Build Your Own Clone Message Board

I am building an MXR D+ pedal and was wondering about the diodes.
I want to make it to the original specs and I see there are different diodes referenced.
BYOC uses 1N34A
GGG Uses 1N4148 or 1N914
Tonepad uses 1N914

Which ones were in the original and which will give me the best, smoothest gain sound?

_________________
Stomp On A Screaming Panda!
http://www.stompunderfoot.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvNbHt3LYm4

Every Distortion+ I've ever opened up has 1N34A diodes, so that answers your first question. As far as what will give you the smoothest gain, well that's strictly a matter of taste. The best thing to do is to socket the clippping diodes slots and experiment until you find something that appeals to your ear. One thing I'll tell you is that the 1N34As have the most signal compression out of all of the diodes that come with the kit

_________________
Keep 'yer tips tinned, 'yer sponges wet, and TELL THEM KIDS TO SHUT THE HELL UP!!!

I found out that the original D+ had 1N270 diodes in them.
Close to the 1N34s but some people say they can hear a difference.
What diodes do you think has a less compressed sound?

_________________
Stomp On A Screaming Panda!
http://www.stompunderfoot.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvNbHt3LYm4

I've heard about the 1N270s, I've just never seen them in any one the D+s I've been in. NTE makes a work-alike of the 1N270 under the part number NTE109. I'm going to have to get a set of those and screw around with them. As far as what diodes have the least compression; probably the N4001s. LEDs have even less compression though. LEDs are almost too much in a D+ though. LEDS give it kind of a 'blaring' sound which can get hard on your ears after a while. I'd try the N4001s and see what you think

_________________
Keep 'yer tips tinned, 'yer sponges wet, and TELL THEM KIDS TO SHUT THE HELL UP!!!

What era of Dist+ are you wondering about--Script logo, early 80's style, late 80's style, or 90's style? I have an early 80's here, and I can open it up and take a look see if you want me to.

I appreciate that but I was wondering on the very first version.
I am going to try the 1N270 and N4001

_________________
Stomp On A Screaming Panda!
http://www.stompunderfoot.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvNbHt3LYm4

I think LEDs are too harsh in the Dist+ circuit. I prefer the 1N34A and 1N914/1N4148 (either) in a symmetric setup. It's easy to arrange this on a DPDT switch so you can have both sounds in one box.

_________________
==||==
Function f(x)
TightCamera - Gear Reviews

How about to make it sound more like a fuzz? According to the Free Information Society website, it says to use 1n34 diodes to get a fuzz sound.

http://www.freeinfosociety.com/electron ... php?id=562

David

_________________
Flip the switch, plug in, and stand back. Less is more and loud is good.