Tuesday, 9 December 2014

Rockett WTF

7 weeks I've had a bloody trapped nerve in my back now, but I thought I'd better at least attempt to concentrate enough to do a layout every so often so you don't get bored.

The B%st pot is just a second volume control with the B%st stomp selecting between the two.  I have shown the B%st LED connections for the switch, and to complete it you will need to connect the anode to 9V via a limiting resistor to taste.

Info about the original:
The WTF Fuzz is the fuzz for people who don’t like fuzz! Get mild OD sounds all the way to crazy random octave fuzz. You can achieve sounds similar to a trumpet or trombone as made famous by Paul Trombetta, who created this circuit for us….Thanks Paul!!





Thanks to Matt for the schematic for this Bosstone based effect.







and a modded version following suggestions from Paul Trombetta





BUY A KIT

85 comments:

  1. Ah ah, I saw the thread at FSB this morning and was going to make the layout. Well you saved me time (and probably a few row and columns :D)
    Will build it without the boost section

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  2. Great layout as always mark. Can't believe it's been 7 weeks with the trapped nerve. Any progress in it getting better?

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    1. It's not actually my back that hurts even though that's where the nerve is trapped, it's my right arm. It's not as bad now, it really hurt all the time at first but now it just feels like a permanent ache and two fingers are still numb, but after 7 weeks it's seriously pissing me off now!

      It's just a case of waiting unfortunately. I've been to physio which helped a bit but had to go privately because the current wait on the NHS is between 2 and 3 months making them pretty much pointless for anyone in pain.

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    2. God damn that beyond sucks. I would have hoped with NHS and this going on 7 weeks they would do more to help, rather then have you wait 2-3 months, that's real bs. I have a similar issue with knee pain from weight lifting, and I went to a physio and chiro, who said I should stop, so I stopped seeing them. Lol. But, more seriously if I do something to help I would, but I am across the pond. Great layout, and interesting pedal, and I really hope it gets better fast man.

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    3. I, too, have had a pinched nerve in my spine… Two months of hell followed by permanent numbness in my left arm. I stupidly went to a chiropractor, who made it worse. Acupuncture and craniosacral therapy helped me get at least some of the feeling back in my left arm. I feel for you, hope you get well and make a full recovery! Happy New Year and thanks for this wonderful site.

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  3. Very sorry to hear about that trapped nerve! That sucks!

    Hey Alltrax74, I'd like to leave out the boost option as well, but keep the EQ switch. How would I go about doing that?

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    1. Thanks. Just ignore the B%st switch, pot and all connections, and connect the B%st Sw2 wire from the board to Volume 3. Volume 2 is the output, volume 1 to ground.

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    2. Ah cool, and for the EQ switch, one wire to Volume 3 and other to ground?

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  4. Hi!Sorry to hear about your back/arm.You should see a physical therapist or an osteopath (i`m a physio) and check what's going on!
    I believe that the pedal is similar to the Paul Trombetta Mini Bone.Do you know what are the differences and how to get closer to that?
    Thanks and take care!!!

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    1. You're not in Manchester by any chance are you? :o)
      I haven't seen a Mini Bone schematic but I'll see if I can find a decent gutshot which may give us an idea.

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    2. Unfortenetly no...I`m in Greece...But you should check it out in case its from your neck...
      Ok would be nice to know about the mini bone..It sounds quite nice and Andy from PG shop says its one of the most inspiring pedals he has tried...But it needs about 250 dollars...
      Thanks!!

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  5. Replies
    1. Awesome! :o) Nice one matey

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    2. After hearing the Burgs demo (http://youtu.be/_1aKTJ_m4zU) I think I'll build this without the WTF knob.....I just don't think I'd ever use that sound, but the tone of the OD (listen to the linked video starting around 3:40) with WTF all the way off is very good indeed!

      Thx IVIARK

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  6. ouch! i got that sciatic nerve problem myself too. numb atleft hands twoleft fingers, no feel at lower part of left leg and gettin colder by the years, electric chocks travelling around in body and hits me on different spots, strange feel in foot while doing stuff in "bathroom" ;) i can go on and on.... this is not fun at all, but i have to work to make a livin and it's hard :(
    electronics are fun and makes life easier so... make those veros commin Mark!! checking the site every day :)

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  7. Just finished it up and I love it! It took a little longer as I missed the double connection on boost switch 2 but all is well now. This one made the wait worth it.
    Mark, I hope things get better soon. Thanks for taking the time to share this.

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  8. Sorry to hear about your back. Hope you're feeling better now. Have a quick and full recovery, man.

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  9. 100K is a pretty big starve pot!

    Thanks for the layout. Hope you can feel better soon buddy

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  10. Sorry to hear man..
    Hope you feel better soon!

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  11. Best wishes Mark! Hope you get better soon!

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  12. That demo sounds great, definitely one to join the pipe line...!

    The second volume control as a boost brings me back to a half idea I've had in the past... Wouldn't wiring a pot as a variable resistor between Volume 1 and Ground (which can be switched on or off) do a very similar job? That way the resistance to ground in the voltage divider network should allow for more signal to bleed through to the output?

    Also, I will join in with my own get well soon wishes. I have a pretty wonky back myself and had the odd sciatica niggle before hitting 30... Can only imagine how big of a pain in the arse 7 weeks of trapped nerves can be like... Probably the future for me..!

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    1. You could do it the way you describe, anything that affects the separation between output and ground will affect the signal level, but the downside is that it will also affect output impedance which could change the way it gets on with the following pedal depending what mode it was in. It may be worth trying to see how it works in the real world.

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  13. Hey IVIark. Sorry to hear about your nerve and pray it gets better soon. Pretty random almost related question but do you know about some other designs that use a volume pot on the switch for a boost as opposed to an actual boost circuit?

    Get well.

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    1. You can use exactly the same switching scheme with anything and have two independent volume pots. Just add a 3PDT with the connections shown. And thanks

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    2. Hi Mark

      Hope you get the pinched nerve fixed soon. I am guessing that you could use the same switching scheme with Gain 2 for two different gain levels instead of different volume levels?

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    3. Yes you can do it with any pot when only 2 lugs need to be switched

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    4. Awesome! I'll give a go.

      Thanks

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  14. Trapped nerve me too.... Since September

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    1. Hay, this is extraordinary sound fuzz, od and dist I love, whether this layout work without pots & 3pdt boost? Thank mr.iviark

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  15. Hi Mark. I have a bad back (with a deteriorating disc) for years so I know how bad it can be. on January 1st of this year it went out so bad that I was in excruciating pain and laid up for 3 months! (the worst that it's ever been). my wife, as great as she is, even starting getting tired of taking care of an invalid. by April I finally got to the point where I could get out of bed and walk again. I sincerely hope your pinched nerve gets better soon.

    I built one of these the other day. I read in the FSB thread that Paul Trombetta recommended a 2N5088 and a TO-18 2N2907, with a 2K resistor going to the WTF control. I first built it with the 2N2222A/2N3906 & 1K resistor, but I like it better with Paul's recommendations in it.

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    1. Wow 3 months?! As much as this hurt at first (and is a constant annoying ache now) I'm sure disc problem is much worse so I feel for you.

      Yes I read that, thanks for the feedback. I may add a note to the layout

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    2. John, I think I'll give these values a try on mine when I get home. Does the 2K resistor go to lug 1 or lugs 2&3 of the WTF pot?

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    3. After a moment I started thinking my last question was a dumb one. I guess it wouldn't matter which lug as the resistance would be present either way. If I'm wrong please correct me.

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    4. it's lug 1. I replaced the 1K with a 2K.

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    5. I see now. I mistakenly assumed you meant off board. Thank you sir.

      In the demo I loved the pseudo horn sounds. Did the mod bring those quality a in? I can dial in a brass sound of sorts (kind of a sax with a harsh attack)
      I would love to pull in the sounds from the demo.
      Either way I really dig this circuit. It covers a lot of ground

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  16. I need a little help here. I may beisunderstanding the wiring for the EQ switch. I'm not hearing any noticeable difference in tone in at of the three positions.
    This is how I wired it (the way I believe the layout reads)
    Line labeled boost switch 2 from board goes to boost switch 2.
    Boost switch two then is wired to lug 2 of the EQ switch. EQ lug 5 goes to groud. It seems Boost switch is then selecting which volume pot is in play.
    What confuses me is that wired this way the signal goes to output and bypasses the EQ switch.
    Should it be wired as:
    From board into EQ 2/ EQ 5 to Boost switch 2?

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    1. I had the same result. (none haha).
      I simply wired the swith not to the "boost sw 2", but to the effect output on the on/off switch. now I get the same muddy results like in the youtube videos. now I lowered the cap values as suggested by Paul Trombretta!

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  17. After looking up other wiring drawings like tone pots on a guitar, this layout falls in line.
    I just don't understand why I am not hearing any change. I metered the switch for continuity and it was fine. The capacitors metered fine.
    I'm at a loss here.

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  18. I couldn't hear much difference in mine either. the switch is most noticeable with the gain down and the WTF turned up. I ended up replacing the 4n7 on the switch with a 47n on mine. that way the switch has an 18n in one position, none (but there's a 470p on the board) and a 47n. now it has quite a bit of top end cut with the 47n, a moderate amount with the 18n and is bright with the switch in the center.

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    1. Thanks John,
      I haven't tested it, but I put in a 100n. I'm sure it will be overkill but I wanted to go extreme to prove to myself the sound was responding in an obvious way and dial it in from there.

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  19. Ok, switch was fine I just needed bigger caps. I settled on a 22n and a 47n.

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  20. I, too, used larger caps on the switch. Still, what a great circuit! Thank you for this!!

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  21. which way are you orientating the boost 3pdt

    123
    456
    789

    or

    147
    258
    369

    Cheeeeeers

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  22. I have an original WTF from Rockett and I've noticed it's very sensitive to touch on the metal parts of the pedal like switches resulting in buzzing noizes. I opened it up and the grounds were normally connected. What might cause this behavior?

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  23. Can anyone put the voltage Q1&Q2.
    Because I done this effect but I have a problem, if I use the WTF pot I hear clean sound in position 0, but if I try turn right the sound is gone. I chack the track & schema - it`s ok.

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    1. I used Q2 - 2n3904 - may I use it?
      If I take out this transistor I have a sound like overdrive, but if I put it back and my pot WTF is max, I have no sound.
      Where is the problem???

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    2. Q2 needs to PNP transistor. 2N3904 is an NPN, so the circuit won't work with it on Q2.
      +m

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  24. thx mirosol I don`t check this
    this is my version:
    https://www.dropbox.com/s/hfjrwmkkdn0ogpr/choped%202.jpg?dl=0

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  25. Where does the led anodes go to if you want to have two leds? Also I'm grounding the pots after soldering #1 leg to the back of the pots is this good practice? Please excuse my English as I'm American. as far as the triple pole double throw stomp is this how they wire across the pond like how you guys say five by four inch and we say four by five for large format film?

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  26. Also, for me having had bone spur reduction around c-4 I found an odd thing happening to the numbness in my left arm being dissipated If I wear rings on that hand. Did you originally experience horrific burning finger to elbow at onset?

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  27. Replies
    1. Hi Mario, I have the same question. According to the schematic one lead of 47p should connect with the 1k resistor (2k in the modded version), 18k resistor, 560k resistor & the other lead should connect with the base of Q2 & the collector of Q1.

      Mark, please help!

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  28. sorry but i have to ask, i'm getting crazy to understand how the on off switch and the boost switch should be wired, can anyone help me ?

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  29. Straight up Man! Can anyone post wiring for the Boost? What do ya do with sw4? Couldn't I use an on-on-on for the EQ for true bypass?

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  30. The bypass switch wiring is in the "off board wiring section"
    There is no connection to boost switch 4
    The LED anode connects to a limiting resistor ( I use 3.3k) then the resistor goes to +9V
    Boost switch connections are;
    1-volume 3
    2-boost sw 2 (from board)& EQ sw 2
    3- boost pot 3
    4-no connection
    5- ground
    6- led cathode
    7-volume 2
    8-to lug 7 of bypass 3pdt(if you use the wiring from the off board section of this site)
    9-boost pot 2




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    1. Synsoundm thanks for the post! I'm a beginner with this vero-diy-stuff and guess I've messed something up in wiring... Could you write down the Bypass switch connections just like with the Boost switch? I use the wiring from the Offboard section and don't know what to do with the 5th lug on bypass switch - there's no 'input' and 'output' on the vero scheme.

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    2. Bypass lug 5 goes to board input, which in this case is Gain Pot lug 3. Output comes from the boost switch to lug 7 on the bypass switch.

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  32. Hi there, I'm having a little bit of trouble with this pedal.

    There's a reasonably loud hum coming from it when I'm not playing it. The pitch of the hum is completely dependent on the WTF knob. The more I turn up the WTF, the pitch goes higher and the volume of the hum goes lower. Has anyone experienced this before? Any ideas what might be causing this? It's the only thing glaringly wrong with the sound of the pedal, all the other controls do seem to sound about right.

    Thanks in advance

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  33. Hi

    I have the exact same issue as Arthur. All perfect except that high pitched tone i can control with wtf pot.

    I tried several resistors in place of the 2k one, 470r to 4,7k. The pitch changes but is still there.

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  35. Hi there! According to the schematic, and all Bosstone schematics I can find, the 47pF should be between E & B on Q2. Not B to C (to ground).

    So I think this cap should move up one row in the layout?

    FZ

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    1. you're actually right man.47pf should be between e&b.easy fix though.

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  36. Good find! I'll have to swap it and see what happens.

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  37. I stumbled upon it while making a layout for my own build.
    Very easy fix indeed!

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  38. I set that 47P up on a switch to toggle between the two positions. I had to struggle to hear any difference. i could only make out a slight change when using the starve. I decided to move it up a row and keep the change. It added a hint of grumble (for lack of a better word)

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  39. Hi. I would like to do a version of this with switchable input caps but I am not sure how to wire it up. Can anyone help me out.

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    1. Remove Gain 2 wire from the board and the 100n beside it. Using a DPDT switch on/on labelled...

      1 4
      2 5
      3 6

      Gain 2 to lug 2
      Lug 5 to two rows up from where Gain 2 wire was
      Put one cap across 1 and 4 and another across 3 and 6

      Apply the above if you would rather use a rotary

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  41. Thanks. I ended up using the original 100nf on one side and 10nf on the other side of the dpdt switch. The effect is mostly noticable when the wtf knob is turned up. But I like it a lot.

    Is there any way of adding something like the pulse/wave control on the zvex fuzzolo to this circuit to give it even more flexibility?

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  42. Has anyone done much messing around with choice of clipping diodes? I'm contemplating an on-off-on so I can lift the clippers and have another choice.

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    1. Don't contemplate - do it! What choice of diodes do you have?
      I have not built this, so don't know for sure, but solder in some sockets and try everything you have got - silicon, germanium, Schottkys etc.. When you find the ones you like best, put them on a switch as you have suggested.
      I do this on a regular basis, and have quite a large selection of Si and Ge diodes - mostly Soviet ones to choose from. In fact I rarely end up with the specified diodes these days!

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    2. Socketed the spots so I can try the Si, Ge, LED, Schotky, and mosfets I have on hand. (Do Zeners work as clippers?). I'll try some stuff before committing to the switch wiring. I am gonna try to avoid back-to-back, though, since I already did that to get to 560k in both spots--doable, but a kludge.

      Oh, it also occurs that socketing lets me test eq cap values before committing on that switch, too. Score.

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  43. I tried a bunch of different transistors.
    try mpsa42 and mpsa92.
    it's just amazing works!

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  44. Hi All, I've built 3 pedals all working but having trouble with my newest. its a Rockett WTF fuzz. works fine in bypass, the LED's work when either footswitch is engaged but i get no sound form the effect or boost side when on? I've been over the wiring and the layout, and can't seem to find anything. If anyones local to Leicester (I can travel) and willing to earn themselves a few beers id love someone to have a look for me

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  46. Thanks for this, IvIark!

    I have a nice strong signal but with only moderate overdrive and when I pull Q2 there is no change in sound..and I've tried a handful. There is voltage showing on q1 (2222) and q2 (3906) and all knobs respond but there just isn't any WTF nastiness.

    I have no boost circuit or 3pdt on/off and have the input grounded to circuit and output grounded to volume 1, the rest like the pic.

    Can anyone shed some light on this? WTF?

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  47. Hi, I know this is an old thread but I have a real WTF and wanna add some low end. Would increasing the cap after the 2 transistors work to bring some lows into the sound? Thanks

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  48. bump. I build this pedal, sounds good. I build another one without the boost, keep the EQ. I don't like the fuzz-sound. Can i keep the fuzz completely out by removing 1k, 47uF and the fuzz pot and connect Q1 C to ground?

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