Paragon, Cast iron and GuitarPCB Luna Fuzz

[Synchrony Pedalworks]

I have been behind on my build reports, so I've got a few included in this post. I've got some other builds, but waiting to order some different knobs and take pictures. For this installment, I build my second Paragon. The first one was good, but not stellar. After making a Prince of Tone, I decided to make the Paragon again. This version used BA282 diodes and 1S1588. My PoT had MA856 diodes. In my opinion, and maybe I am biased due to the money spent on the diodes, but the Prince of Tone clone with the MA856 sounds better. Regardless, the Paragon is fantastic.




The Cast Iron is a fantastic low to medium gain pedal. I would totally recommend building it. I did use the RC4559 IC's. I haven't substituted a RC4558 to compare, but I hear it is similar. The enclosure is fabulous and from @Amplified Parts. I hope they will keep doing the specialty, hammered enclosures.



The last one is the Luna Fuzz from GuitarPCB. The fuzz is really nice and aggressive. The Nostalgia Tone series has been good and are straightforward builds. The enclosure is the metallic clear. It is a really nice paint. It has a hint of the raw/bare enclosure, but with some glam from the metallic clear coat.

 

[MattG]

Beautiful work, as always.

The knobs on the Paragon/KOT - are those aluminum or plastic? If they are aluminum, from where did you source them?

How do you find the treble balance on the Cast Iron? Do you find the "neutral" setting (i.e. all knobs at noon) to be a bit on the darker side, and have to up the treble/high knob a bit?

 

[Synchrony Pedalworks]

@MattG I got the knobs from Love my Swtiches. They probably have the best, high quality knobs. These knobs are aluminum.

Anodized Aluminum Knob - "The Magpie" - Knurled Shaft (12.5mm OD)

Our number-one audio control knob for guitar pedals and gear–now for knurled shaft potentiometers! Some might say it’s perfect. In black, silver, and gold.

lovemyswitches.com

For most of my pedals, I usually have the treble placed past noon. I favor a bright guitar with the mids scooped. I agree that the Cast Iron can be made darker with the settings; it is malleable pedal.