I may be returning to college this fall to finish my studio art degree and would like to incorporate bass accessories into my works. As a bass and electronics newbie, would building my own pedals be feasible? I can use many tools without hurting myself (or others). Could anyone recommend any schematics, books, or articles on the subject? Thanks!

I'd reccomend "Electronic Projects for Musicians" by Craig Anderton. It's an excellent book that shows you how to make everything from a simple preamp to an envellope follower. Back in the early '90s, I built a couple of projects. It was a lot of fun, but I should warn you: it's not the cheapest hobby. All those components and tools can really add up!

Anyway, if I ever got back into it, as a joke, I'd love to construct: THE ATTENUATOR. I'd give it a super hot paint job, make it look like the baddest little device on the planet. Components? 1 box, one pot, one switch, 2 jacks.

BTW, I love your little icon. That little thing always got on my nerves.

One homemade project I saw that I love is at a club in Tucson that I play alot. The soundman built a custom made box, it's called the Suck-O-Meter. It's a black box with a VU meter and a knob labeled "Suck". It can be used to gauge a band's performance with accuracy up to .0000001 on the Suck-o scale. Got to have one of those!


Sampoerna, I LOVE those cool smilies!

Thanks for the suggestions, folks. Aside from some "real" effects, the joke ones would be fun, too. My professors probably won't care much for what they do...rather, what they look like. If I get good enough, perhaps I could sell artsy-fartsy pedals for those so inclined. Another idea I have is to make customized guitar and bass straps with beadwork.

Re: the smilies...they come from Crack's Smilies . A great site with hundreds, in various styles.

For interesting looking pedals (which also happen to sound great, if a little extreme for some folks), try http://www.zvex.com

Joe Gagan (of The Gagan Brothers Band and the FDP) made these --> link .

Oops...I should add that Tim Gagan worked on the devices, too.