Guardians of the analog
Papi Fuego
- Build Rating
This is one that I've wanted to make for a long time. In my opinion it's often overlooked and overshadowed by many other chorus pedals and I've always felt it was long overdue for a diy version. While there is a lot going on for a 125b in this pedal, @dan.schumaker can make anything fit in a 1590a so I knew he had this covered. He did an amazing job with the layout and no noise issues on this one. Props to the mad genius for this.
When I told Dan what I wanted in the pedal I told him it had to have relay bypass, and I wanted mono. Why mono? Well I don't run stereo, I use this in the effects loop of my amp. Also, the "stereo" on this pedal is just a copy of the dry signal. I also convinced him that jumpers for the BBD were the way to go so the builder can choose 3007/3207. This build i used the MN3007/3101 chipset. The build is super clean and has the most minimal off board wiring.
The original boss service manual schematic had an error and originally had a fixed bias resistor. They ended up changing that resistor to a trimmer in production models like my 1992 Taiwan pedal. I told Dan we should use the bias scheme the CE-5 uses, since it's the same pedal with an expanded EQ section. Works beautifully. I also feel the simplicity of of the single High cut EQ knob makes it easier to dial in.
So how's it sound? Lush and Lively. The LFO shape is slightly different than a CE-2 and I like it. The pedal also doesn't have the mid hump of a CE-2, it has a more neutral frequency response which gives it more sparkle and works better with both high gain and clean sounds. The EQ knob can go from brighter DC-2 sounds to darker CE-2 tones. Finally, the key the the pedal is the Effect Level knob. A blend that lets you mix the dry and wet signal to taste. The Swiss army knife of chorus pedals. Also the momentary bypass means I can bust out some fun faux Leslie sounds with ease.
The build is tight and tidy like all of Dan's pedals and no surprises here. For the enclosure I went with a matte white tayda box and UV print that I snuck in this summer when the tarrifs were suspended. I picked the name and graphics after many ideas failed to work. Mr. Knight was the clear winner here and it definitely drips. I believe Dan plans on making this available at some point so I hope you all get to build one too.
When I told Dan what I wanted in the pedal I told him it had to have relay bypass, and I wanted mono. Why mono? Well I don't run stereo, I use this in the effects loop of my amp. Also, the "stereo" on this pedal is just a copy of the dry signal. I also convinced him that jumpers for the BBD were the way to go so the builder can choose 3007/3207. This build i used the MN3007/3101 chipset. The build is super clean and has the most minimal off board wiring.
The original boss service manual schematic had an error and originally had a fixed bias resistor. They ended up changing that resistor to a trimmer in production models like my 1992 Taiwan pedal. I told Dan we should use the bias scheme the CE-5 uses, since it's the same pedal with an expanded EQ section. Works beautifully. I also feel the simplicity of of the single High cut EQ knob makes it easier to dial in.
So how's it sound? Lush and Lively. The LFO shape is slightly different than a CE-2 and I like it. The pedal also doesn't have the mid hump of a CE-2, it has a more neutral frequency response which gives it more sparkle and works better with both high gain and clean sounds. The EQ knob can go from brighter DC-2 sounds to darker CE-2 tones. Finally, the key the the pedal is the Effect Level knob. A blend that lets you mix the dry and wet signal to taste. The Swiss army knife of chorus pedals. Also the momentary bypass means I can bust out some fun faux Leslie sounds with ease.
The build is tight and tidy like all of Dan's pedals and no surprises here. For the enclosure I went with a matte white tayda box and UV print that I snuck in this summer when the tarrifs were suspended. I picked the name and graphics after many ideas failed to work. Mr. Knight was the clear winner here and it definitely drips. I believe Dan plans on making this available at some point so I hope you all get to build one too.
