Son Of Ben Preamp with gain switch mod

[Musicjsmith]

When I decided to build this one I read a few threads here where discussing C10 in the build. C10 is an optional 10u capacitor on the original units but not on newer models. Rather that just put it on a switch, I used someone else’s suggestion and added a third option of another capacitor somewhere in between, like 4.7u. I wired up a DPDT On/Off/On switch with the two caps wired to either side and the off position removing the cap. There was just enough space between the top knobs to have the switch not touch the pots or power jack. I wrapped the switch in electrical tape just to be safe.

I wanted the colors of the original and the first thing that came to mind with “Ben” was the obvious.

 

[Morbidpale]

Looks fantastic. Are those stamps for the letters and art?
How significant is the change in the gain settings?

 

[Musicjsmith]

Looks fantastic. Are those stamps for the letters and art?
How significant is the change in the gain settings?

It’s vinyl. I used my wife’s cricut. It cuts it out on permanent adhesive vinyl. I put a clear coat over the top after.

The gain switch isn’t drastic but usable. Each step up is just a little more drive. I would say that the 10u and 4.7 are perceived closer together than 0 to 4.7. If you wanted to split the perceived amount of drive exactly in half, maybe choose a cap a little smaller than 4.7u?

 

[Morbidpale]

Mmm....we have a cricut. Guess i have to learn something new.