It's odd that I can't find any thread like this. Didn't exactly know where to put it, but here was my best guess--please feel free to move it to a more appropriate location. I thought this might spark some discussion and interest in a range of boards and pedals and give direction to folks wondering what else to build. I'm genuinely curious to know what people consider to be their "top five," especially from among the older boards.
The premise:
What are your top 5 must-build pedalpcb boards? No particular order, reason, or justification necessary (unless you want), but it can't be more than 5 so people with attachment/collector issues (i.e.: me and my "they are all my equally beautiful children" complex) have to weigh carefully and can't just post their whole inventory. For example, I really want to include the Tyrian, but it just ain't going to make it. Just keeping in mind everyone's top 5 will be heavily dependent on personal taste and what music they play. They don't even have to be on the same pedalboard, just for whatever reason you think everyone should build these--could easily be 5 compressors, or whatever is important to you.
I can go first
[edit for the rationale, since folks like that]
Okko Diablo/Deofol
--Don't know why, but the clipping is just so sweet-sounding. A very versatile pedal--you really have to hunt for a bad setting, gain goes from very very light to basically fuzz.
Thorpy Heavy Water/Fallout Cloud
--The split of tone control and a heavy heavy yet articulate big muff fuzz makes this a go-to for me on guitar, baritone, or bass. Sounds awesome on its own or with a preamp/frequency pedal. Sounds massive like I like it.
Hydra Delay
--Basic to experimentalish/self-oscillating delay, the Age knob and switch/tape head combos is key for me and what makes it unique. Very very fun and original to play. My opinion and anyone who's played it.
EQD Afterneath/Deflector Reverb
--takes effects really well, has some idiosyncrasies as an instrument, but I still think it's solid and useful in a variety of contexts from straight reverb to pad-ish sounds.
Acorn ADHD/Nutty Fuzz
--a fairly simple build, pushes the envelope of how pedals can hatchet your sound in productive, yet still-useable ways. Much more interesting to work with than other "noise" and PLL pedals I have built, but still really out there!
