Guitar pedalboards already have a somewhat DIY element to them, with no two ‘boards looking - or sounding - the same. Not only do we hand-select the ultimate pedals for our dream tone, but many of us even go as far as handcrafting a wooden board to attach them to, as well as making custom patch cables to link our favourite stompboxes together - but what if we take it one step further and actually build the pedals themselves? Well, if that sounds like something you’d like to get involved with, then this guide to the best DIY guitar pedal kits is most certainly for you.
Now, suppose you fancy having a go at putting together your own overdrive, fuzz or delay for the first time. In that case, you could go online and scroll through a mass of legendary pedal schematics, order all the components, such as transistors, OpAmps and diodes and jump right into making an effects pedal. However, you may want to opt for the far more accessible kit option. This route is not only more cost-effective, but your kit will also come with step-by-step instructions on how to complete your build.
Below you’ll find a few of the kits that we believe would make an excellent project for any stompbox fanatic, as well as some handy advice on what you’ll need to complete a build successfully.
Best DIY guitar pedal kits: Buying in the US
Best DIY guitar pedal kits: Buying in the UK
Best DIY guitar pedal kits: Buying advice
What tools do I need to build a pedal kit?
If you fancy getting into building your own pedals, the good news is you don’t need too much in the way of tools. You can go a long way with just a good quality soldering iron, a sturdy pair of wire cutters and a multimeter - and if you’re a guitarist, chances are you already have the soldering iron and wire cutters.
Now, obviously, there are a few other tools that will make the job a little easier, such as precision screwdrivers, an adjustable wrench, a craft knife and needle-nose pliers. You also can’t go wrong with a third-hand - or helping hand - tool and a good quality workbench mat.
Which pedal should I start with for my first build?
It’s fair to say that most guitarists are stuck in the past. We love vintage style guitars and retro effects pedals, and luckily the latter aren’t all that complicated. If you’ve ever seen inside an original Fuzz Face, you’ll be aware of just how little there is in that circular enclosure.
So, for that reason, we suggest starting with a basic fuzz or even a rudimentary boost pedal. These pedals usually have very little in the way of components and can typically be built very quickly.
Once you've mastered these circuits, you can move on to the more complicated delay and modulation style effects.
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