slavestate Posted May 6, 2012 Share Posted May 6, 2012 Hello there, I have recently been looking at signal booster pedals to add to my signal chain. I have seen a few different types in that some go at the end of your input chain and other go into the effects loop. I have an effects loop on my main amplifier however I occasionally use amplifiers with out one, so I have been focused in my search for a booster pedal that would go into my signal chain. I have no problem building one from a kit, which if I had a bit more money I would probably do. I saw that Build Your Own Clone has the Triboost which I think long term is what I will purchase. My other main focus would be the leftover real-estate on my pedal board. I have enough room, really pushing it, to fit a standard size pedal. I would really prefer a micro shelled design, this is why I have been steering away from the DIY Piledriver Power Boost pedal. In the meantime I think in the $40-50 range would be my spending limit. Does anyone have experience with any pedals that are on the market in that price range? There's the Electro Harmonix Linear Power Booster and Joyo Roll Booster in that price range, anyone use these ones or have a suggestion or feedback with something else they use? Also, I saw the and this seemed pretty cool, but would it do me justice? Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dub-T-123 Posted May 6, 2012 Share Posted May 6, 2012 My favorite is the Zvex Super Hard On. I have an original and I've built several clones and I just love the sparkly crunch they give my amps. I dunno of any kits, but they're pretty easy to build from scratch. Something about my original one is just extra good though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sinner 13 Posted May 6, 2012 Share Posted May 6, 2012 My favorite is the Zvex Super Hard On. I have an original and I've built several clones and I just love the sparkly crunch they give my amps. I dunno of any kits, but they're pretty easy to build from scratch. Something about my original one is just extra good though. You And me both, I love the crap out of my SHO. [thumbup] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slavestate Posted May 6, 2012 Author Share Posted May 6, 2012 I'm sure those are great sounding pedals, but they're a bit out of my price range. I saw this looking into some clones. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kaleb Posted May 6, 2012 Share Posted May 6, 2012 Cough up a little more money and get yourself an MXR Micro Amp. Probably not in the same league as an SHO or other boutique boosters, or even the MXR CAE MC-401 Line Driver, but it will get the job done no matter what. You could also build one if you are handy with a soldering iron. They're probably the easiest pedals to build! I've been thinking of building one myself, although I don't have any use for one (maybe someday!), and calling it the Baldo-Boost, cause' my last name is Baldwin! Baldo-Drive, Baldo-Wah, Baldo-Vibe, Baldo-Phase, it's ENDLESS!!!!!!! But I'd much rather be a pro-musician rather than a builder...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slavestate Posted May 6, 2012 Author Share Posted May 6, 2012 You could also build one if you are handy with a soldering iron. They're probably the easiest pedals to build! I would like to build one at some point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dub-T-123 Posted May 6, 2012 Share Posted May 6, 2012 They're real easy to build (Super Hard On, Micro Amp, LPB-1). Do you have a soldering iron and stuff? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
damian Posted May 6, 2012 Share Posted May 6, 2012 I say, make an offer on the SHO clone in the Trading Post section...........SHOs, and well built clones, are your best bet.......... Your price range in anything other than a well built SHO clone will only get you a piece of garbage.....And a waste of funds........... Crap pedals are just that..........Useless...................No matter how nice they look.............. I'm getting myself a SHO or a SHO clone at some point............ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dub-T-123 Posted May 6, 2012 Share Posted May 6, 2012 Micro Amps and LPB-1s are great too. But yeah I like the SHOs. Hey Damian.. A little birdy told me about a prime specimen of a SHO in the trading post ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slavestate Posted May 6, 2012 Author Share Posted May 6, 2012 I have a soldering iron and have put together only kits so far. I don't have much experience reading schematics. I have a parts tackle box full of resistors, capacitors, potentiometers, 1/4 jacks and dptp switches. I suppose everything to build one minus the enclosure. I just don't know really where to start. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
damian Posted May 6, 2012 Share Posted May 6, 2012 Micro Amps and LPB-1s are great too. But yeah I like the SHOs. Hey Damian.. A little birdy told me about a prime specimen of a SHO in the trading post ;) I saw that.......Been crunching numbers.......Still gotta send out funds for an Epi I promised to buy, and, gotta get two new TC TonePrint pedals in order to get a TC Black Matter Distortion for free...........For all who want an original SHO, move fast on the Dub one available via the Trading Post here................ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slavestate Posted May 6, 2012 Author Share Posted May 6, 2012 I saw both posts in the trading forum in regards to those boost pedals. They are just a bit out of my price range. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dub-T-123 Posted May 6, 2012 Share Posted May 6, 2012 It's all good Damian! I'm just trying to get some funds together for a vintage Superfuzz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
damian Posted May 6, 2012 Share Posted May 6, 2012 It's all good Damian! I'm just trying to get some funds together for a vintage Superfuzz ..........I will want some Dub pedals......We'll talk soon......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryUK Posted May 6, 2012 Share Posted May 6, 2012 I have an Mxr micro amp. Great pedal. Good for solo's or just to boost input. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T Bone Posted May 6, 2012 Share Posted May 6, 2012 I have the Micro Amp too. While I'm (sadly) unfamiliar with the SHO (I need to correct that), the Micro Amp does exactly what you describe, and a used one is right in your budget (checking the completed listings in eBay, they are selling shipped right in the area you mention for your budget). I've bought several used pedals on eBay, and if you do your homework, there is little chance of disappointment (plus eBay's Buyer Protection is pretty strong still). I'd go that route myself (in fact IIRC, I bought my own used- like new- at about that budget price). Cough up a little more money and get yourself an MXR Micro Amp. Probably not in the same league as an SHO or other boutique boosters, or even the MXR CAE MC-401 Line Driver, but it will get the job done no matter what. You could also build one if you are handy with a soldering iron. They're probably the easiest pedals to build! I've been thinking of building one myself, although I don't have any use for one (maybe someday!), and calling it the Baldo-Boost, cause' my last name is Baldwin! Baldo-Drive, Baldo-Wah, Baldo-Vibe, Baldo-Phase, it's ENDLESS!!!!!!! But I'd much rather be a pro-musician rather than a builder...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krock Posted May 6, 2012 Share Posted May 6, 2012 Up until a few days ago I had a way huge angry troll which I bought for £30 in new condition but I got offered £65 for t so I sold it. I know you stated a micro shell design but the op amp in this allows you to use it either as a clean boost or dirty, it really is very versatile Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dub-T-123 Posted May 6, 2012 Share Posted May 6, 2012 I have a soldering iron and have put together only kits so far. I don't have much experience reading schematics. I have a parts tackle box full of resistors, capacitors, potentiometers, 1/4 jacks and dptp switches. I suppose everything to build one minus the enclosure. I just don't know really where to start. The Super Hard On is a simple circuit so it would be a good place for you to start. Are you familiar with vero board? I could send you a vero layout so you wouldn't even have to decipher a schematic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slavestate Posted May 6, 2012 Author Share Posted May 6, 2012 The Super Hard On is a simple circuit so it would be a good place for you to start. Are you familiar with vero board? I could send you a vero layout so you wouldn't even have to decipher a schematic. I have soldered a couple of things on perf board for practice, is that the same? I would be grateful if you could send the vero layout. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dub-T-123 Posted May 6, 2012 Share Posted May 6, 2012 Pretty much unless it was pad-per-hole. Vero has strips of copper on the bottom. Check out this link http://tagboardeffects.blogspot.com/search/label/ZVex?m=0 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surfpup Posted May 6, 2012 Share Posted May 6, 2012 The LPB circuit does a nice job. I had a LPB2 that created massive boost... made an amp really come to life. That circuit is also super easy to build as it uses few parts. Same for the grey DOD250 (the circuits are very similar). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kaleb Posted May 7, 2012 Share Posted May 7, 2012 The LPB circuit does a nice job. I had a LPB2 that created massive boost... made an amp really come to life. That circuit is also super easy to build as it uses few parts. Same for the grey DOD250 (the circuits are very similar). The DOD 250 is one of my favorite boost boxes ever made. The only thing I don't like about it is the lack of the tone control, as they can be a bit bright. Same thing goes for the MXR Distortion+: great pedal, but lack of brightness control! Not that the Distortion+ has anything to do with the thread, but I gave I mentioned it for two reasons: The DOD and the Distortion+ have the same problem (even though they're completely different pedals....), and two of my favorite players made great tones with it: Randy Rhoads and Alex Lifeson! I miss Randy.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
damian Posted May 7, 2012 Share Posted May 7, 2012 Up until a few days ago I had a way huge angry troll which I bought for £30 in new condition but I got offered £65 for t so I sold it. I know you stated a micro shell design but the op amp in this allows you to use it either as a clean boost or dirty, it really is very versatile Those are nice......( I have one )......Above his budget though........... ( Just ordered a Red Llama clone )........... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slavestate Posted May 16, 2012 Author Share Posted May 16, 2012 I found a pedal builder who is making me a SHO clone for cheap. I am anticipating taking it apart and making duplicates of it. I gave the vero board a try and I quickly realized that I would need more pieces than initially thought. I will go the build route soon. Thanks again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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