Let's get nerdy: 3 types of tone control circuits & how they work

[@wampler_pedals]

Which was your favorite type of tone control in this video? *Bluesbreaker style tone control *Big Muff style (types 1 and 2) *Tube screamer style

[@kampfkustomer2343]

They all had a good quality to them tbh, the muff 1 and 2 seemed the biggest/ballsiest. The BB had a nice 'Marshall' thing going on too.

[@soundpropellerpatrick113]

I love these kinds of videos! My favorite is probably the Big Muff 1 & 2, but of course depends on what I'd be using it for. Zero boredom here. Looking forward to your new mod book, when it comes out.

[@andrewbettis4247]

I like the tube screamer tone control but I think that's mainly just because I like tube screamers. I don't know that my ear is refined enough to fully grasp the distinction of the different tone controls... As an end user I really just tend to go with what sounds good to my ear lol

[@elvyfoster7455]

I really liked the first and second variation of the Big Muff tone control.

[@frownonline]

Wasn't aware you had a book! Will look it up. Is the new version going to be downloadable? I'm sure you'd sell loads if they were selectable as individual PDFs...

[@Texasbluesalley]

TBH, I'm mostly here for the goat content.

[@wampler_pedals]

Same

[@allanwhittick2930]

Same, goats are brilliant.

[@soundpark_]

By the way, your “”nerdy” vídeos started me on building pedals. A month ago I didn’t know anything, yesterday night I was able to finish my FF clone from scratch! It’s still on my breadboard but I learn a lot with theses videos!

[@riccardofioretti9743]

You're not the only one ;-)

[@richosburn]

Absolutely love these videos. I’d put it like this: over the past several years my daughter dreaded science classes in school. I’d tell her “hey, science is great...you just need the right teacher.” She came home after the second week of middle school this year and said “oh my god, I really like chemistry...my teacher...she’s awesome!” That’s you, Brian. You’re really exceptional at communicating and teaching technical information and concepts to a broad and diverse audience. I really appreciate your willingness to take the time to do these “clinics.” Have a great weekend. Cheers!

[@fishypaw]

Totally agree. In college, many years ago, my electrical engineering lecturer was not good, so I struggled. I wish I would have had a teacher like Brian.

[@Lantertronics]

This is the most important channel relating to guitar effects on KZbin.

[@matthieuforte7618]

1:18 low pass filter 5:07 Big Muff style 1 (scooped) 7:12 Big Muff style 2 (bump) 9:25 TS Style (active filter)

[@PatrickLewis88]

I am officially a student at Wampler University! Been learning to build pedals just bought 3 breadboards. My first schematic was the little brother of the big muff "Muff Fuzz"! Now I'm on to the big muff. The "big muff" tone control is quite clever. After a few more schematics I plan to build my own overdrive. Would have not been possible without these videos! Thanks again!

[@mattflickinger8151]

I wish all pedals came with more explanation of how and what the tone control is exactly doing. Or even just the general EQ of what is not controllable but effected

[@nathanmontover1436]

Thanks so much for taking the time to make these videos! My sons and I (13,14, 15years old) started building pedals in 2018 just for ourselves. A lot of that initial inspiration came from watching your channel and your videos. Now we are getting the hang of things and relying more on schematics than build instructions. As most parents are aware, sometimes kids learn best from someone other than a parent, and for aspiring pedal builders there's not much for them to glean outside what I show them. We are building two fuzz pedals this weekend and I'm going to dangle this video in front of them - and they'll bite!! You've helped me out a bunch and I just wanted you to know. Thanks, man!

[@wertherellerbrock]

Nope, not boring at all! It's super cool and interesting that you have these kinds of videos, with circuit analysis and a more 'technical' approach. I love them! I think the DIY community owes you a great deal Brian! Thanks!

[@gainstageeffects1235]

As a DIYer, circuit analysis videos are definitely my favorite. The more detail the better. I also wish they were longer. Either way, love all your videos!

[@darkallyrecordings4931]

2 years later, but your videos have kept me busy the past few days. Love the in depth stuff!

[@drewgoebel64]

Yep, love this type of video. Especially enjoy learning more about how the standard pedals like the tube screamer and the big muff tone control differ from each other. I had no idea!

[@OmarDelReal45]

If this is the new content you are working on, this is the channel ive been looking for 15 years.(yeah before youtube). In 2005 I remember trying to do an overdrive from this spanish website that had some tips for creating your own tubescreamer and I was hooked but I wanted to know the ins and outs of the circuit. This is gold for people that want to go beyond the simple knowledge

[@AndiKravljaca]

These videos are absolutely great. No one goes into circuits the way you do. I asked a question on a forum the other day, just about this. How does the tone control on a tube screamer actually work in a circuit? You just answered it for me. Keep these videos coming, please!

[@l1feson]

Thanks for this video. I’ve been helping my daughter with her major school project, making a dual boost/drive pedal, which has allowed me to gain some insight into effects circuits. I’m hooked, and your videos have really helped. What I’d really like to know is different ways to wire up 3PDT switches, to have each channel truly independent (for her pedal one runs into the other), how to make quiet circuits and how to achieve true bypass. We’re working on a breadboard test bed similar to yours! Thanks from the UK

[@michaelrice8187]

The big muff type 2 was my favorite. Please keep these videos coming. My 11 year old son and I are building and mod-ing some pedals. Please keep the nerdy videos.

[@scottmartinezguitarandbass]

Yes, more of these videos please. As a budding hobbyist pedal builder I find it incredibly interesting. My Tone preferances are 2, 1 and then 3.

[@StealthParrot]

Love the technical detail. Would be helpful to run a side-by-side comparison of the different tones though.

[@jonathanjohnson2427]

Like after demonstrating 3 options make a short segment of each playing for 5 seconds so it is closer to a side by side listen - will help us hear the distinctiveness of each.

[@aaronherdman5008]

I just got my copy of How to Modify Guitar Pedals. It was $69 on amazon. Pretty expensive but the knowledge I expect to gain will be worth at least hundreds of dollars in pedals I will no longer need to buy. Thanks for all this, Brian!

[@zapp442]

Just ordered the book. I am getting more into these circuits now that I am building my own guitars and basses. Thank a lot!

[@andrewbettis4247]

Well I too like the nerdy videos. I'm going on 46 years old this year so I spent a lot of time as a guitar student not understanding pedals and stuff like that.. so I listen to these videos passively. The majority of it goes over my head but bits and pieces of it to creep in and take effect and it helps me understand overall tone in the grand scheme of things so keep it up...

[@brainsplosion3000]

your nerdiness is one of my favorite things about you, as a viewer.

[@BravoColl]

Favourite was the blues breaker style. I definitely want to see more of these types of vidoes Brian, I love hem, even though I don't mod pedals at all.

[@robertagnello2568]

Keep doing Need Talk. There's barely any amp designers going over electrical engineering, and even less for pedal designers. Electrical engineering is where the real tone is and we're hungry. Also love the book, will buy the sequel.

[@700Strat]

Ears down the TSS#3. LOVE these videos. Where else can one go to get that kind of helpful information? THANK YOU, Brian, for sharing. Pro tips and tricks are always welcome and hard to come by.

[@highernoon]

This was very accessible for a nerdy video. I'm in favor of you keep making these videos, even if at times they are way over my head.

[@JKMV13]

I think these videos are great! Keep them coming. For me, seeing the schematic and simulation really helps. The way you do these videos helps me bridge the gap between the engineering and the real-world implications.

[@ceezgtr]

Thanks Brian for not only sharing your wealth of knowledge & experience,but also the passion & hard work you put into these videos! Ive learned a lot from you; both from your book & through these vids. Also own several of your pedals & your brilliance definitely comes through on them! Keep up the excellent work; looking forward to getting your new book when it comes out. Out of thee 3 circuits, my favorite was the second. God bless & keep you & your loved ones! Peace!

[@pukbobo1423]

This video is great! I would love for you to do more videos like this. Also just looking at basic parts of the various circuits and explaining them like you did here. Filters, clipping, components. I think a lot of people who watch your channel would like a little more in-depth on the nerdier sides of it all and don't find it boring in the slightest.

[@ER-yq1lc]

I'm teaching my son electronics for homeschool including breadboarding basic circuits, we just watched this together. Led to a nice discussion on hi-pass and low-pass filters and branched out into speaker crossovers and differences between MI applications and playback applications. He said "that's pretty cool" and stayed for the whole video, which is high praise for a 15 year old. Thank you for the nerd content!

[@truenorthpedals1085]

I thoroughly enjoy these videos where we get nerdy. I definitely lean towards the BB and BM type tone controls.

[@groovee63]

I truly appreciate the knowledge you share...In the late 70s, I took electronics classes in high school...Yes , we worked on tube tv's of the day...I always wanted to build a drive pedal early on....At the time , just didn't have the resources...I learn more on your videos...Again, thank you much!

[@robertmulcahey868]

I love these videos that are more technical. I've done several of the mods you've posted in the various forums and love these videos!

[@BlackHoleForge]

I was so surprised to see these two goats. I'm so used to seeing the cat. May you be glad to know, the even though this video is 2 years old, the knowledge is still useful today. Thank you for sharing both your knowledge, and your opinion.

[@bobrg1459]

Favs were the BB and Muff #2. I have your first book and love it! I guess I'm a nerd because I really like your presentation of circuit differences and the sounds they produce. Keep up your great work!

[@WinfriedSitte]

This gives me a whole new understanding of when and why to use which drive pedal! Thanks Brain. And your goats rock!

[@RichardCowdrey]

The accuracy of the intonation on your guitars always astounds me. Well done!

[@steveroth8961]

Big fan of these types of videos even though I'm not planning to become a pedal builder any time soon. They really help my knowledge on the subject. Hope that you keep doing them. Thanks for everything you're willing to share!

[@FaeroBass]

Love these "nerdy" videos where you explain how the circuits work! Please make more of these! :D

[@monoceroxbeast]

by now you know the videos are great; what i am most thankful for are the schematics and graphs of component effects, and that you plugged your book: will be buying. salud, sir!

[@alverduratonejunkiealveram1017]

If people get bored let them skip it, we love these videos man!! Keep doing them

[@rikmcrae]

Great video. I love this type of content and you make it so understandable and relatable. Nobody else is doing that. The circuit diagrams and frequency graphs help visual learners make senses of the sound differences. I liked the mid-boost “big muff” tone stack the best. Sounded great. Big and thick but also I imagine it will cut through a mix.

[@jcuempire]

I love these videos. They are so helpful in understanding how pedal circuits work. Learning is never boring! Thanks

[@joeyscott4299]

I love these types of videos !!! A real eye opener for me ! I've been building small transistor amps for a year or so and lately I've been focusing on preamps and tone controls so this is right down my alley , Thank You for sharing !

[@IrishEliteForce]

I love these more nerdy videos and learning more about how the circuit topologies change the sound. Thanks for making great videos man!

[@moonbeen101]

these videos are straight up my alley. Thanks for all the hard work, bring me great joy when I'm at work

[@garyturner3085]

For the most part it goes over my head. I tend to save these videos and as I learn more about pedals from you and all the other guys I go back and watch and a few more blocks fall into place. Thanks Brian 👍

[@DanielGonzalez-mb9hg]

My favorite videos from you are the nerdy ones! I've yet to build a real pedal (outside of spice), but it's still very enlightening and entertaining.

[@i_have_crippling._.depress4630]

these kind of videos are absolutely my favorites, I just activated the KZbin bell to see these videos at the moment you post them

[@luclou8636]

Hi Brian , absolutely go further with this lessons , like to get more of this tone and how to get more transparant or more headroom , dynamics in the sound. Looking forward to it.

[@kmacksb]

I have your book and I love it, both because of the mods and because of what it teaches about the circuits in general. (And for the record, I *love* these types of videos.)

[@adamandvanessawilson2654]

Great video! More of this! 1. It would be helpful for me to hear, at least a little bit, how turning the pot affects the tone in each one. 2. I would love for you to explain how certain values affect certain frequencies and the difference, from a circuit perspective, between a LPF and HPF. I know it was on the graphic, but I think it would be helpful to hear it explained too. Thanks for doing this!!!

[@bobconklin9250]

I love this stuff. I would love to see you dive even deeper in these videos. Maybe it could even be a separate series.

[@mikeharris2650]

Lovin the nerdy stuff from the future. Appreciate the frequency curves. 👍

[@Yupppi]

You know the nerdy stuff like your own pockets so it only makes sense that people want to watch you because of that. That's your cup of tea so to speak. That's why I followed when I first saw "that dude really nerding it out like I haven't seen others do and I'm learning". And the focus on drive pedals is never on tone control so the topic of the video makes also a lot of sense. That mid bump on the Friedman sounds so sweet though. Amazing growl.

[@juyanine]

this type of content is gold, even if I'm not able to design or modify a pedal circuit by myself.

[@bryantwalley]

Love to see how these things work. Liked the sound of the big muff mod with the mid boost.

[@joehub13]

Thumbs up! Thinking about moding goats too? Seriously now: big muff 2 is super interesting.

[@garymoore1567]

Brian, I enjoy these nerdy type videos. I would like to see one on the pros and cons of different types of distortion circuits: op amp + diodes, discrete transistors, CMOS, etc.

[@richardchambless12]

Please do more videos like these. I’m a pedal builder (just as a hobby), so the nerdy stuff is my thing!

[@haveagoodone5830]

The geeky stuff, the breadboarding stuff IS why I'm watching the channel in the first place, - and I haven't soldered anything more complexed than a bedside lamp switch. I just want to understand what I am doing wrong with my rig and how to make it all work better for me This, and how great of a host Brian makes.

[@brianelza9807]

Absolutely love the diagrams and explanations!!! Please keep them coming!

[@MrMitchb6]

I don't specifically like these types of videos but I think they are important. I will watch them but feel like a lot goes over my head but I think they are a great resource for the folks who are interested in schematics and building pedals. I like that there are multiple avenues of gear knowledge available.

[@FamilyTreeRG]

All pedals videos guys should nerd out more. I’ve learned so much watching videos

[@4034miguel]

Excellent explanation of how tone controls work and their tonal results. I like the big muff type with the mids scooped. Sure, this are the more interesting videos. The make me understand how things works with the circuits.

[@highergrounds8018]

I came for the nerdy and was not disappointed! Glad to see you back dude!

[@mattives6942]

Liked big muff #2 best. I enjoyed the video as well. I usually spend at least an hour watching your videos each time I spark one up

[@dbjardim]

This is exactly the kind of content we need! I like the big muff with the mid scoop because it's simple and scoop the mids in the process

[@jimamsden]

Great video. I love the in depth descriptions of how things actually work: what they sound like, what they look like and how they work. This is unique and valuable contribution.

[@trevordeke]

My only complaint is that these videos are not nerdy enough! There is so much misinformation out there and it is really, really, REALLY great to see the truth. If you wanted to do a series of short videos on the individual parts of the circuit, I'd be absolutely ecstatic. Questions I can't find the answers to, but probably have simple answers: 1) what is all that stuff in the power supply part of the circuit? 2) what is the difference between an inverting/non-inverting circuit (other than phase)? 3) why does everyone else sound awesome when they use a Rat, but when I use on the tone control is either way too bright or way too dark, with no happy medium? Is it because the slope of low pass filter is too extreme? Is there a way to mod it so it sounds more like the Bluesbreaker tone circuit? Thanks Brian. You are the best.

[@jongangloff8076]

just watched this video, these are the kinds of videos I want to see more of. in fact, I really want to see a video on how similar pedals modify the guitar signal with an oscope, how different values of components affect behaviour and sound, etc etc. more nerd stuff! you name it, i wanna watch it.

[@DavidEllis-rw1of]

I enjoy the additional details you go into. You are very good at explaining things without getting too far in the weeds. I liked the second tone control best. BTW I have three of your overdrive style pedals.

[@shovington67]

Cant get enough of these videos, and their epiphany moments in my little brain ! Thanks so much for explaining the regular type tone controls, that's extremely helpful. I want everything to have a 31 band eq by default, it just becomes difficult when talking real estate on a pedal.

[@teddydavis3504]

The pedal I want the most, is a pedal that just has 2 foot switches; one is off/on, the other is boost, and it sounds like the pedal in this video with the TS tone control; no knobs.

[@WolfGuitarsandGear]

I love this type of content. Big muff type 2 with the mid hump sounded the best on this example.

[@kosmicwizard]

I like these videos, Brian. I am glad your break was short. :) My favourite was the second #2 that bumps the mids in a big muff, imho that would help muffs to sit better in the mix. Cheers!

[@timeforpudding6338]

Not to be "that guy", and I know this comment will never be seen, but what you designate as the high pass filter is actually the low pass filter. And vice versa. Love the videos! You the man.

[@guitarcrazyholman325]

Love this. I am always trying to wrap my head around this stuff. I love guitar electronics and shaping tone

[@Craig_Fussell]

Great video man! I prefer the Bluesbreaker tone control. Recently did my own A/B/C comparison with my pedals, but didn’t know why I liked it best, but your explanations of the controls and what they do helped me understand the sound I prefer!! Thanks! ✌🏻🎸

[@alex-solo]

I watched this while I was soldering my own pedal. So more nerdy stuff like this!

[@JS-ir7wh]

You really know how to play a tone demo on that guitar. badass. I enjoyed the technical parts of this.

[@EricMooreGuitar]

Pedal 2 for me! Awesome video and gives me a much better understanding of how the pedals work. Now I have to go find that book.

[@nick.raptis]

Goats and Electronics. I'm sold! These "building blocks" videos are great

[@jasonsisk61]

I love these nerdy videos. I prefer #3. Looking forward to the new book!!

[@cicciothelynx]

I like all three types! They gonna be useful in different types of circuit situation, giving color to the whole pedal tone. And of course, I would love other videos of this format! You're work is stunning!

[@savyur66]

Great Video. Your book has been very helpful the past couple years. My Blues Driver and GE-7 sound great with your mods.

[@jimbucket2996]

You don't have to get nerdy, you're there already, that's why I hit the subscribe button.

[@michaelmcnamara9919]

I thought that was fantastic and I actually loved time 2 the Big Muff..great job and please continue more of these...

[@thewaltzinggorilla8533]

I love your full nerd vids. I have had a copy of your book for some number of years and refer to it regularly. I prefer control #2, which kinda explains having a Ram's Head Big Muff on my pedal board.

[@Heamex]

These types of nerdy but not too nerdy videos are just what someone like me, who is getting into designing and building pedals needs! Keep up the great work. Ps always a fan of the big muff style tone control, but how about another one with others like the baxandall tone control in?

[@marvod]

I love all your videos Brian. Especially the technical ones. I'm not a "muff" fan so anything but for me. Bluesbreaker more than Tube screamer. Thanks!!

[@GoodGodFatherGGF]

These are very useful to me. For too long I've been the victim of "modded pedals", from friends who thought they were doing me a favor, only to find that I had a problem on my hands that I needed to solve. Right now, it's a germanium transistor boost/fuzz, that's basically two in one, and needs some serious help. The friend who built it for me (who I paid $300 to do so), has no idea how or what he did to build it, so I'm entirely on my own if I want a useable $300 pedal. It's crazy, I know, but it's a good excuse to learn. Cheers, and thanks for the great content.

[@JDGreen916]

Great video - and my vote is for the second (mid-pushed) "Big Muff" style circuit.

[@Juddypoos]

Definitely keen for more of these videos!

[@fascisthippy]

Such great series of videos man... really been enjoying these. Would love to see more in-depth videos on something like a Bucket Brigade Delay or an octaver.

[@justovision]

Yes, I'd definitely like to see more technical discussion and circuit-analysis.

[@amethysttalon3507]

I love these kinds of videos! Please do share more of your expertise!

[@sweeterthananything]

hey Brian, i loved this and all your previous circuit design videos. it isn’t boring because it’s YOU - you’re a great educator and you put the right emphasis on things that actually do matter and aren’t trivial mojo-woo, like simple RC networks. and it helps that your sense of humor and ultimate intent to rock & roll is always part of it. if you enjoy teaching these topics, then don’t be afraid of boring us, even if it’s not your entire subscriber base who get something out of it.

[@ChewinOnCrayons]

#1 sounded great to my ears! Hell yeah, do more of these. It’s freaking awesome!