Looking to build some cb amps. Looking for tips on building one that I can get a nice fuzz / crunch. I have a pig nose that sounds great with my cbg. I built one from a kit from cbgitty .. Just didnt sound too good to me. I did use a pressed wood box. Would that make a difference ? Thanks for any info
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The box/enclosure and the speaker can effect the sound/tone of the amp...but don't over think that one. Dave is right, look at the Ruby amp circuit on Runoffgroove.com...
If you're looking to build/solder your own components, the parts are inexpensive, and will cost no more than $5 (plus speaker & box).
Guitar Fuel (found on Ebay or Internet search) has a few pre-soldered (or solder yourself) kits for 2 watt and 5 watt amp harnesses.
Or you can try this schematic..it is based on the LM386 IC chip, and in my opinion, works very well for CBGs...and has a nice crunchy fuzz when played hard...
David McQueen > Scott aka Farmer TedApril 1, 2013 at 8:41am
Yup. That one will be crunchy. The difference between it and Ruby/Noisy Cricket/Punch amps is the lack of an input buffer/ zero gain preamp so it will likely give some overdrive. It looks alot like the original Smokey amp or the Little Gem.
The 10uF capacitor on pins 1 & 8 can be omitted and pins bridged with just a piece of wire for less gain...or a 10K potentiometer can be used to link the pins to create a variable gain.
The 10K volume pot really is overkill...more for aesthetics of having a volume control on the amp, but not much variation to volume (i.e. as soon as you turn volume "up" it is full volume).
David McQueen > Scott aka Farmer TedApril 1, 2013 at 9:32pm
Did you try using a log pot instead of linear? - or vice versa- i'm seeing both in various schematics but not seeing a clear pattern of when one is used over the other. I know the log pot is supposed to mirror how our ears hear volume.
Replies
The box/enclosure and the speaker can effect the sound/tone of the amp...but don't over think that one. Dave is right, look at the Ruby amp circuit on Runoffgroove.com...
If you're looking to build/solder your own components, the parts are inexpensive, and will cost no more than $5 (plus speaker & box).
Guitar Fuel (found on Ebay or Internet search) has a few pre-soldered (or solder yourself) kits for 2 watt and 5 watt amp harnesses.
Or you can try this schematic..it is based on the LM386 IC chip, and in my opinion, works very well for CBGs...and has a nice crunchy fuzz when played hard...
Nice simple plan.
The 10uF capacitor on pins 1 & 8 can be omitted and pins bridged with just a piece of wire for less gain...or a 10K potentiometer can be used to link the pins to create a variable gain.
The 10K volume pot really is overkill...more for aesthetics of having a volume control on the amp, but not much variation to volume (i.e. as soon as you turn volume "up" it is full volume).