How to Modify Guitar Pedals: A complete how-to package for the electronics newbie on how to modify guitar and bass effects pedals (Paperback)

by Brian Wampler (Author)
Key Phrases: mod value, dynamics germanium, clipping diodes, Location Stock Mod, Metal Film Resistor, Brent Mason (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
This package will teach you exactly how to modify and custom tailor each of your effects pedals to your needs and tastes. No experience needed! Includes: * Complete details on how to modify OVER 80 DIFFERENT EFFECT PEDALS! * Basic Definitions and Concepts of effect pedals, their circuitry, and mods * "Walkthroughs" of various circuits - what all those parts do, and what you can change it to * Detailed close-up pictures of the pedal's circuit boards showing where the parts are located * Where to get parts and what kind to get * Download videos included: how to modify effects, how to solder/desolder * All About Components, the different types, and what they do in guitar pedals * How to read and understand schematics * Installing Pots and Switches to control mods * Installing a Pot in place of a Resistor (add your own bass/ mids/ treble controls!) * True Bypass Box Diagram * Most pedals have several different modifications that can be performed, all included!

Product Details

• Paperback: 363 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace; 7th edition (July 5, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1434801063
• ISBN-13: 978-1434801067
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.9 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #181,001 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book has something for all levels of electronic understanding!, November 8, 2007

By	C. Finley "drgonzoguitar" (St. Paul, MN) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have a educational background in electronics (thanks to the USAF) and MA in Education (Secondary Ed.). I can honestly say this book is designed for all levels of electronics ability. The opening pages give great descriptions of how different components physically appear, are measured with a multimeter, and interact with each other. The modifications are detailed with schematics, pictures, and component values in easy to read tables.

I personally gig with my modded BOSS CS-3 (compressor), DS-1 Distortion, BD-2 (Blues Driver) every weekend. It is so nice to have gear that sounds good for the fraction of the cost of some boutique items. I was so impressed with the quality of this book, I purchased his advanced DIY effect building book. I recently built my own "boutique" fuzz-face from his written instruction and my own ideas.

Mr. Wampler has an wonderful gift for writing technical information in an easy-to-read, fun, and inspiring way. You will not be disappointed with this purchase.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read if you want to improve your tone!, November 6, 2007

By	D. Conley "dan5150" (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Brian does a great job of teaching you everything you need to know to make your stock pedals sound amazing! You don't need an EE degree or a bunch of specialized equipment either. This is a quick and easy read, and once you get the hang of it, it is a blast!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book for Pedal Modifications or for the Beginning Pedal Effects Builder, November 25, 2007

By	T. Roy Taylor (CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I knew nothing about modifying, repairing, or building a guitar effects pedal. Brian's book from the start lays everything out with pictures and something written beside the picture to explain how to use it. For example it shows where to buy a soldering iron, it shows how to solder, and where you can buy your other tools that you will need to get started. The book also gives a great list of other sites of DIY authors and builders in this unique world of pedal building and modifications. Also included are email addresses that you can visit if you want more information.

He explains what a resistor and a capacitor are, and pictures showing how to remove the guts of your pedal to modify it. My only complaint is that I wish all the pictures would have been in color.

A must have book if you are into modifying your existing pedals or want to experiment with designing your own pedal.