the ultimate

Beginner
Pedal Kit
Quick Fuzz
Edition

A Guide to
B u i l d Yo u r O w n D I Y G u i t a r P e d a l

MARK A. STRATMAN
MAS Effects
 The Ultimate Beginner Pedal Kit
QuickFuzz Edition

A Guide To Build Your Own DIY Guitar Pedal

mas-effects.com

Copyright © 2023 Mark A. Stratman

[email protected]

All rights reserved.

First paperback edition 2023 by Mark A. Stratman

 QUICK FUZZ ABOUT THE CIRCUIT
WHAT MAKES THIS KIT SPECIAL?
The circuit is a variation of one called the “Bazz Fuss” and is a popular
DIY project for its low part count and dark, brutal sound. Its asym-
Extremely affordable Most beginner-friendly metric clipping - different levels of distortion on the positive and
DIY pedal building should be Your first pedal-building expe- negative sides of the signal - creates a richer sound than a simpler
accessible to everyone, with rience should be fun, relaxing, symmetric clipping arrangement.
a minimal base kit price and rewarding, and SUCCESSFUL
minimal tools needed. Like some classic vintage fuzz pedals, it has a low input impedance that
loads the guitar pickups, so it sounds best with your guitar plugged
directly into it, at the beginning of the pedal chain.
Why so many DIY
pedal projects fail Why yours won’t VCC
R1
We’ve designed a Soldering Practice 510k Keep the pedal
#1: Bad solder joints Kit, along with a HOW TO SOLDER C2 at the beginning
D1
guide that will take you from abso- 1N4148 100n
of the chain for
lute beginner to soldering expert in C1
the best sounds.
IN 220n OUT
about an hour. VOLUME Putting it after
Q1
2N3904 100k
R2 any buffer can
#2: Misplaced components Unlike most kits, we pre-sort the 1M kill its signature
GAIN
components so you don’t have to 10k
tone.
measure them or read complex color
bands and unintuitive codes.
This schematic is a drawing of all the components and how they are
#3: Off-board wiring Instead of manually wiring the foot electrically connected.
mistakes switch and jacks, we provide circuit
boards and ribbon cables to make it Not sure how to read a schematic? No worries, it’s not necessary to
foolproof. build this kit!

#4: Lack of documentation This kit assumes NO PRIOR KNOWL- If you want to learn, though, check out our free HOW PEDALS WORK
EDGE or experience. This book will book at masfx.io. It will teach you about schematics, and much more.
walk you through EVERYTHING. 3
 AKA BILL OF MATERIALS
KIT CONTENTS (BOM) potentiometer (2) nuts
10kΩ
(gain)
NOTE: Some parts are shown
from multiple angles to help (2) washers
identify them; it’s NOT an indi-
cation of quantity.

2.1mm DC
power jack 3-in-1 wrench potentiometer
100kΩ
(volume)

(2) potentiometer
3PDT dust covers
latching (may be pre-installed)
foot switch
(color varies)
washer (2) nuts lock washer PRESORTED COMPONENTS
Your kit also
R1 510 kΩ contains:
green, brown, black, orange, brown • 3 printed circuit
boards (PCBs)
R2 1 MΩ • Enclosure
brown, black, black, yellow, brown • Face plate
(if you chose a
washer nut R3 4.7 kΩ plain aluminum
(2) phone jacks, 1/4"
yellow, violet, black, brown, brown enclosure)
• This manual and
other printed
Q1 2N3904 inserts
LED • A few fun pieces
3mm C1 220 nF of swag
(color varies) • A sturdy box you
224 followed by other letters/digits can hopefully
(2) knobs reuse
T18 push on, C2 100 nF
6mm shaft LED spacer ribbon cable ribbon cable
1 inch 2 inches 104 followed by other letters/digits
(color varies)
4 conductors 6 conductors D1 1N4148
4 D2 1N5817 5
 TOOLS SOLDERING PRACTICE KIT
This kit is deliberately designed to MINIMIZE the investment you
need to make in tools and materials.
PREREQUISITE: Build the practice kit
REQUIRED TOOLS
The #1 DIY pedal problem is
Soldering iron
A soldering iron and solder are the main tools you’ll need. We discuss
BAD SOLDER JOINTS.
recommendations in the free How To Solder book at masfx.io. In short: buy We don’t want you to destroy a perfectly good pedal kit
an inexpensive iron from a marketplace (Amazon, Ali, Ebay, etc). It’ll get you
while learning to solder, so we’ve provided you with a
through a handful of pedals before you decide whether it’s worth upgrading.
free Soldering Practice Kit. It’s so important you can even
The quality won’t make a difference if you’re using good techniques.
get extras in our store for half price (at cost!) with code
Flush cutters MOREPRACTICE.
Or diagonal cutters, or side cutters, or wire cutters.
These are for snipping the excess leads after
soldering.
Fun tri-color flashlight project
Sponge Not only does the kit give you a chance to solder many
A damp cellulose kitchen sponge is needed to keep your soldering iron’s tip joints in a no-pressure project, but when you’re ready, you
clean. You can also use a brass soldering sponge, or even damp paper towels
can turn it into a working, multicolor flashlight key chain.
in a pinch. Avoid sponges that remain soft, like bath sponges.

OPTIONAL TOOLS Get started now

• Eye protection: Bits of solder and pull them through the circuit 1. Visit masfx.io and click the free HOW TO SOLDER guide
can fly a couple feet or more, and board more easily.
clipped leads from components • Small fan to blow flux fumes away 2. Grab the practice kit from your box
can go flying as well. from your face or a soldering fan
• Blue putty, included with your free with attached carbon filter to draw 3. Reach out with any questions or problems along the way
Practice Kit, or something else to in fumes.
hold the PCB while soldering to • Multimeter can help when things
act as a third hand. go really wrong, but that probably
• Needle nose pliers to bend leads won’t happen with this kit. 7
CHOOSE YOUR BUILD EXPERIENCE GUARANTEED WORKING PEDAL
THIS PAPERBACK if
This book will give the simplest experience for most people. It will
You commit to first become proficient at soldering
walk you through building the pedal. It covers the most important
steps, and provides tips and tricks that will help you have a fun and
carefree build experience. then

Supplement it with step-by-step videos when you want to see it in to work with you until you have a
We commit
action. functioning pedal

ONLINE BUILD GUIDE

A version of this book is also available online with the ability to How it works*
toggle between COMPREHENSIVE and QUICK versions.
1. Build the Soldering Practice Kit included with your
Comprehensive Quick pedal kit. Follow the HOW TO SOLDER guide available
at masfx.io.
• learn how the circuit works • bare-bones instructions
• receive customization tips • speediest build
• learn helpful information for • click “Quick” to see only 2. Post pictures of the front and back of your practice
future pedal builds, and more the essential steps kit to our forum at masfx.io/forum and we’ll help
you make sure you’re ready to build a top-notch pedal.
Videos You can also find step-by-step videos online.
3. In the unlikely event you run into problems while
building this kit, we will work with you until you have
For VIDEOS or the ONLINE GUIDE, scan the code a functioning pedal.
here or visit masfx.io/quickfuzz
* Details in the comprehensive online book
08 09
GETTING STARTED SEPARATE PCBS

Stop: Did you post your practice kit?

Post pictures of both sides of your practice kit
to be eligible for the guarantee (previous page).

Snap!
Don’t cut.
If you need more help
If you run into any problems or have any questions, we have quite a
few ways to get you back on track.

Visit masfx.io/forum
You can post questions, images, or videos and get a
response incredibly quickly.
Separate PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards)
View step-by-step videos in the online version of this Your pedal will use three (3) printed circuit boards (PCBs). They are
guide, at masfx.io manufactured as one unit, so the first thing you need to do is snap
them apart.

You can use your hands to break them apart at the perforations. Two
Email [email protected] if the forums don’t little tabs will probably still be attached. You do not need to remove
work for you. This may be a bit slower, though. them, but it will look nicer if you do. Line up your flush cutters with
the perforations, apply firm pressure by squeezing the handles, and
turn sideways to snap the tab off.

10 Breaking is easier and safer than trying to cut the PCB.

 LEARNING MORE
BUILD THE MAIN PCB
D1 Stripe (cathode) Reference designators
A reference designator is an identifier for a specific component in a
circuit, and it consists of an alphabetic prefix indicating the component
type and a number uniquely identifying a particular part in the circuit.

DIODE (D1) For example: R1 is resistor 1, C32 is capacitor 32, and D3 is diode 3.

Install and solder D1. Reference designators don’t hold inherent significance. The numbers
are arbitrary, and the prefixes aren’t always used consistently. The
Diodes allow current to flow one way in a circuit. They are polarized,
important thing is that each part has its own designator that’s unique
meaning their orientation matters. Ensure the side of the diode
to the circuit. A designator allows you to clearly communicate about
with the stripe is over the stripe drawn on the PCB. Bend its leads
a particular part between the PCB, on which you’ll find the designator
just like you did for the resistors in the practice kit, insert it into the
printed, as well as the Bill of Materials (BOM) and the schematic.
PCB, then solder.

Clip the leads SAFELY, holding them as you snip. Wear safety glasses!
Component placement Current?
As a general rule, you will always Diodes block or allow current;
RESISTORS (R1,R2) R1 place a component on the side of resistors limit its flow. But
the PCB with the silk screen label what is current?
(i.e., the writing printed on it) for
Resistors limit the current Visit masfx.io to read “How
that component.
flowing through them. The Pedals Work: Conceptual Basics
higher the resistance value, The designator (e.g., “D1”) will for the Absolute Beginner” and
the less current will pass usually be printed, as well as learn the basics of circuits,
through it. Install and solder R1 and R2.
R2 an outline or other drawing to what all these components
provide a visual reference. Place are doing, and more.
Resistors have no polarity, which means you can insert them in either
the component on top of this
direction (i.e., you can safely rotate 180°).
drawing.
Install and solder resistors R1 and R2 then clip their leads. 13
TRANSISTOR (Q1) BUILD THE MAIN PCB (CONT)

Transistors are amplifiers,

Q1
used to increase the volt- Capacitor Polarity
age range of a signal. Its 3 For future reference
legs, the Emitter, Base, and
Collector (E, B, C) need to be Some capacitors, most commonly electrolytic types,
placed in the correct holes. ARE polarized and must be inserted with the correct
orientation. This isn’t because polarization is desirable
Match the shape of the or called for by the circuit design, but rather simply as
Install and solder Q1. transistor, Q1, to the shape a consequence of the way they are constructed. AC
drawn on the PCB, and install circuits like pedals need to carefully account for the
and solder it. Clip its leads. orientation of polarized capacitors to avoid damaging
or destroying them.
CAPACITORS (C1,C2) You can always substitute a non-polarized (e.g., film type,
or ceramic) for a polarized capacitor (e.g., electrolytic),
but not the inverse. You should NOT use a polarized
C2 Capacitors store electrical capacitor unless the schematic specifically calls for one.
charge, and as a result of
their operation, they block Cathode (-)
DC signals and limit the
frequencies of AC signals. Anode (+)
Electrolytic Capacitor
C1 and C2 are not polarized
and can be inserted in either
C1 The How Pedals Work book at masfx.io covers this in
direction (i.e., you can safely
greater detail, along with more information about types
rotate 180°).
Install and solder C1 and C2. of capacitors, their operation, and their usage.
Install and solder them, then
clip their leads.
14 15
RIBBON CABLE START THE FOOT SWITCH PCB
Short, Find the foot switch PCB, which has a 3x3 grid of pads for the lugs
Individual wires are most 4 wire on the foot switch.
commonly used to connect
the PCB to the jacks and We are going to start but NOT finish this PCB, so don’t jump ahead!
foot switch, but sometimes, Namely, we aren’t yet ready to attach the foot switch or the LED, and
you’ll find other connectors, we’ll instead attach those after they’re mounted in the enclosure.
such as this ribbon cable. R3
Although more expensive,
Current limiting
ribbon cables are a conve-
nient way to keep the wiring resistor (CLR) for LED
Long,
tidy, prevent mistakes, and 6 wire Solder R3 just as you did the resis-
make the build process tors on the main PCB.
Solder both ribbon cables.
quicker and easier. Install and solder R3.

The insulation is pre-cut at using the stripe to signify anything so Connect foot switch
both ends of the included the ribbon can be inserted in either PCB to main PCB
ribbon cables. Pull it off one direction.
end. Leave the other end Remove the insulation from
covered to prevent acci- The ribbons will stick up on the same the end of the six wire ribbon
dentally bending the wires side as the rest of the components cable and install the foot
while you work. you have attached so far. switch PCB onto it. Again,
make sure the ribbon is
Insert the wires into the side Turn the board over and solder each
inserted into the side with
of the PCB with the rectan- of the wires. Gravity should hold it
the rectangular box around
gle printed on it, as shown in place, but if it doesn’t want to sit
the six solder pads. See the
in this illustration. If your flat, use a little blue putty from your
illustration for guidance.
cable has a red stripe on one practice kit to keep things where you
side, disregard it. We’re not want them. Solder the foot switch PCB
to the ribbon at each of the
six pads.
16 BUILD THE MAIN PCB (CONT) Solder foot switch PCB to ribbon.
START THE JACK PCB DC POWER JACK

Stripe (cathode) D2 DIODE (D2) By convention, pedals use a

2.1mm barrel connector for
power, with a center negative
Just as we did with D1, bend its supply.
legs, line up the stripe on the
diode with the stripe printed on Getting the polarity correct
the PCB, then install and solder when wiring jacks is often a
D2 to the PCB. DC Jack point of confusion and failure
for many newcomers to DIY
Install and solder D2. Clip its leads. pedal building. Luckily, it’s not
Install and solder DC jack. a concern for this kit since the
i What does it do?
PCB takes care of it for you.
D2 provides some protection if a reversed power supply is used briefly. The
pedal expects a center negative plug, but if you instead plug in a center posi- Insert the DC jack into the PCB and solder it into place. The holes
tive, the diode will stop most of the reversed current, which might otherwise are spaced to provide enough resistance to hold the jack, but if it
damage the pedal. wants to fall out, bend its lugs slightly so they grab onto the PCB
more securely, or use some blue putty to hold it in place.

BATTERY (NOT INCLUDED) Input and output jacks

Need a power supply?
Don’t install these yet.
Batteries have fallen out of favor for guitar pedals. In most circum-
stances, they’re less convenient, more wasteful, and worse for the You’ll find later, when you insert them
planet. In some cases, though, they are useful or even essential. For into the enclosure, they sit at an angle Look for a 9V center-
negative DC supply with a
those rare cases, your jack PCB has the option to install a battery due to the slope of the enclosure’s wall.
2.1mm barrel jack.
clip (not included). Visit the support forum (masfx.io/forum) if If you wait and tighten them against
you need help with this. the enclosure before soldering them Most power plugs labeled
to the PCB, you’ll avoid putting stress for guitar pedals will fit
Otherwise, just ignore the “BATT+” and “BATT-” pads. these criteria.
on the solder joints.
18 19
PREPARE POTENTIOMETERS INSTALL DUST COVERS

REMOVE ANTI-ROTATION TAB A dust cover is a plastic cap that can be pushed onto the back of
potentiometer to help minimize dust getting into it. In a typical pedal
with its mostly-sealed enclosure, it won’t make much difference, but
Most potentiometers (often called “pots”) have
it certainly can’t hurt.
an anti-rotation tab on them. The tab can sit in
an additional hole in the enclosure next to the To install it, line up the notched area to accommodate the legs of the
hole for the shaft, and it will prevent the poten- potentiometer, and firmly press it into place.
tiometer from turning. In practice, though, the
hole is unsightly with smaller knobs, and the tab
is unnecessary since a relatively snug nut on the
Snap tab off. outside of the potentiometer will keep it in place.
Instead, the most common way to deal with these tabs is to simply
snap them off.
Back Side
Grip the tab with your side cutters or pliers, and gently bend it to the
side. It should break with very little force. Align notch and press dust cover onto back of potentiometer.

STRAIGHTEN LEGS You may have received one or both of

your potentiometers with a dust cover
If the legs are a bit crooked, straighten them by gently bending them already installed.
back into place.

Dust cover installed.

20 21
INSTALL POTENTIOMETERS INSTALL POTENTIOMETERS (CONT)

B10k A100k or B100k

Secure potentiometers
Identify Secure the potentiometer on the outside by installing a washer
potentiometers followed by a nut. Use the provided wrench tool to tighten the nut.
Look for writing above the Check that both potentiometers are straight and level, as shown in
shaft on the potentiometer the picture to the left. If not, loosen the nut and hold them in place
to indicate its value. For this while tightening again.
pedal, the values are:
Nut
• GAIN: B10k
• VOLUME: B100k or A100k
Washer
Depending on the design of
your enclosure, it may have
alternate labels. e.g., “LEVEL”
for volume, or “DRIVE” for gain.
Enclosure

GAIN VOLUME Insert Use the provided wrench to

secure the nut over the washer.
B10k A100k potentiometers
or
B100k Use the image here, or refer to Potentiometer labels
the printing on your enclosure
to insert the potentiometers What do potentiometer labels like A100k or B10k mean? The number
into the correct holes. and suffix give you the resistance value, e.g. 100kΩ (100,000Ω). The
prefix (e.g., A and B) indicate the taper of the potentiometer.
B is linear, meaning the value changes consistently as you turn the
knob. A is logarithmic, and the value changes slowly, then quickly,
then slowly again.
The resistance value is typically chosen from calculations during
the circuit design, but the taper for a given control is more art than
science, and is usually a matter of preference.
If you’re using solder with “no clean” flux, this step is optional.
Otherwise, you need to remove the brown flux spots to prevent
corrosion and unwanted side effects.
Remove
flux
Use rubbing alcohol and an old toothbrush, a cloth, or even
a paper towel to scrub the brown flux residue from the
residue
solder joints. A high concentration (e.g., 91% or higher)
makes the job much quicker, but use what you have.

INSTALL MAIN PCB

Install the main PCB onto the TIPS:
6 legs of the potentiometers.
If they don’t line up, loosen the You’ll find these require a bit
nuts and make adjustments, more heat and solder than the
then tighten them again. You earlier components. You don’t
may also need to bend the legs have to adjust the iron’s tempera-
slightly to straighten them if ture to get more heat into the
they’re crooked. joint; instead, you’ll simply hold
it there for a beat longer, e.g., 2
Ensure the nuts on the potenti- seconds instead of 1.
ometers are tight and the poten-
tiometers don’t want to rotate if Refer back to the HOW TO
you twist the shaft. SOLDER guide at masfx.io
for a reminder on good, dome-
Solder the potentiometers to shaped joints. Ensure the iron’s
the PCB. tip is heating both the pad and
leg, and that solder is flowing
across the pad and up the leg.

Solder main PCB to potentiometers.

24 25
INSTALL JACK PCB Install, secure,
then solder jacks
Insert jacks into PCB
(don’t solder yet) Push the jacks through the
Scratch away some of the powder coat holes at the top of the enclo-
on the inside of the enclosure or the rim sure. Secure the input and
of the holes for one of the jacks. Use output jacks with a washer,
whatever metal tool you have available. followed by a nut. Tighten
A fork will work in a pinch. You want the nuts with the supplied
Snap jacks into PCB. the metal threads on at least one of wrench.
Don’t solder yet. the jacks to touch the raw metal of the
enclosure. This connects the enclosure to all the other GND points in
the circuit (the voltage we call 0V) and helps shield your pedal from
electromagnetic interference, which can cause noise.

Gently insert the jacks into the PCB. Make sure they click into place.
Don’t solder them yet, though.

Solder PCB to ribbon

Flip the circuit board over (swirly side up) and insert the ribbon cable
into the 4 pads at the bottom. Just as with the other ribbon cable,
it will be inserted into the side with the rectangular box printed Solder PCB to Ribbon
Enclosure Washer
around the pads.

Verify it looks like the illustration on the next page.

Make sure the PCB is Nut
Solder each of the 4 wires. seated completely on
the jacks, then solder the
jacks to the PCB.
Secure jacks, then solder them to PCB.
26
INSTALL FOOT SWITCH PCB

MOUNT FOOT SWITCH

1. (Optional) For a short foot switch, first install a nut to limit its
height. If you’d prefer a tall foot switch, you can omit this.
2. Next, put the lock washer, the one with teeth, on the foot switch.
3. Install the foot switch into the enclosure.
4. Place a smooth washer on the outside of the enclosure.
5. Secure the foot switch with a nut.
6. Tighten it with the provided wrench .

Nut

Washer

Lock washer

Enclosure
Nut
optional for height
adjustment

Mount foot switch and secure with hardware.

28 29
TAKE NOTE LED POLARITY INSTALL FOOT SWITCH PCB (CONT)

Orientation matters for LEDs (light emitting diodes). Just like LED SPACER
other diodes, LEDs have polarity. Current only flows through
them in one direction.

The longer lead, called an anode, goes on the positive side, In your kit, you’ll find a black spacer tube, with
which is marked with a “+” on the PCB. two channels cut into it to hold the leads of the
LED. This will hold the LED at the approximate
The shorter lead, called a cathode, goes on the negative side, height we want. It’s not necessary, but it helps
which is indicated on the PCB with a flat section of the LED make installation easier.
outline. If you look closely at the LED itself, you’ll find it also
Slide the LED’s leads into the spacer.
has a flat side, which is useful for determining the polarity if Bottom view of
its leads have been clipped. LED in spacer.

Insert the LED into the foot Bend its leads to hold the LED in
switch PCB being sure to get place. Do not solder it yet.
Longer lead is anode the polarity correct.

+ on PCB is anode

Determine correct LED orientation.

30 31
INSTALL FOOT SWITCH PCB (CONT)
 SOLDER FOOT SWITCH INSTALL FOOT SWITCH PCB (CONT)

Place the foot switch PCB onto to ensure a VERY good wet layer Time check!
the foot switch, making sure it’s of solder on the iron’s tip to trans-
resting firmly with the lugs stick- fer heat, and give it at least 2 Apply heat for no more
ing through the holes. If the PCB seconds to heat up. You may need than 3-5 seconds! If
you can’t get the solder
tends to move when you let go, to run the tip back and forth on
joint done in that time:
use some blue putty (from your the foot switch lug to get solder
Soldering Practice Kit) to keep to flow across the entire pad. 1. Stop; remove heat
it in place. 2. Allow the joint to
Like most components, unfortu- cool for about 10-20
Solder one lug, let it cool for about nately, too much heat can damage seconds
5 seconds, then the PCB will be it. Foot switches are particularly
3. Tin your tip and
held firmly in place while you susceptible. The epoxy in the ensure it’s wet with
solder the rest of them. foot switch can melt, resulting solder, then touch it
in mechanical failures. back to the joint. Make
If you’re new to this, then allow sure it’s against both
the foot switch lug and
10 seconds to pass between each Watch the video at masfx.io the pad
lug. Foot switch lugs require more to see what this process should
heat than other joints you’ve look like. 4. Apply more solder
as needed
done so far. That means you need
Stop after a few
seconds. Repeat as
SOLDER LED needed.

Now that the foot switch and PCB are secured in position, we can set
the final position of the LED. Make sure the LED is seated in the hole
on the face of the enclosure, then solder its two leads. Clip the excess.
Solder foot switch and LED.

32 33
INSTALL FOOT SWITCH PCB (CONT)
Just as we did on page 24, clean flux as Remove flux KNOBS
needed for all the joints we’ve soldered
since then. residue (again) In this project, we used T18 knurled shaft potentiometers and corre-
sponding 6mm shaft T18 knobs. These were chosen because they
don’t require any extra tools, like Allen wrenches or tiny screwdrivers.
FINISHING AND FINAL TOUCHES Instead, you can simply push down to install the knob.
Sign your initials in the little white box on the PCB for a personal touch. For alignment: first twist the shaft of each potentiometer to the mini-
mum or maximum setting. This gives you a reference when choosing
DECORATE IF NEEDED the knob position. Next, push the knob on.

Knobs too loose?

BACK PLATE
If you have the plain aluminum enclosure with no design, rather than a powder
If the knob feels too
coated and UV-printed one, this would be a good time to decorate it. The guts
of the pedal are designed for easy removal. Remove all the nuts and washers loose, pull it back off.
and pull everything out. Gently pry the two
Use a Phillips head screw-
halves of the shaft slightly
There are countless options to consider. Get creative! Pedal builders in the driver (or a guitar pick) to
apart, just a hair at a time.
forum have loads of experience, so stop by for tips or inspiration. attach the back plate.
Moving it too far can snap
it off.
Decoration Ideas
• Face plate: Order a custom face plate, or use the one included • Sharpie: Permanent markers can work in a pinch. They won’t be
in your kit. Just remove the nuts and washers from the poten- as vibrant as paint markers, but they get the job done.
tiometers, place the face plate over them, then secure the nuts
• Label maker: Old-school punch type, or modern label printers
and washers back onto the pots.
give you quick and easy-to-read labels for your knobs.
• Paint: Spray paint, paint markers, or even brushed paint are all
• Stamped letters: Metal letter stamps, a 1x2x3 block (or other
popular ways to decorate DIY pedals.
anvil), and a hammer will get you looking like Fairfield Circuitry
• Water-slide decals: You can get professional looking results in no time.
with a little patience and good techniques. • Newspaper and magazine clippings: Bring back your inner
• Stickers: Slap some stickers on it for some easy color and style. 5-year-old with some scissors and a glue stick. If you want to
• get fancy, you can even use an epoxy coating (e.g., Mod Podge)
Ink stamps: Rubber stamps and solvent-based ink (e.g., StazOn)
to ensure it stands up to use and abuse.
work great. Use acetone to erase and try again if you mess up.
HOOK IT UP TEST IT OUT

Plug in a 2.1mm, 9V, center negative power supply (not included) in Turn the pedal’s volume knob to the center position and give it a try.
the middle jack. You should hear a clean signal when the LED is off (effect is bypassed),
and a distorted sound when the LED is on.
Plug a 1/4" TS (mono) instrument cable into your guitar, and plug the
other end into the right input jack on the pedal. How does it sound?
Plug another 1/4" TS (mono) instrument cable into the left output Wo
Not good… rking as expected…
jack of the pedal, and plug the other end into your amplifier.

Leave your other pedals out of the signal chain for now to remove
any other variables. 1. Unplug power
2. Don’t fret
Out Power In Use the correct
power supply

9V Center Negative
YOU WILL FIX IT WE WILL HELP

Visit the link below or scan the code

If you fry your pedal with the here to see our interactive guide for
wrong power supply, fixing it troubleshooting your pedal. It will
will be time consuming and may help you identify and fix the most
require ordering new parts. common problems.
We will replace any damaged
parts at cost (no markup), but masfx.io/quickfuzz/troubleshooting/
try to avoid it.
If those steps don’t immediately reveal the problem, you can always
get quick and personal help at our support forum:

36 masfx.io/forum
HOOK IT UP AND TEST IT OUT
TIME TO CELEBRATE! WHAT’S NEXT?
After you’ve taken some time to enjoy and show off your new pedal,
what’s next?
Congratulations! Enjoy making music with the pedal YOU built.

Want to build more?

DIY MERIT BADGE Perhaps this kit sparked a new interest and you want to build more!
Now that you have a bit of experience, there are many options to
consider.
You just earned your DIY
Pedals MERIT BADGE! Wear • More kits: This is the simplest, albeit most costly option. There are
or display it proudly! a good variety of pedal circuits available from a few great suppliers
in addition to MAS Effects.
(Tip: double-sided tape is great
• Off-the-shelf PCBs: One of the most popular options for DIY pedal
if you don’t want to sew it)
builders is to buy a PCB and independently source parts. This gives
you a wide range of available circuits, and is fairly cost effective,
but introduces the complexity of finding and selecting parts.

SHOW US YOUR PEDAL • Scratch-built: Building your own PCB on a prototyping board
(“protoboard” or “stripboard”) or etching copper clad gives you
maximum flexibility and control and keeps costs extremely low.
We absolutely love to see completed builds. Head over to the forum This is the most advanced option, but if you keep an attention to
and post a picture or two, or even a video. detail, you ARE equipped to do it.
masfx.io/forum
Visit our forum at masfx.io/forum to get personalized recommen-
dations from pedal builders on where to go from here.

PS
Want to learn how pedals work?
Remember to keep the pedal at the beginning of the signal That’s another fantastic next step. Continue to the next page to
chain for the best sounds. Putting it after any buffers tends begin that journey.
to kill its signature tone. 39
HOW PEDALS WORK FULL SCHEMATIC
Perhaps you don’t want to “paint by numbers,” putting the pieces JACK PCB FOOT SWITCH PCB

where you’re told, but instead you want to understand what makes SW1
CN3 3PDT1
this and other pedals work. DC_POWER_JACK_5.5X2.1
1
1 FS_GND
3
JACK_GND
BATT_VCC FS_GND 2 3 FS_BYPASS
How Pedals Work: 2

D2
JACK_VCC
4 FS_GND
Conceptual Basics for the Absolute Beginner 1N5817
FS_IN 5 6 FS_JI
CN2
Our book, How Pedals Work, available OUTPUT
JACK_OUT 7 FS_JI

for purchase in print or free online at FS_JO 8 9 FS_OUT

JACK_GND
masfx.io, will take you through all CN1
INPUT
the common building blocks found in JACK_IN BYPASS_LED
R3
4k7
most guitar pedals. BATT_GND FS_VCC FS_BYPASS
JACK_GND

It assumes no prior knowledge and JACK_IN JACK_IN FS_JI FS_JI

JACK_VCC FS_IN FS_IN
won’t bog you down with math or JACK_VCC
FS_VCC FS_VCC
JACK_GND JACK_GND
gory details. Of course, you won’t be JACK_OUT JACK_OUT FS_GND FS_GND
BATT_VCC FS_OUT FS_OUT
a professional engineer after reading BATT_VCC
FS_JO FS_JO
BATT_GND BATT_GND
it, but you will learn to recognize
parts of audio circuits and identify MAIN PCB

what they do.

CONNECTORS to JACK PCB CONNECTORS to FOOT SWITCH PCB
JI_BOT JI
You’ll even be equipped to piece JI_TOP JI
VCC
IN_BOT IN
VCC_TOP VCC
together a custom distortion, fuzz, GND_TOP
VCC_BOT VCC

or boost pedal. JO_TOP JO R1

510k
GND_BOT
OUT_BOT OUT
D1 C2 JO_BOT JO

How this QuickFuzz pedal works 1N4148 100n

C1
220n
VOLUME OUT
Once you know the basics, head over to the online COMPREHEN- IN Q1
2N3904 100k

SIVE version of this QuickFuzz book at masfx.io/quickfuzz R2

1M

and you’ll find a bonus chapter analyzing the QuickFuzz circuit and GAIN
10k
describing how it works.
 mas-effects.com

Visit masfx.io for a more enriching experience:

- Comprehensive QuickFuzz build guide
- Videos
- How To Solder book and videos
- How Pedals Work book

© 2023 Mark A. Stratman

7 00721 18128 5