Event

Build Your Own Guitar Effects Pedal - Beginner

Ever wanted to get started in the exciting world of guitar effects pedal building? This class is for you! You'll spend an afternoon at Alchemy Audio headquarters learning the process of building your own guitar effects pedal - a BYOC MOSFET boost. The goal is that all participants leave the class with a fully functioning pedal they built themselves!

Beginners are welcome! We pride ourselves on taking the fear, intimidation and mystery away from using the tools required for pedal building. Even if you've never soldered before, we'll teach you the proper technique to get you started. All tools and parts are provided. All you need to do is show up. You'll leave with a complete, working effects pedal you built - along with some knowledge and skills to continue your pedal building adventure.

About the pedal: The BYOC MOSFET Boost kit is based on the same circuit that the Zvex SHO is based on, but this one allows you to control both the gain and the volume. A MOSFET boost, has nice tight low end and adds some sparkle to your tone, but it isn't as inherently clean as most people assume. The volume control on most MOSFET-based boosts is actually the gain control. The BYOC MOSFET Boost lets you dial in how dirty you want it and control the actual amount of boost as well. Approximately 25dB of boost at max gain setting (about 15dB when set clean).

About the instructors: Alchemy Audio owners Johnny Balmer and Victoria Thiede are a husband and wife duo who build, modify and repair guitar effects pedals. Based in Chicago, they have been serving clients (including Wilco, Smashing Pumpkins, John Mayer, Counting Crows and Megadeth) worldwide for over 5 years. Prior to launching Alchemy Audio, they owned legendary Chicago record store chain Second Hand Tunes from 2002 - 2013.