Here’s how I like to build the classic TS overdrive. I’ve added a three-way switch which toggles between three modes, which helps suit a broader range of pickups and play styles.
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SYM – Symmetrical clipping is a classic 808 overdrive, with no mods. This mode has the most amount of clipping.
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ASYM – Asymmetrical clipping begins to ‘look’ more like a valve amplifier clipping. This can better suit input signals which already have a full bottom-end, such as bridge pickups, and allows chords to better shine through.
- FAT – Also asymmetrical clipping, but with a fuller bottom-end output.
The gain knob has twice the gain range than you would expect from a classic TS.
This circuit was made using the following special components:
- Nichicon film capacitors.
- Panasonic electrolytic capacitors.
- Dale Industrial grade precision metal film resistors (1%, 100 PPM / C).
- 600V Teflon wiring.
- Switchcraft audio sockets, Hammond enclosure. Usual stuff.