how can i get more volume from my blue breaker?

e_man_89

e_man_89

Member
volume dimed with the gain and tone at 11 o'clock sounds great to me! i am really diggin' it's clarity. i just wish it would jump out a little more when i step on it.
i can increase gain and it helps, but i like the edge of breakup sound it gives my les paul.

is there a component change i could make to increase the output?
 
You can do like the JHS Morning Glory and just stick an LPB-1 right before the Volume pot. It’s something like 4 components. Maybe you could rig something up?
 
If you like the Bluesbreaker you might want to try a Pro-10 Blue. It's Browne's take on the Bluesbreaker and I think they nailed it. It has more level, more grunt, more low end and even better clarity. I'm seriously impressed - I like it way better than the King of Tone or the Morning Glory. It uses a TL071 to add an extra stage of level it seems.

The Bluesbreaker is renowned for not having a lot of level to push your amp.
 
I know this isn’t what you are asking about exactly but I used to run my straight blues breaker clone with an EP booster after it (with an order switch) and it sounded awesome. Something to consider.

@HamishR - cool to hear this about the blue pro-10. I have had this PCB sitting around for ages and completely forgot about it. I’m looking forward to getting it built up.
 
Thanks everyone for your recommendations. Big Monk, that was a pretty deep dive there dude, you just might be a genius...

I found some recommendations for modding a blues breaker circuit over at General Guitar Gadgets. To get "slightly more gain", gain they recommend increasing what I'm pretty sure is R7 on the Blue Breaker schematic, from 220k to 330k.

Does anyone have an opinion on that?
 
Yeah I thought about that after I posted.

I really just want more volume. It's the clear, light break up sound that I'm liking.

With the gain @ 11 o'clock and the volume maxed it just does come up a little from unity when engaged.

I can get louder by turning up the gain, but I start moving away from the sound I'm after.

I guess gain isn't what I'm after.
 
JamieJ said:
I know this isn’t what you are asking about exactly but I used to run my straight blues breaker clone with an EP booster after it (with an order switch) and it sounded awesome. Something to consider.

@HamishR - cool to hear this about the blue pro-10. I have had this PCB sitting around for ages and completely forgot about it. I’m looking forward to getting it built up.
Click to expand...
I just finished a simple LPB1 circuit on perf board today. That SOB is noisy as all get out when I run it In front of some of my other pedals.

Alone between my guitar and my amp, it's all quiet. I think I remember reading about some diy pedals not getting along with some pedals with buffers. Might be what it is.

I wonder if I could do something to help that trouble...
 
Perhaps swapping the clipping diodes for LEDs would give you a bit more output volume and let you up the gain knob a bit to get back to that same edge-of-breakup sweet spot?
 
Big Monk said:
I think lowering R9 might help.

Although I’m surprised you have to put the volume up that much and barely get unity.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I was a little surprised too. May be I'm expecting a little much. I think running the gain as low as I am is the issue. I may just get used to it.

I really like the build. I was stuck in tube screamer land and needed something fresh.

This build your own stuff is great for me. Minimal cost (compared to buying new), and I get a lot of satisfaction from the build process. (Although my dream fuzz build has still got some bugs.)

I greatly appreciate the community here. You guys are kind and generous with your time and knowledge.

Thank you.
 
mdc said:
Perhaps swapping the clipping diodes for LEDs would give you a bit more output volume and let you up the gain knob a bit to get back to that same edge-of-breakup sweet spot?
Click to expand...
I like the way you think mdc...

I got a bunch of led's. Do the colors have different values?
 
Cool idea spi, that can bring some good insight and experience to the discussion.

I will be VERY interested in the results.
 
  • Like
Reactions: spi
Joining in on a necrothread - I'm finding that every bluesbreaker variant that doesn't have some sort of post booster struggles to make unity unless it's fairly dimed. Built a couple of BBs from various vendors, and 5 paragon minis so far...
 
While I love LED-clipping, if you're after similar tone to stock, then I suggest doubling up on the stock diodes instead of switching to LEDs:


1703680458308.png Graphic from CODA Effects
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top