Another Simulcast

[mybud]

Build Rating

5.00 star(s)

Ok, so here's another Simulcast, with an AC128 (with heatsink, at bottom right) subbed for the OC71. I breadboarded some alternatives beforehand and ended up liking the 128 best (hfe around 100, IIRC).

I had a senior moment or two doing the internal wiring, for some unknown reason swapping the in and out terminals when flipping the toggle switch but it works fine in any case.



Minimalist industrial aesthetic seemed to work well in the context and I like the sound more than I thought I might.

The Germanium and transformer combination bring a slightly different kind of grit to the table, although let's not rule out 'mojo confirmation bias syndrome' here. The gain variations successively add more obvious dirt so there is some room for more or less subtle or obvious grunge to taste.

Thanks for reading and wish you all joy with your builds meanwhile.

 

[Erik S]

Cool build! I have a duocast, and I like it enough that it's probably worth doing one of these at some point to get that sound in a small package.

What's up with the toggle? You got a cool desktop rig going?

 

[mybud]

What's up with the toggle? You got a cool desktop rig going?

Thanks. Yes, I tend to save footswitches for effects that will be used live on the fly and prefer toggles for always-on types, so preamps, EQs, and so on. As a live bassist, I'm definitely a desktop guitarist in the interest of maintaining collective musical and mental health in my immediate vicinity.

 

[KreoPensas]

I'll second your opinion on the grit.

I've built this circuit on a veroboard, and I've built the dual version in the form of Jed's Ped's Bird Strike. I'd have to give it credit for opening my eyes to the sonic value of transformers.

 

[KreoPensas]

Okay, I had to dig it out. Vero broadcast clone with a 6948 subminiature tube preamp.
I've done sevearal experimental preamp boxes using these enclosures and vero boards seeing as how they slot in so neatly.

This is run with a 24 volt power supply.