What is the point Guv?

H

HamishR

Well-known member
I like to look through the schematics of recent pedals listed here to see what is happening inside. It's interesting to see if I can pick up on what the circuit is based on, if anything (and usually it is, as we know), and how designers might try to improve/alter things to come up with a different sound. I have zero issues with someone using an existing design to make something new. A few clever changes here and there can radically change the way a pedal sounds, after all. I don't have the nous to design a pedal from scratch but I can keep myself amused for hours trying modifications to things.

As I am quite keen on a good MIAB I was interested to look at the schematic of the Alexander Jubilee. What can it do to bring a fresh idea to the MIAB sound? Well, nothing it seems. It is a 1:1 exact copy of one version of the Marshall Guv'nor pedal. If you compare the schematic to the Guvnor you might see C4 is different, but I believe some Guv'nors did in fact come with that 68nF cap there. So what is the point of making an exact copy?

If that's what you want to do then why not say so? I know for some time a Marshall Guv'nor wasn't available new from Marshall, so I think it's ok to say that if you want one here - we are making one. Otherwise why not come up with some way of making it better/different/with new features? What is the point of just making a straight copy? There are plenty of overdrives based on an existing design but which have a useful improvement in them. The Protein version of the Bluesbreaker comes to mind. Why not try different diodes, tweak the tone stack or include a boost or something?
 
HamishR said:
I like to look through the schematics of recent pedals listed here to see what is happening inside. It's interesting to see if I can pick up on what the circuit is based on, if anything (and usually it is, as we know), and how designers might try to improve/alter things to come up with a different sound. I have zero issues with someone using an existing design to make something new. A few clever changes here and there can radically change the way a pedal sounds, after all. I don't have the nous to design a pedal from scratch but I can keep myself amused for hours trying modifications to things.

As I am quite keen on a good MIAB I was interested to look at the schematic of the Alexander Jubilee. What can it do to bring a fresh idea to the MIAB sound? Well, nothing it seems. It is a 1:1 exact copy of one version of the Marshall Guv'nor pedal. If you compare the schematic to the Guvnor you might see C4 is different, but I believe some Guv'nors did in fact come with that 68nF cap there. So what is the point of making an exact copy?

If that's what you want to do then why not say so? I know for some time a Marshall Guv'nor wasn't available new from Marshall, so I think it's ok to say that if you want one here - we are making one. Otherwise why not come up with some way of making it better/different/with new features? What is the point of just making a straight copy? There are plenty of overdrives based on an existing design but which have a useful improvement in them. The Protein version of the Bluesbreaker comes to mind. Why not try different diodes, tweak the tone stack or include a boost or something?
Click to expand...

Absolutely. I definitely prefer it when a builder just says what a pedal is based on and if it's a part for part clone or not.
 
My 2¢

The whole "based on" etc language was a CYA. I don't recall the exact details, but my recollection was either direct or threats of direct legal action towards the OG board and kit makers was very real, particularly with the klone wars. Again, might be misremembering.

Personally I don't mind the language, and usually there's enough hints in the marketing or build doc information to let on if it's a 1:1 or modified circuit. Though I'll agree that's not a guaranteed, quick solution.

I think some builders do want to experiment, and some want to go vanilla (I don't like that term, because real vanilla is a wonderful flavor fight me) and just have a clone of something they can't get.

I also think some circuits in their original state are just flat, and modifications are in order. As much as I like the Super-Fuzz, I couldn't help but tinker with it: improving output volume, part value changes, tone blend pot, etc..

It's also cool to get a builders take. I think one of the many strengths of @bean 's build docs is the notes on suggested modifications/value changes on a number of his builds.

For simpler circuits, there's always breadboard.
 
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I agree with that 100%. I don't get the point of making a 1:1 clone instead of trying to improve upon it in some way and make it your own. I guess if it's something that's out of production (like a Univibe or even an OCD) a 1:1 clone makes more sense. There's only so many ways to amplify and distort a signal, but you can still be creative.
 
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