Saturday Build - Klon Mini (AionFx Refractor)

[MichaelW]

Probably not very exciting (another Klon build) but this is a first for me!







This is my 4th pedal build and I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.

I've had a love/hate relationship with most of the Klon clones that have come in and out of my possession over the years.
Somehow it's just never been "my" sound. Having said that, I kinda like having access to one from time to time for certain tracks.

I went with the AionFX Refractor mostly because I like the option of having a switchable Buffer Bypass.

Only mods I did was changing C14 to 8n2 to warm up/fatten up the trebles.
And I also socketed D1 & D2 to try some different diodes.

So far I've tried:
1N34A's
D9E's
G223's
BAT41's

Ironically, the 1N34A's (with the correct magical fV range) sounded the least appealing to me of the bunch.
The BAT41's are in there now and I really like how it sounds.

The full size knobs look a little off on the 125B enclosure, I may swap these out to the smaller size Davies knobs.

My next pedal project is actually not a pedal.....but making some patch cables. I have come to absolutely detest the "no-solder" type patch cables I've been using.
Especially when testing new pedal builds......and I'm not getting sound......and freaking out, and it turns out one of my patch cable end caps got loose...

I've got big coil of Mogami W2314 and a big bag of SquarePlug SP400's. Woohoo!

M-

 

[benny_profane]

Nice one. I agree with adjusting that cap. It permits a bit more versatility with the tone control. Also, good call on socketing the diodes: go with what sounds good to you!

The full size knobs look a little off on the 125B enclosure, I may swap these out to the smaller size Davies knobs.

I think using the full-sized 1470 knobs in the VOLUME and GAIN positions while using the smaller 1400 for the TONE is a good balance.

 

[MichaelW]

This is probably a really dumb, anal aesthetic thing, but this bothers me.....the pointer tip hangs over the edge of the pedal.



But, "dumb, anal aesthetics" is how I roll hahaha. I'm ordering some Davies 1400's.

M-

 

[dawson]

This is probably a really dumb, anal aesthetic thing, but this bothers me.....the pointer tip hangs over the edge of the pedal.

View attachment 23788

But, "dumb, anal aesthetics" is how I roll hahaha. I'm ordering some Davies 1400's.

M-

In DIY, only YOU get to decide if you're "dumb" or "anal."
Take it as far as you like! You just cloned a very valuable circuit, so depending how you look at it, you may have $3,465 left over to find the right knobs for you.

 

[MichaelW]

In DIY, only YOU get to decide if you're "dumb" or "anal."
Take it as far as you like! You just cloned a very valuable circuit, so depending how you look at it, you may have $3,465 left over to find the right knobs for you.

Ok, cool, I'm gonna tell the missus that I managed to "save" $3500 for a Fender Custom Shop Tele, WOOT!

 

[dawson]

Ok, cool, I'm gonna tell the missus that I managed to "save" $3500 for a Fender Custom Shop Tele, WOOT!

Sound logic!

 

[fig]

Ok, cool, I'm gonna tell the missus that I managed to "save" $3500 for a Fender Custom Shop Tele, WOOT!

Excellent choice.