Project · Add-Ons
Diode Clippers (pair) 6-way Selector Switch
There's a very small 6-way rotary switch with space for 6 different pairs of clipping devices. Clippers are mostly diodes of different kinds, but LEDs and FETS can be used on the PCB as well. It can be used in place of any distortion or overdrive clipping pair in any circuit, for example Distortion Plus™, Tube Screamer™, Rat™, etc.
The story
What it does
Most overdrives and distortions get their character from a pair of clipping devices: silicon diodes, germanium diodes, LEDs, or MOSFETs. Each one clips at a different voltage and with a different curve, so swapping them changes the pedal more than almost any other mod: silicon is tight and bright, germanium softer and smoother, LEDs louder and more open. The usual way to compare them is to solder, listen, desolder and repeat. A selector puts six pairs on a rotary switch, so you can turn a knob and hear them all.
This project at GGG
Our selector is a small board built around a compact 6-way rotary switch, with space for six pairs of clipping devices: diodes of any kind, LEDs, or FETs. It drops in wherever a clipping pair sits in a circuit: our Distortion+, Tube Screamer™ and Rat™ kits are typical homes for it, and the Tube Screamer™ kit is also sold with the selector included. It is our best-selling add-on, and it turns one pedal into six.
Project files
Everything you need to build it
6-Way Rotary Switch Diode Clipper Selector Ready-For-Transfer Printed Circuit Board Layout – For use only if you are a complete DIY person who wants to etch and drill your own PCB. Otherwise, we recommend you ignore this PCB mask and buy the Ready-to-Solder Printed Circuit Board or Complete Kit.
6-Way Rotary Switch Diode Clipper Selector Project Revisions History