Pedal Parts / DIY

The AS3080E is Alfa’s version of the CA3080 IC. The AS3080E is a gain block which is the operational-transconductance-amplifier (OTA). The AS3080E has differential input and a single-ended, push-pull, class A output. Amplifier bias
input may be used either for gating or for linear gain control. High output impedance and transconductance (gM) is directly proportional to the amplifier bias current (IABC). Linearizing diodes are provided at the inputs to reduce distortion and allow higher input levels. The result is a 10-dB signal-to-noise improvement referenced to 0.5 percent THD.
The AS3080E is notable for it’s high slew rate (50V/µs), which makes it especially useful for multiplexer and fast unity-gain voltage followers.

MPSA14 NPN Darlington transistor (TO-92 package) - designed for high gain, low noise general purpose amplifier applications.

• Max collector to emitter voltage = 30 V
• Max collector to base voltage = 30 V
• Max emitter to base voltage = 10 V
• Max collector current = 0.5 A (continuous)

Audio taper (log), right angle, Alpha pots with a 6.35mm shaft diameter. These 9mm pots are popular in DIY guitar pedals, synthesizers, and other projects. Mounting nut and washer included.

High-quality USA made knobs from Davies Molding. The large skirted 1550 pointer knob is made of solid phenolic and features a white indicator line. The pointer has an overall length of 1.19” and the skirt’s diameter is 1.13”.

• Height: 0.625 in
• Length: 1.19 in.
• Fits ¼" shaft with set screw

This nickel-plated brass adapter sleeve converts a 0.125 in. (3.17mm) shaft potentiometer to ¼" shaft (6.35mm), allowing for ¼" knobs to be used on a wider range of potentiometers. The cutout on the sleeve allows the set screw of the knob to secure directly to the shaft of the pot. Depending on the knob used, a longer set screw can be required.

MC78L05 5V Linear Regulator. Used in MOD® kits. The TI version is the LM78L05. This fixed-voltage monolithic integrated circuit voltage regulator is suitable for applications that required supply current up to 100 mA.

Stripboard made with a phenolic substrate. Phenolic boards are found in many vintage electronics before the use of fiberglass became common. This stripboard features a 0.15” vintage spacing. This spacing is great for vintage-style builds and more easily accommodates axial capacitors and other larger sized vintage parts like resistors and transistors. The board has a 20x10 grid (10 strips) and easily fits into 1590BB style enclosures and larger vintage-style fuzz enclosures. Each strip is gold coated making soldering easier than most protoboards and also ensures a long shelf life. Features:

• High-quality 1.6mm phenolic circuit board
• Gold coated strips
• 20 x 10 holes (10 strips)
• 3.04” x 1.55”

LM741 single opamp in an 8-pin DIP package. The LM741 has been used in classic guitar pedals such as the Distortion Plus.
The LM741 series are general purpose operational amplifiers which feature improved performance over industry standards like the LM709. They are direct, plug-in replacements for the 709C, LM201, MC1439 and 748 in most applications. The amplifiers offer many features which make their application nearly foolproof: overload protection on the input and output, no latch-up when the common mode range is exceeded, as well as freedom from oscillations.

High quality, made in USA lead formers. These are great tools for bending component leads to fit various footprints. The radiused ends provide a right angle bend that does not stress the metal lead. These lead formers are made of high impact ABS plastic.

Threaded through wide dress nuts for use with mini toggle switches. This wide based nut is not capped allowing the nut to thread past the top of the switch’s bushing. The uncapped top can be useful where internal depth is an issue such as parallel PCB mounting. These plated dress nuts feature a wide chamfered edge for a professional and unique look. These work on any 1/4-40 UNS threaded bushing. Two sides are flatted for use with a tool when fastening.

High quality chicken head style knob with a unique angular design. The stealth chicken head has a thin band that extends above the base allowing for easy manipulation of the knob. This solid phenolic knob has an infilled indicator line. Fits 0.25” (6.35mm) shafts with set screw and brass insert.

• Height: 0.7 in.
• Length: 1.408 in.
• Fits ¼" shaft with set screw

The BC183A transistors manufactured by ITT. The BC183A is a general purpose NPN transistor in a TO-92 case. It is commonly used in fuzz pedals and has a reputation as a warm sounding silicon transistor for fuzz. A version of the BC183A, the BC183KA can be found in some vintage Fuzz Face pedals.

Fender R/A 1/4" mono jack. Used 1999-present. Hex nuts not included (S-H510).

High quality chicken head knobs with vintage gaunt design. The gaunt chicken head has a thinner band that extends above the base allowing for easy manipulation of the knob. This knob has a thick infilled indicator line and is made of solid phenolic. Fits 0.25” (6.35mm) shafts with set screw and brass insert.

• Height: 0.67 in.
• Length: 1.26 in.
• Fits ¼" shaft with set screw

The NJM4580D (JRC4580) is a dual opamp popularly used in many distortion pedals. This chip is a dual operational amplifier, specially designed for improving the tone control, which is most suitable for the audio application. Featuring noiseless, higher gain bandwidth, high output current and low distortion ratio, it is most suitable not only for acoustic electronic parts of audio pre-amp and active filter, but also for the industrial measurement tools. It is also suitable for the headphone amp at higher output current, and furthermore, it can be applied for the handy type set operational amplifier of general purpose in application of low voltage single supply type which is properly biased of the low voltage source. Features:

• Operating Voltage ±2V~±18V
• Low Input Noise Voltage 0.8µVrms typ.

Mid-sized black plastic control knob with set screw and brass insert. This knob is similar in appearance to the classic MXR knobs but with a smaller diameter. It features a fluted grip with an indicator line along with a small skirt with a dot indicator. Fits ¼” (6.35mm) pot shafts.

Panel mount LED lenses made of high quality polycarbonate. These lenses provide a clean semi-flush appearance with a small panel footprint and work well in any project using LED indicators. Features:

• 0.171” mounting hole
• For panel thicknesses of 0.031” to 0.125″
• Fresnel lens
• Low Profile
• Fits standard 3mm LEDs

For a version that fits 5mm LEDs, see P-L710-X.

1/4" stereo jack. 4 PC mount terminals include: tip, tip-shunt (normally closed), ring and sleeve. Metric threading: M12 x 1.0.

Iss. 1 fuzz PCB made with a phenolic substrate for an even closer match to the vintage production boards. Phenolic boards are found in many vintage electronics before the use of fiberglass became common. This PCB is a recreation of the iss. 1 circuit board found in classic Fuzz Face pedals. When drawing the layout, multiple originals were closely referenced to ensure a proper match and fit. The copper traces are gold plated providing protection from corrosion indefinitely. This classic board fits the mounting holes on both original and reproduction Fuzz Face enclosures.

Rugged, diecast aluminum alloy chassis box. Equivalent to Hammond's P-H1590A.

Low noise JFET quad operational amplifier. Incorporates well matched, high-voltage JFET and bipolar transistors in a monolithic integrated circuit. Features high slew rates, low input bias and offset currents, and low offset voltage temperature coefficients. Features:

• Wide common-mode and differential voltage range
• Low input bias and offset current
• Low noise en = 15 nV/HZ
• Output short-circuit protection
• High input impedance JFET input stage
• Low harmonic distortion: 0.01%
• Internal frequency compensation
• Latch up free operation
• High slew rate: 16 V/us (typical)

Alpha Mini Pots with solid shaft and short PC mount terminals.

• Threading: M7 x 0.75
• Distance between terminals: 5 mm (0.197”)
• Lead Depth from Panel: 3.8 mm (0.150”)
• Lead Distance from shaft center: 12.5 mm + 3.5 mm (0.492” + 0.138”)
• Lead Thickness: 0.5 mm (0.020”)

Anodized aluminum knob with short indicator line, set screw, and a matte metal finish. This solid aluminum knob has a straight knurled grip with a diameter of 0.5”. The knob also features a counterbore which allows it to hide pot bushings for a clean look. Fits ¼” (6.35mm) pot shafts. For a larger version of this knob, see P-K611-X. For a brushed finish version of this knob, see P-K655X.

Prewired cone-shaped LED bezel. An internal current limiting resistor is installed in this bezel and it can be used with voltages up to 12VDC. Mounting nut and lock washer included.