Simple diode clippers and distortion circuits

Posted 2007-08-23 in Effects by Johann.

Diodes are fun. They’ll readily distort your guitar signal like there’s no tomorrow and most are cheap, too. Diodes come in all shapes and sizes but the following general types are most used in guitar effects pedals.

• Germanium diodes. 1N60 for example.
• Silicon diodes. 1N4001 for example.
• LEDs.

I’m building octavers with lots of diodes here.

Dial “D” for diodes!

• Metal Simplex. (From diystompboxes.com)
• Electra Distortion. It doesn’t get much simpler. Sound clips.
• Bazz Fuss/BazzFuss. One transistor, one diode. Simple, but popular with bassists. Sound clips. (From HC CH)
• Buzz Box/BuzzBox. Twice the Bazz Fuzz for – more fun!
• The Bronx cheer. (From Guitar Effects)
• Atmos. My Green Ringer variant that was modified for a ton of LED distortion (if you want it).

With the exception of the Atmos, these DIY circuits are all really simple and shouldn’t take much longer than half an hour to build. Have fun!