The DIY crazy doesn't end with us...

From the inception of the most current (and longest-running) format of Bellwether, we've focused some of our creative energies on endeavors other than the music that drives us, specifically in the vein of building our own gear.

We wish we could say that we're just inherently driven to build things just for the sheer awesomeness of being able to say, "I made that." However, our motivation usually starts with the words, "That costs HOW MUCH!?" and ends with the words, "I told you I could do it better for less money."

This facet of our band is kind of subtle--most people wouldn't realize that we've made a lot of what we use on stage, from guitars to effects to equipment cases--but it adds a lot of flavor and gives us what we need to play good rock shows for gas money.

Background aside, part of what we want to do on this blog is showcase some of what we do when we're not practicing, playing or working our day jobs, so here is some info on one of my most recent effects pedal builds:


This whole project started from a for-sale post on a forum I often frequent when I'm looking for info on building custom guitar effects. The founder of Experimentalists Anonymous was selling a pre-built echo pedal circuit that was originally intended for commercial sale. Problem was, it didn't come in an enclosure, and the box it was designed to fit in...well...let's just say it wouldn't fit without some serious modification.

He posted some instructions on modifying the circuit board and fitting it into the enclosure, but I figured, why meddle with a working circuit board when you could just change the box it fits in...so that's what I did. Check out the photos of my Space-Time Continuum echo pedal build:

Using hand tools and my power drill, I shoehorned this monstrosity into a workable box. This is probably the best aluminum-drilling job I've ever done...my dad would be proud.













I threw some mismatched knobs on the controls as well, just for ease of use--matching ones are on order. It took some delicate work with a file, but it eventually dropped in with no problems. I didn't get a chance to work on it for a few weeks, but I eventually picked it back up and started on getting a plate made to cover the missing side of the box.


Finally, I asked my lovely wife to create some graphics for it while I picked out a color and painted the background. Several clear-coats later, it was finished, and it holds a permanent space on my live pedalboard. You'll hear it in force if you listen to us play "When Charles Comes" live. Speaking of playing live, feel free to check our website to see when we're playing.



Thanks!
-Josh