Solid State Guitar Amp Forum | DIY Guitar Amplifiers

Solid State Amplifiers => Preamps and Effects => Topic started by: Fossilshark on May 18, 2016, 10:51:29 AM

Title: Best simple distortion circuit
Post by: Fossilshark on May 18, 2016, 10:51:29 AM
Im looking for a simple distortion setting circuit i can add to my JFET preamp. I tried shunting 2 rectifier diodes to ground on the output for diode clipping but it didnt change the sound at all. So far ive been using my ibanez turbo tube screamer and i really like that sound. Heres my preamp circuit im using
Title: Re: Best simple distortion circuit
Post by: tonyharker on May 18, 2016, 12:19:32 PM
The signal at this point will not be high enough for rectifier diodes to clip. Their forward voltage is too high.  You may get away with germanium diodes however, but you will have to try them.  If they don't work, then its another gain stage I'm afraid.
Title: Re: Best simple distortion circuit
Post by: Fossilshark on May 18, 2016, 12:28:09 PM
So if i added like a single 3904 transistor stage before the distortion it should work?
Title: Re: Best simple distortion circuit
Post by: Frank_NH on May 19, 2016, 10:40:12 PM
If you want to increase the gain, add a 10 uF cap in parallel to the Jfet source resistor.  If you do this, then your diode clippers may work better.