build a tube screamer (guitar pedal)

Warning: non-thermionic project, as in `it has no tubes’.

This instructable outlines steps for creating your own clone of the popular ‘tube screamer’ guitar distortion stompbox. Even if you’re not keen on making tubes cry out, it’s a good introduction to the DIY effects box process (and what motivates players to make their own).

Highly recommended.  

Not because I built one - because building stuff is fun.  It’s cool.  You can figure out which end of the soldering iron to hold (and believe me, you’ll remember it always).  You can put it in a really silly box, like an old ammo box or even an electrical quad box.  The Tube Screamer is a pretty standard, decent-sounding circuit so you’ll have lots to be proud of while you’re wailing away.

Further Warning: this device, while potentially improving your tone, will do nothing to improve your playing.  So if you have ever been told to Turn the SUCK Knob Down, you’re still S.O.L.