- This topic has 4 replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 4 years, 3 months ago by
.
-
Posts
-
Hi Folks. Just completed a Colortone V3… Absolutely excellent layout. I was lucky to find NextGen Guitars here in Canada to have the correct pots that mount to the PCB… So its a VERY clean build. I added the resistor across the GAIN pot per the instructions to have more gain across the dial, but it really doesnt seem to make much difference. I also further paralleled another resistor but still all the gain happens at 3-5 o’clock. Additionally the BASS adjustment doesnt really make much difference across its range. Other than that, this is my favorite build so far. Has anyone had success bettering the gain structure? And should the bass not make a noticeable difference, like the Treble does?
I am assuming you are referring to the ColorTone Overdriver.
The Gain structure is exactly as the original circuit intended. It was meant to be used as a boost. Some guitarists like David Gilmour and Jan Akkerman made it famous by cranking it up full for certain songs. This setting of Fuzz was only available in the last tweak of a turn from 4:30 to 5:00 being full up.
Fuzz at 3:00 to 5:00 as you report sounds about right. Also to be considered are the type of pickups being used and amplifier gain settings. These are all part of the entire circuit and have a major affect on how the pedal will sound. Gilmour used a Strat on live recordings of Have A Cigar 1975 and that is the extent of his Fuzz. When he needed more he used additional circuits for that either on their own or in tandem such as Muff and Fuzz Face.
Jan Akkerman uses a Les Paul and as a result has much more available Fuzz.
So based on those tones it may help you to decide if the circuit is working correctly. Additionally consider what amplifier you are using and where you have those gain controls set. The ColorTone Overdriver is a Boost to Medium Gain circuit by nature. If you want more fuzz then try the Overdriver in tandem with a different circuit like the ColorTone Supa Fuzz, Muff or Sriracha Fuzz.
The Bass control is not an Active Boost so it will not increase the bass, only cut. Based on that you may wish to check for a fault.
I hope that helps.
Thanks Barry.. I think that explains it I think…Thank You. Sometimes our own expectations overrule reality. I guess I was hoping to spread the gain out more, like the Tube screamer gain mapping. I was using a LesPaul with P90’s which have pretty good drive, and that was better than my Strat with 1/4pounders… At any rate, it does sound GREAT, I was just concerned I wasn’t getting everything I wanted out of it and hoping for a bit more. It gets pretty close to a Klon sort of sound to my ears, but only at the top of the gain. I’ve tried AmericanFuzzPro as well as your earlier TubeScreaminUltra. All very nice, but I have been zeroing in on whatever the sound is I’m searching for. Getting closer all the time.
BTW, I LOVE LOVE LOVE that the newer versions are mounting the pots right to the boards. That’s much nicer build in my opinion. Thanks Barry for all your efforts!
Glad I could help and I am glad you like the on-board pot changes. You may be surprised at the tone you can get by running our MKC directly into the ColorTone Overdriver or the Stage 3 Booster after it or all 3 in tandem.
HAHA! I’m actually loading my cart with a MKC right now! Didnt know you had this till today. Very excited!
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.