It occurred to me to use a Boss pedal has a buffer as they aren't true bypass but buffered.

There was a tonal difference with the higher frequencies being more apparent, there might have even been a bit more "drive" from the guitar due to the signal not being loaded down.

I was looking for an improvement in the bass and mids, in short it just didn't happen. I'll have a look at it with the CRO to see where the distortion is coming from, but I'm coming around to the idea that there isn't much to be done to improve this amp. It's a poor design that persist due to marketing. :loco

Mark

Hi Roly

Thanks for your reply. I have included the correct circuit diagram. The actual component values are in brackets.

I agree the value of the volume control and bias circuitry is a problem. I have read posts where people have used a buffer to improve the tone of the guitar.

My initial thoughts were to increase the volume control value to 1 Meg, and use a FET(naturally the 120K resistor to the supply would go.)

Mark

Thanks for the reply, but I beg to differ, I think a FET on the first stage is an obvious mod as it would increase the input impedance of the Pignose. Just thought of it then too. Thanks for the inspiration.

Mark

Hi

I'm fixing a Pignose 7-100 for a friend. The problem with the amp was batteries leaking and corroding the battery cases and wiring.

I initially liked this amp and compared it to my Champ clone, unfortunately it just doesn't hold a candle to the Champ. At the moment the more I play it the less I like it.

The clean tones are dreadful (the bass frequencies are very buzzy) and the distortion is so-so.

Initially, I thought of replacing the 50K volume knob which has to excessively load the guitars pickups. Though it also occurred to me that it was chosen to reduce hum (much the same as the 220K resistor after the first gain stage in a Boogie Mk 1).

I think more gain can be had from the first stage, though less gain and better tone might be a better option as nearly everyone has a decent fuzz that could be used prior to the Pignose.

As far as my bias goes, I don't have any particular loyalty to transistors and valves. If I record something, I'm likely to use Guitar Rig as it sounds pretty damned good.

Look forward to your opinions and advice.

Mark