to hear that this was helpful. Good luck, take your time, and have fun!

[@goatsurgeon]

Definitely would like more videos like this - especially one about what the different components do to the sound, basically

[@kevinthomas3341]

Hi Jason. Watching from Wales in the UK. I’ve built 12 or 15 pcb based kits over the past few months, drilling and finishing enclosures when I can. It’s a process that I’ve fallen in love with, so I’m taking it to the next level and starting to build on vero board. Love your videos. Best wishes, Kev.

[@mrblablablabla]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, Jason. I’m looking into building my first pedal and this and your previous video really helped me to know what I need, and, more importantly, to give me the confidence to just go do it. The way you explained it made it seem super doable! :) Thanks for the inspiration!

[@huzrokhayzur2197]

Yo from France, started building a prototyping pedal with a breadboard to try different circuits for my bass. Loved your vid, well explained and organised 👌

[@thecruddybug4437]

Watching from Taiwan. Only got into pedals about 2 years ago, and now I'm getting an itch to try and build on. A simple overdrive/boost, just to see how to do it. Very excited to get started.

[@UncleGranda]

This Video couldn't have come at a better time, just recently got stuck on my first pedal kit, think I'll get back to it soon now, great video man

[@philmcguire7346]

Fun to watch, I made my first pedal a few weeks ago, a Christmas present for my brother, used a toner printer with magazine paper and a laminator for the pcb which came out really well, big muff green russian clone which sounds awesome and tuck me back to my band days, on my next pedal i will paint the pcb fo easier soldering and protection, use a step drill bit for the switch as the size i needed for the hole wouldn't fit my drill, ended up having to file the hole get it to fit, overall it was a great experience even though it didn't work off the bat, tuck a lot of trouble shooting to find the fault which turned out to be a very tiny short between a pad and another track but that sound when a i eventually got it working was amazing

[@midstar1820]

Austin, TX here! I've never built a pedal before-I haven't even used a soldering iron before! It's super intimidating, but you make it look so easy! Thank you for making a super informative and easy to follow video. I think I'm gonna shop for tools and beginner build kits now

[@uhhmaybe]

Really great video. Helpful for beginners like me who are considering a pedal build. I built a kit pedal about 15 years ago and am looking to get into building some more now and thought the way you presented information and the clarity in the video showing the steps was outstanding. Keep it up!

[@FuzzlordEffects]

Hey PRB glad it was helpful!

[@bobbriggs-firmin1560]

Thanks for being a very competent instructor. The tips take a lot of frustration right out of the equation. 👍

[@FuzzlordEffects]

Cheers 🤘

[@nebulabeyond]

Thank you Jason! This video is so thorough and informative! Love from Minneapolis, homie!!!

[@yummyklown9226]

I'm watching here in Kentucky. I've been interested in building pedals but haven't yet. Thank you for putting out information! A God among Gods.

[@Doomsayer1977]

I’m in Phoenix AZ. Starting my first build. Thank you for all the useful info man! I’m stoked. Love your channel broski 😎🤘🤘🤘

[@iamnickstoicu]

Watching from Nashville, just started getting interested in making pedals and these videos are such a help!

[@jasonward3565]

Watching from Wilmington, NC! Built one pedal with my dad when I was a teenager. I'd love to learn more on how to build all kinds of pedals.

[@baileymorgan75]

This is super helpful! Waiting for my first clone kit to come in and now I feel way more confident about getting in to this new found obsession 🤟

[@patrickpiche135]

Thank you very much Jason, it’s the best intro video step by step on making a pedal for the first time. Very good tips 🎸

[@FuzzlordEffects]

So happy to hear that thank you!

[@andreamonachesi9370]

Best accurate and useful video for a new lover of DIY Pedals world!

[@FuzzlordEffects]

🙏

[@eduruano]

Hello from Zaragoza, Spain. Today I’m going to start to solder my first pcb kit (a fuzz one) and this video was very helpful with the little details that make the difference. I use the pedal effects with my tuba in a progressive rock band 👹

[@FuzzlordEffects]

Good luck soldering Edu and have fun making your kit!!

[@murkfoot1155]

Watching from Cape Town, South Africa..... Very soothing watching someone solder joints. Thanks for sharing your tips!

[@FuzzlordEffects]

Thank you for watching and hello from Oregon USA 🎵

[@Arzac94]

I really want to start doing this as my profession and leave my current job. The joy I get out of watching these videos gets my more excited than anything. I just have trouble figuring out what's my 1st step. I have two diy that I have yet to start but I am so ready to find that step, earn the skill set and apply anywhere I can to get behind the desk and solder away

[@DARTHMOBIUS]

How did it go, You building pedals?

[@alexisdrosopoulos]

I'm making my own pedals, so I'm familiar with the whole process, but I enjoy watching other people's videos and their approach. Great instructional video and great sounding pedal! Would love to see similar videos in the future

[@FuzzlordEffects]

Cheers!

[@garyburginjr1366]

You guys are just so delightful

[@FuzzlordEffects]

🙏

[@liamsnor]

Thanks for this video man, I appreciate your calm demeanour

[@FuzzlordEffects]

Thanks for watching!

[@edloomingly7204]

Thanks for the info! Seriously looking into doing my own builds, great to see a point by point breakdown!

[@shannonoverton6752]

Watching from Georgia and loved the video. Planning to make my first pedal and would certainly like to see more videos like this

[@sebastiangrzelak1708]

Hello from Poland! I'm watching your videos for something like two weeks and I'm recorded my one-man doom project called Black Philip and right now I'm working on rebuild my old behringer super fuzz sf300 :)

[@FuzzlordEffects]

That is awesome Sebastian thanks for watching!

[@M1n1n1nh0]

Watching from Brazil. I am helping a friend of mine who wants to build one. Thanks for the How To!!! Great video!!

[@FuzzlordEffects]

Gracias por vernos!

[@baarbak8188]

excellent explanations. Thank you for sharing your experience

[@FuzzlordEffects]

thanks for watching!

[@user-dr6nw2zh1n]

Excellent video, thank you!

[@caseycuff877]

Watching from Barrie, ON Canada - hey! Super helpful video, I'm hooked on all your podcast eps now too. It's all very insightful. Building my first guitar pedal tonight, wish me luck!

[@joshrikard2730]

Huntersville NC! I just started an apprenticeship that is heavy on circuitry and my brother said I should look into building pedals!

[@gonzoduke6805]

Washington State here. I’ve modified a few of my pedals. Plan to put together a few kits. Then would like to start breadboarding and designing my own circuits. Great video. Thanks for the tips.

[@t871]

Im watching from NW Indiana. I play guitar and enjoy doing mods. My pedal collection is mounting, not really a problem, but now i want to make my own. I think i will take your suggestion and start with a kit, since i have never made one before.Thank you for the lesson! I feel more confident moving into this hobby.

[@pyroguitars1296]

Tony from Scotland. Thinking about trying a pedal kit after Mr Fuzzlord made that look so easy. Oh, to be able to solder as neatly as that!

[@KasperKillsTX]

Love the channel Jason! About to start my pedal building journey. Thank you for all the helpful information.

[@goliathfx]

I've just built my first pedal from a kit and wish I had watched this first! My next builds should be a little bit easier now. Thanks dude!

[@FuzzlordEffects]

Glad it was helpful!

[@StratTones]

This was so freaking enjoyable to watch! Thank you brother!🙏🙌👏🤝💪

[@joan2021]

You’ are amazing. Thank you so much for sharing this and the way you share it... priceless🙏🏻🙌🏻✨💚

[@FuzzlordEffects]

thanks for watching!

[@ChrisGraykickingteeth]

Watching from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Thanks for the great instruction - my teen and I are getting ready for our first pedal build. I love your methodical approach. Will be subscribing and watching!

[@cho03]

I have the parts for my first pedal on the way, and the instructions were a little vague! Your video has helped me a great deal. Thanks ❤️

[@FuzzlordEffects]

So happy to hear you are going to make your first pedal! Have fun (:

[@riclis0959]

watching from AZ! this stuff blows my mind and i hope to one day in the future start building some pedals myself. just getting into guitar and wanted to learn about how these pedals are really built

[@toddmcombs]

In the middle of my first pedal….loved it, thanks!

[@FuzzlordEffects]

Have fun building!

[@chillipp]

Watching from northern Germany. Awesome video man, I was really looking forward to this. Clean builds and super comprehensive explanation, much appreciated ! Although, I’d suggest that you consider the following: set the pots into the enclosure, put the pcb onto the lugs, tighten the nuts, and then solder the lugs to the pcb. In this way you’d prevent physical stress on the solder joints. ✌️😎

[@jacothejeweller]

Your work is very tidy. My dad build my first amplifier and electronics was his hobby which created this strange childhood flashback which has been haunting me for the past year. Your video has inspired me to dive into this genetic inevitably and I thank you for that. South African watching from Oxfordshire in England.

[@FuzzlordEffects]

So happy to hear you want to build!!

[@marcum211]

Great video thanks for your efforts. You were nice to listen to & comprehend. 🖖

[@marcelocorrea1980]

Hi Jason, greetings from Berlin. i bought a pedal kit to build a B3K clon, with the help from a friend. I really want to start building my own pedals. Thank you for sharing all this info man, i´ll take your advice while putting all the components together. Cheers!!!

[@SewnShutEyes]

London. Never built a pedal before but planning on having a go soon. Really helpful video.

[@yodhanhunter]

Hello from Grand Rapids, MI. I have built a few kits as well as modded some as well. I just finished a Mosrite Fuzzrite Kit and am starting a Shin-ei Companion Fuzz. I also took your advice and started looking at some websites with Vero layouts and have the stuff to build a LPB1 type boost and a modded version of the Acapulco Gold with an added volume control. Thanks for this video. I am enjoying building pedals and love all the information you help with.

[@FuzzlordEffects]

That’s so awesome!!!!!! I bet you are having fun hearing lots of rad pedals that you are building yourself!

[@NZ1one1]

Watching this from New Zealand; just looking at builing my first kit pedal - maybe a Klone or TS. Couple of good tips and watchouts from your video so thanks for your efforts making the video and explaining the process clearly.

[@ottoklammer3435]

By far some of the best advice I've gotten out of trying to teach myself to build guitar pedals. I wish I could have saved myself about a years worth of time in finding information and tips from all over the internet, and instead found this one video to start! I've built from kits and really want to design my own stuff but I'm still working through understanding mods and circuits.

[@FuzzlordEffects]

I am really glad this helped Otto! Thanks for watching

[@bradmock3516]

Getting ready to build my first kit, GGG Stratoblaster. This video was very helpful will probably watch it several times before I start. I hope to be skilled soon to build the Hjart Muller kit I have coming. Thanks.

[@jamesstonehouse3448]

That's such a pristine layout!

[@FuzzlordEffects]

Well thank you James!!!!!

[@dayglo98]

Hi ! I'm from Montreal Canada, looking to build my first pedal. I studied electronics 20 years ago but didn't use it so much so I need to brush up. Great vid !

[@bws626]

I love these pro tips!

[@freeelectron8261]

Sounds and looks great!

[@robgoodfellow]

nyc. never built. did some soldering when I was a kid plus some finger blistering, carpet, and wood burning. you did a great job with this video, kind and ever clear delivery. I'll look for more pedal bldg videos like this by you. I have some loose jacks that may need rehab and one of these days I'd like to switch out switches on a DL-4. this is soldering video great, good confidence bldg, because I'd like to clone some of pedals I have and rehouse some ehx boxes into more reasonable sizes. thank you for doing your work!

[@usonia1033]

watching from las Vegas, thank you Jason, building my first soon

[@nikk0k]

Watching from Toronto, Ontario, I just bought my first kid (BYOC Classic OD), and I have never soldered anything before. I found this video very useful! I would've done things hilariously inefficiently. Basically my plan was to put in each part one by one... Good to see you can put a good chunk of components in at a time!

[@Alexmariog7]

Watching from El Salvador, trying to get some knowledge to build my very first fuzz pedal, I love vintage germanium fuzz faces, I’d love building a SRV tone fuzz with a really nice clean up 👌🏻🖤 thank you very much for taking the time to put people on the right expectation about this pedal world! Peace ✌🏻

[@darrellowe4208]

You are a natural teacher! Thanks! Want to build a pedal, looking for whatever I need to know. Think this is a great resource.

[@FuzzlordEffects]

glad it was helpful Darrel!

[@flamindigo]

best assembly video I've seen. None of them are that good because it's hard to get good camera angles on the tight work spaces. But, this one made up for that with good explanations.

[@FuzzlordEffects]

I am glad you liked it and really appreciate that!

[@gargantula3274]

Great video, I've been studying design of distortion/fuzz pedals for a while but I'm only just now starting to try bringing them forth into the physical realm. So far starting small and failing miserably, but working through it. lol, Anyway, thank you for sharing all the great advice with all of us amateurs.

[@billwright6893]

Just about to build first kit, lots of useful tips.

[@clairecampbell8328]

Scotland here :D Started out with a handful of kits from fuzzdog uk. Fell in love and recently been messing around with and prototyping a Superfuzz rooted circuit! As well as a handful other designs, but the Superfuzz circuit really is my obsession lately. Can’t stop changing what this could be and need to tie it down to something specific, the circuit is just so bloody flexible. Really want to make something innovative and eye catching and would love for a hobby to become some kind of an income. Got some plans for a brilliant enclosure when it’s ready too! Nothing the likes anybody has seen before. Can’t wait to have something to show. Another great video man keep em coming and Doom on.

[@FuzzlordEffects]

Cheers!

[@GroundbreakGames]

Thanks man. Very helpful!

[@renegadecycling7167]

This is great and motivates me to build my own pedal.

[@OutstandingBill1]

That is some beautiful work you're doing there! I'm watching from Wellington, Aotearoa (New Zealand). I've recently designed and built my own tremolo pedal with a rather unique waveform sculpting feature. I'm figuring out how to make it a product. Thanks for this.

[@adamr2684]

Outstanding video! Seriously, your advice and commentary on how to solder was great. All the tips and tricks! I've never done a pedal before but I've installed, wired, and tested some of the busiest commuter railroad interlockers in the country! Why do I find this to be more confusing??? I think its because I need to know how it all works. I need to know what the components do and why that wire goes there. Great vid Jason! Thanks for sharing!

[@FuzzlordEffects]

Thanks for watching Adam and glad you liked this one! Electronics are indeed mysterious! ~Jason

[@laaronml]

This video was great! Now I want the rest of the masterclass. Where to get parts, how to design and manufacture the PCB board, get the enclosures made, etc.

[@FuzzlordEffects]

If I ever retire from pedal making I would love to make a full series and document everything I have to pass on to the next generation of builders (:

[@moustaphabalde7581]

im from pennsylvania and ive never built a pedal before, i have however opened them up and glanced at them and to be honest theyre simpler than i thought which is why i think im going to take up pedal building! i would love to see more videos like this

[@FuzzlordEffects]

Cheers and hope you have fun making some!

[@Atzrael]

Watching from Minneapolis, MN. I will be attending school for electrical engineering and aim at building a similar path for myself! I would deeply value to see more of this kind of content, I appreciate the insight you bring to what your process is like. Hoping to pick up the Nazarene Octave fuzz when it releases!

[@danibevito]

Watching from Bolivia , i love these videos

[@FuzzlordEffects]

Cheers and thank you for watching!

[@francois-josephguillaume3853]

I've assembled a PCB kit pedal, and that was a amazingly relaxing !

[@FuzzlordEffects]

Nice!!!

[@deadlyjrmint253]

This video is rad man. Thank you so much. Watched on my lunchbreak and now I want to dive into this hobby. Wanna build a fuzz factory clone for my first. This video gave me a lot of confidence towards doing it! Awesome job.

[@FuzzlordEffects]

Best of luck on your first build and those are such fun pedals!!

[@bobniles8883]

Great video! Watching from Denver, CO and I'm gearing up for my first several builds (mainly ODs). This was incredibly informative! Thanks so much!

[@FuzzlordEffects]

I’m so happy this was helpful Bob have fun building those pedals!!

[@Obradoom]

Trying to get some inspiration for making pedals myself and this video is the thing I needed. Thanks!

[@FuzzlordEffects]

Have fun making pedals!

[@Gatecreeper69]

You’re a legend for giving us all insight on this. Thanks so much brother!

[@FuzzlordEffects]

Glad you got a kick out of seeing it and will do more of these videos this year!

[@spiderseller1688]

Loved the video! From Canada and have build some one knobber fuzz pedals!

[@igavehimadollar3354]

really interesting stuff now ive got to find wear i buy all the bits and pieces for my next hobby