Things to consider: 1 - You can only shift the resonant frequency downward by adding capacitance, not upward. 2 - The toggle switch is a nice feature but not absolutely necessary. You could have one position on the rotary that does not have a capacitor. 3 - The volume control on the guitar should always remain at maximum when doing this evaluation. Turning the volume even slightly CCW will add resistance and affect the Q of the circuit, which will soften the peak. 4 - The loading caused by the resistance of the volume and tone controls soften the peak a lot and reduce the resonant frequency slightly, compared to an unloaded pickup. To sharpen the peak, one could use a no-load tone pot and/or use a volume pot of higher resistance value. 5 - Exploring inexpensive modifications is fun. Do it!
If inductors were easy to make or buy, we could make it work both way. I know nothing about resonance peak, but I guess that several inductors (or one with several taps) would do the trick, removing mud and keeping the high end.
People have been asking men how often they think about the Roman Empire… for me all week has been, “how do I make that pickup sound changer pedal thingy?”
I’ve been wondering if Marcus Antonius would have just been content being a low level officer if he’d been able to impress the ladies with his soldering skills.
I'm probably one of a handful of U.S. viewers that bought the blueprint (and found that some of those capacitors are hard to come by on Amazon without buying 250-500 others) and decided to find out how bad their soldering skills diminished over the years. 1. The box I ended up getting was too small by 1/2 a size. However, I found my inner Japanese manufacturing skills and made it fit. 2. The 12P dial I ended up receiving was a piece of garbage, but I was not willing to spend too much on my first attempt. 3. For anyone trying this out, just use the wire you trim/cut from the capacitors to bridge them. This is not a big learning curve, it is a rather simple project. Finding the right capacitors and dial was the hardest part, and then fitting them into this small box was a feat I would not want to go through again....but I bought 3 of these boxes, so I imagine I will try two more times.
@@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar Digikey lets you buy just one of each item and shipping is only $5. I ended up getting 10 of each value since I plan on modding a few pickups and will need the extras. The switch I got from amazon was junk too but it works for it's intended purpose so I live with it.
One small thought is to put a footswitch on the box beneath the knob so the effect could be kicked in and out during a performance. I know I would use it that way.
I'm a luthier in the UK. I installed a version of this idea into a prototype bass in 2006. It gave me four very useable tones (and two that were really weedy) out of a single pup. I put resistors to even up the overall volume and replaced a six way with a four way tele style pup. Everyone was happy! Great vid mate!
Im a guitarist in the United States. I installed myself in a chair at the local guitar center and started playing. I then stopped. Everyone was happy! Great vid mate!
Maximum respect for encouraging people to make their own and learn from it instead of shilling a product. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Great channel.
Ok I built this gizmo box and works well for me finding parallel filters, but the other one, I call gizmo 1 for series filters I also needed to build it more like gizmo 2 with at least 7 different cap values to choose from. that works better also
What a legend! Thanks mate, this is going to be very useful - Not just in the workshop, but it’s also a perfect tool when double tracking guitars in the studio. Usually if bands don’t have many guitars around I’d get them to just switch pickup position, but this opens up the options a lot. Can’t wait to build this.
No kidding. A studio engineer could have a field day with a Green Gizmo. Thinking seriously about buying or building one myself. Subscribed to the channel so I can find this easily again.
Mate thanks for that, such a great idea. I bought one of your vintage ODs years ago and it finally gave up on me a couple of months - it is a brilliant piece of kit, top quality and I'll get it looked at by a local tech. I'm back in the UK now or I'd have come back to see you again. For anyone reading this I can't recommend Waylon enough. A thoroughly decent guy and hand makes the most incredible stuff.
I just downloaded the schematics and have already found all the components online. Can't wait to make my own Gizmo ! Many many thanks! I really appreciate this video!
🙏Thanks to everyone who requested this video, The link to purchase the pedal or schematic is mcphersonmusic.site/product-category/pickups/the-green-gizmo%ef%b8%8f/ Also make sure to check out my website, free account link >>> waylonmcpherson-shop.fourthwall.com/supporters/sign_up
@@thedavesofourlives1 Thanks for the Q, when your volume is on full the treble bleed is essentially bypassed, I have another video all about treble bleeds if you are interested, cheers!
Millions of thanks, i just finished building my one. Amazing results, i love it. Extremely useful in any given situation, im amazed especially as now i have just tested it with an octave-fuzz. Brilliant tool for studio use, but i have added a footswitch and a led so it could also live on a board. (for some reason when the led is on, i mean its connected to a power supply, it generates a little hiss on top. nothing serious just what a mild boost pedal would generate).
Just been on your website and bought one of these. Making it would be fun, but I don’t the have the time to do that and I’m more than happy to support you and this channel, it’s great!Looking forward to trying it out.
Not really! It's just the same as the caps you solder to the tone pot! You will never used the majority of the settings on this pedal, you should rather add alligator clips to the tone pot and swap caps until you find the ones that sounds best, then add a mini-switch to your guitar wired to the tone pot and include the caps that you like best, it's not rocket science and guitar techs have been doing this since forever! I use a mini switch with switchable .001/.010/.033 caps with my HB's and been doing so for over 35 yrs!
Since building this Gizmo with in the series filters I have been able to revoice several guitars with pickups that were too muddy and did not need to replace them
Dude! I am so incredibly excited about your channel and what you are going to bring us. I've always wanted to make my own pedals. I was flight simulator tech for 15 years and I can't wait for this!!!!
I have three caps in my lap steel. I just did the mini version of this with a three way toggle, after selecting caps. As stated before by another, the volume knob or volume pedal will obviously take any cap out of line. The biggest thing anyone can do as a player, is have fun, spend time, more than money on fun projects. If you choose, build this item, and if you add mini pots, CTS, 250 and then a 500 or 1000, you can directly line the guitar into it, then not only choose caps, but choose pot values for any guitar or circuit, or combination. Then just write down your results, and kick on the soldering iron. 😬😂 The possibilities, and the myths out there, you'll soon realise can be misleading with size or brands, or models. I'm not a scientist, but I also have taken caps from cheap things such as radios, or whatever I see at a garage sale I can use. Don't always get caught up in "guitar parts" as the end all. At one time James Buchanan had a dryer starter cap in a 50s telecaster. Why? Well listen to him on Austin City Limits, and I guess that's why. Have fun!!
Just found this and love the idea. If we ordered one from you can you add the cheat sheet to it? I would not be able to remember what capacitors are where
SOUNDS LIKE A COOL PROJECT, I USED TO SOLDER FOR A LIVING AT MCDONALD DOUGLAS UP HERE IN CANADA & KINDA MISS IT. SO THIS SOUNDS LIKE A GR8T LITTLE PROJECT. THANKS MUCH WAYLON & I'LL CHECK OUT YER OTHER PROJECTS, HECK THIS MAY INSPIRE ME TO TRY SOMETHING NEW MYSELF. KEEP ON A PLUCKEN BROTHER. MANY THANKS AGAIN, PHIL
This looks amazing! Can you help me understand how this is different than a tone knob? Caps are run in parallel and grounded to the tone pot. Could you help me understand how this functions differently? Thanks!
Your channel showed up in my feed and I really like what you're doing and how you explain how to make this voicer myself. Your demonstration of your voicer helped me understand better why people put different size capacitors for pickup sound, strength, and other qualities. I definitely want to make one of these for my electric guitars. I imagine this voicer only applies to magnetic coil pickups....and would not work with an acoustic guitar with a 9 volt preamp...right? Thank you very much for your amazing video. Of course, I subscribed. I'm going to check out all of your videos. I've already gone to the coil splitting one... But I had to come back to make a comment to let you know how much I appreciate this educational gift. It's mind-blowing to think that you did this video a year ago and I get to see you today or even 10 or 20 years from today!! The internet is amazing. Thanks again and God bless 🙏.
Dude, you are SO cool you didn't censor the capacitors or anything, so anyone can replicate a version of your idea even if they dont 100% nail the capacitor values ❤❤❤
built it for less than $50 usd, tried it on alnico 5 single coils and about 1n to 2n they smooth out, but nothing drastic, but an odd thing happens with fuzz, it almost boosts and brightens a little. cool project and interesting results so far, will definitely have to try this on ceramic based and see what it does to them.
I mentioned it after the last vid, but the BB King Model Gibson hollow bodies use a very similar rotary switch to select from 5-6 different caps, as well. They're a great idea, but never really caught on with other models, for some reason, but you can buy the switches themselves so that you could install it on your own guitar. It is a bit bulky, but could be a nice compromise. Cheers.
You could wire a selector switch and some capacitor options into the guitar. In place of the tone knobs. I literally always have tone knobs wide open. Never use them. This is better!
This is a good mod to wire into the guitar itself. A standalone unit that can be installed as a knob unit itself. That will put the circuit as close as possible to the pickups lowering resistance created by cable lengths.
@@shawnhagerich2559 I just may. Rather than a standalone on/off switch, see if there is a push/pull switch. That way, all functionality is in one switch. I just did away with all tone pots and caps on my strat. I have the red, blue, silver Lace pickups drop-in pickguard. Just volume and wide open pups with a three way switch. Wicked hot strat. Warmoth, you can order a pickguard of your build choosing. I placed the volume in tone pot #2 location omitting the other tone pot holes. That way, the damn thing is outta my way. Always turning it down accidentally. Those Lace pickups rock. The bridge puts out 18 ohm.
This is a great little tool. Def going to lose a tone pot for maybe a 7 selector version of this. Thank you… bought the schematic to chip in for a great vid 👍🏻
Yeah, that's the move. The box is so useful that once you have it it seems silly to fix your pickups to one value. Why not have all the good choices available to you? Your way is def the best of both worlds. Have the 6 best choices plus a clean option. No box required. Way better than a tone pot. Thanks in advance for letting me steal this idea.
Nice gadget. It's ez to modify a cable with alligator clips soldered into the leads. Capacitors can be quickly swapped to test. Not as fun as your rig though. Well done. Cheers
hello great video, thanks for sharing. Do you thing it would be possible to put that inside the guitar? i mean geting a smaller rotary switch and install it inside the guitar?
Michigan here.. Just ordered the schematics order number 4188. Can't wait to get building. Thanks for providing the schematics... sharing this video with all my fb friends.
Hello friend, i'm no where near your technical understanding, however, the knowledge share means a lot to me. Your video's are very well delivered, your very well spoken, and your expertise is clear. looking forward to more content. Cheers Friend!
Got all my parts yesterday and put it together! Wow, this is so cool. I have " fixed" my Prince tele. I was going to swap out the pickups, but now I have them dial in. Thank you again, 3 dollars, which was like 1.89 US, for the schematic! Thank you for sharing them.
I just stumbled upon your channel and I really like what you're doing here. I watched 3 videos in a row that were highly educational and straight to the point. Your flow is great, explanation is fast which I love, and you play very well. I'm subscribed with the bell on, I look forward to learning more from you and thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Just finished building mine, its a silver gizmo (no paint). It works brilliant. I built a Strat with P90's and the bridge pickup was very harsh. I add a 1nF cap and now it sounds like it should. Thanks again.
I finished building the box last night and had a good session trying it out this morning. It's great and I'm now considering installing it in my guitar, especially after seeing your other video. Thanks.
Of a vaguely similar vein, the EMG SPC control does really neat things to 81's and 85's. It's basically a "more djent" knob. Is not a popular product, but it is a great one for filtering your midrange just so.
Effectively we are dialling in our guitars when using this device to choose the right capacitor. The amount of money to be saved because of a crafty Kiwi.
you should also keep the cable from the box to the amp short. given that the box is passive (doesn't buffer the output), the cable capacitance from the box to the amp will also affect the overall capacitance.
I have been lookin into this capacitance stuff past few day's and im actually seeing it more and more. I think this is what the king tone srv switch for your guitar does but not sure its the same. I hear the best way to get the best tone out if your pickups isnthis way right here so will be trying some of this on my own soon hopefully. I have read some stuff about the old cables they use to use compared to new ones is a way to get that vintage tone also cause its basically doing this same thing i believe.
So I’ve built these into my guitars in the past. The only issue is that it won’t replace different inductance pickups for the fact it can’t simulate the filter of certain pickups. This due to interaction of cap, inductance and impedance but it a good thing to try so users can hear resonance shift. Personally I wind pickups super low to give theoretical flat response even at long cable lengths paying particular attention to keeping capacitance low at that stage
Insta-subbed from the previous gizmo video and insta-bought the schematic. Thank you for sharing and I hope you reap in the kiwi bucks from your innovative idea.
Thanks for sharing. This could be a cool little project to work on. I’ll try to find the time. Would be great to revoice a strat bridge pickup to sound a little more substantial.
So cool! Thanks for dropping such cool knowledge on us! What happens if you put a buffer/buffered pedal before the Green Gizmo? Will this obviate the need for using the shortest cable possible before the Gizmo?
Just saw the other vid (followed the link to this one), and that pickup mod was great. But this Gizmo! - I reckon this as a pedal would be far more handy to have on hand (for me personally). Love the idea of it! I know, I know, that's not what it's designed for, lol. But being able to revoice the guitar (any guitar) on the go could open up some interesting tone possibilities.
I like you stuff and all the knowledge you are sharing is incredible. So I also baught a schematic to support the channel. I will build it in a few weeks I think.
It's the first time that i saw something like this and it's genius, is there any other way of changing pickup sound with similar electronic components?
Things to consider:
1 - You can only shift the resonant frequency downward by adding capacitance, not upward.
2 - The toggle switch is a nice feature but not absolutely necessary. You could have one position on the rotary that does not have a capacitor.
3 - The volume control on the guitar should always remain at maximum when doing this evaluation. Turning the volume even slightly CCW will add resistance and affect the Q of the circuit, which will soften the peak.
4 - The loading caused by the resistance of the volume and tone controls soften the peak a lot and reduce the resonant frequency slightly, compared to an unloaded pickup. To sharpen the peak, one could use a no-load tone pot and/or use a volume pot of higher resistance value.
5 - Exploring inexpensive modifications is fun. Do it!
If inductors were easy to make or buy, we could make it work both way. I know nothing about resonance peak, but I guess that several inductors (or one with several taps) would do the trick, removing mud and keeping the high end.
I hardly use tone controls... looking around to which guitar I'm gonna install one of these instead of the tone pot.
So I guess its better to use 250k pots for humbuckers to have more options if resonant frequency can only be shifted downward?
@@johnnyway8667 reducing the resistance value of the pots will tend to flatten the peak and also lower the point where the high frequencies roll off.
@@moroboshidan7960 if your goal is to reduce the mud, you could use a passive bass-cut control similar to what G&L does with their PTB circuit.
People have been asking men how often they think about the Roman Empire… for me all week has been, “how do I make that pickup sound changer pedal thingy?”
My wife just asked me that and I had no idea what she was talking about lol
I’ve been wondering if Marcus Antonius would have just been content being a low level officer if he’d been able to impress the ladies with his soldering skills.
dude could you image if he had access to Gibson Custom Shop and a Fender Twin with Celeston Creambacks during the War Of Actium haha ;) @@johnepavek
I would love to see a new version of Gladiator with exactly that @wepoppublicity
The intro battle scene would epic.
haha this is true :) @@chuckthaalchemyst3539
I'm probably one of a handful of U.S. viewers that bought the blueprint (and found that some of those capacitors are hard to come by on Amazon without buying 250-500 others) and decided to find out how bad their soldering skills diminished over the years.
1. The box I ended up getting was too small by 1/2 a size. However, I found my inner Japanese manufacturing skills and made it fit.
2. The 12P dial I ended up receiving was a piece of garbage, but I was not willing to spend too much on my first attempt.
3. For anyone trying this out, just use the wire you trim/cut from the capacitors to bridge them.
This is not a big learning curve, it is a rather simple project. Finding the right capacitors and dial was the hardest part, and then fitting them into this small box was a feat I would not want to go through again....but I bought 3 of these boxes, so I imagine I will try two more times.
I love hearing about these sorts of experiences, glad you get it up and running :)
@@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar Digikey lets you buy just one of each item and shipping is only $5. I ended up getting 10 of each value since I plan on modding a few pickups and will need the extras. The switch I got from amazon was junk too but it works for it's intended purpose so I live with it.
One small thought is to put a footswitch on the box beneath the knob so the effect could be kicked in and out during a performance. I know I would use it that way.
I'm a luthier in the UK. I installed a version of this idea into a prototype bass in 2006. It gave me four very useable tones (and two that were really weedy) out of a single pup. I put resistors to even up the overall volume and replaced a six way with a four way tele style pup. Everyone was happy! Great vid mate!
Im a guitarist in the United States. I installed myself in a chair at the local guitar center and started playing. I then stopped. Everyone was happy! Great vid mate!
Nothing impresses the ladies like high level soldering skills
Maximum respect for encouraging people to make their own and learn from it instead of shilling a product. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Great channel.
Who else would be interested in a bass version!
Absolutely
Ok I built this gizmo box and works well for me finding parallel filters, but the other one, I call gizmo 1 for series filters I also needed to build it more like gizmo 2 with at least 7 different cap values to choose from. that works better also
How very generous of you to share your knowledge, skill and time Waylon. The schematic is a bargain. I'm going to give it a crack. Ian
No problem, have fun building it!
What a legend! Thanks mate, this is going to be very useful - Not just in the workshop, but it’s also a perfect tool when double tracking guitars in the studio. Usually if bands don’t have many guitars around I’d get them to just switch pickup position, but this opens up the options a lot. Can’t wait to build this.
No kidding. A studio engineer could have a field day with a Green Gizmo. Thinking seriously about buying or building one myself. Subscribed to the channel so I can find this easily again.
Mate thanks for that, such a great idea. I bought one of your vintage ODs years ago and it finally gave up on me a couple of months - it is a brilliant piece of kit, top quality and I'll get it looked at by a local tech. I'm back in the UK now or I'd have come back to see you again. For anyone reading this I can't recommend Waylon enough. A thoroughly decent guy and hand makes the most incredible stuff.
Thanks so much!
I just downloaded the schematics and have already found all the components online. Can't wait to make my own Gizmo ! Many many thanks! I really appreciate this video!
Great! Enjoy the build!
It’s real nice to hear that L in solder. Feels like it’s been ages.
Never understood why Americans don't pronounce it.
@@GarethRidout Point of difference.
Aloominum FFS
and imperial measurements.🙄
About12 years ago I added the same type of switch with many capacitors on it right into one of my custom guitars. I still have this setup.
🙏Thanks to everyone who requested this video, The link to purchase the pedal or schematic is mcphersonmusic.site/product-category/pickups/the-green-gizmo%ef%b8%8f/
Also make sure to check out my website, free account link >>> waylonmcpherson-shop.fourthwall.com/supporters/sign_up
@bulletsforteeth5029 No problem, thanks!
Thanks for sharing, bought myself a copy of the schematic and went to jaycar for parts this arvo.
you compare the box to stock tone, what about treble bleed on the volume?
@@thedavesofourlives1 Thanks for the Q, when your volume is on full the treble bleed is essentially bypassed, I have another video all about treble bleeds if you are interested, cheers!
Millions of thanks, i just finished building my one. Amazing results, i love it. Extremely useful in any given situation, im amazed especially as now i have just tested it with an octave-fuzz. Brilliant tool for studio use, but i have added a footswitch and a led so it could also live on a board. (for some reason when the led is on, i mean its connected to a power supply, it generates a little hiss on top. nothing serious just what a mild boost pedal would generate).
Very cool, so stoked! Yes a power supply can induce a little noise into the signal even when it's not connected to the audio path, cheers!
@@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar im actually glad to hear that as it means i didnt screw up anything. Are there any ways to filter that noise tho?
@@gabibartok4544 some sort of buffer pedal
@@Cancel-Flip thank you, i have sorted it out already with a resistor.
By my experience, a buffer kills this pedal. It has to be first in the chain
Just been on your website and bought one of these. Making it would be fun, but I don’t the have the time to do that and I’m more than happy to support you and this channel, it’s great!Looking forward to trying it out.
Nice, thanks so much!!
Same here
This is BRILLIANT!
Thank you for creating this and sharing it with the world!
Not really! It's just the same as the caps you solder to the tone pot! You will never used the majority of the settings on this pedal, you should rather add alligator clips to the tone pot and swap caps until you find the ones that sounds best, then add a mini-switch to your guitar wired to the tone pot and include the caps that you like best, it's not rocket science and guitar techs have been doing this since forever! I use a mini switch with switchable .001/.010/.033 caps with my HB's and been doing so for over 35 yrs!
Yep not new but convenient and the pedal/box form does not change the aesthetic of the guitar. @@kennyh5083
Thanks!
You're welcome, thanks so much for supporting the channel :)
I made something like this and installed it directly on a strat around 20 years ago. Great tones if you pick the right caps
I’ve had really good luck with that Solder Rizz
Since building this Gizmo with in the series filters I have been able to revoice several guitars with pickups that were too muddy and did not need to replace them
Time to build one of these. I probably have all the parts already. Except a pedal enclosure. I do have a few breadboards though lol
Dude! I am so incredibly excited about your channel and what you are going to bring us. I've always wanted to make my own pedals. I was flight simulator tech for 15 years and I can't wait for this!!!!
THANK YOU!!! I knew you would come through for us!
You are so welcome!
Thank you so much I really want to make one of these I could see it being used as a recording solution to get more tonal options 🤘
I have three caps in my lap steel. I just did the mini version of this with a three way toggle, after selecting caps. As stated before by another, the volume knob or volume pedal will obviously take any cap out of line. The biggest thing anyone can do as a player, is have fun, spend time, more than money on fun projects. If you choose, build this item, and if you add mini pots, CTS, 250 and then a 500 or 1000, you can directly line the guitar into it, then not only choose caps, but choose pot values for any guitar or circuit, or combination. Then just write down your results, and kick on the soldering iron. 😬😂
The possibilities, and the myths out there, you'll soon realise can be misleading with size or brands, or models. I'm not a scientist, but I also have taken caps from cheap things such as radios, or whatever I see at a garage sale I can use. Don't always get caught up in "guitar parts" as the end all. At one time James Buchanan had a dryer starter cap in a 50s telecaster. Why? Well listen to him on Austin City Limits, and I guess that's why. Have fun!!
I just built one using your schematic and it sounds awesome! It's my first pedal build from scratch and I love it!!! Thank You!!!
Your Welcome, I'm stoked :)
Is it possible to make this pedal with slightly different caps?? I’m finding just a few hard to find
Just found this and love the idea. If we ordered one from you can you add the cheat sheet to it? I would not be able to remember what capacitors are where
Thanks :) Yes all the capacitor values are listed in the manual when you purchase a Green Gizmo, cheers!
SOUNDS LIKE A COOL PROJECT, I USED TO SOLDER FOR A LIVING AT MCDONALD DOUGLAS UP HERE IN CANADA & KINDA MISS IT. SO THIS SOUNDS LIKE A GR8T LITTLE PROJECT. THANKS MUCH WAYLON & I'LL CHECK OUT YER OTHER PROJECTS, HECK THIS MAY INSPIRE ME TO TRY SOMETHING NEW MYSELF. KEEP ON A PLUCKEN BROTHER. MANY THANKS AGAIN, PHIL
Fascinating stuff, reckon one could build something similar to audition values for a treble bleed?
This looks amazing! Can you help me understand how this is different than a tone knob? Caps are run in parallel and grounded to the tone pot. Could you help me understand how this functions differently?
Thanks!
my thoughts exactly!
That looks a lot easier to build than I expected!
Your channel showed up in my feed and I really like what you're doing and how you explain how to make this voicer myself. Your demonstration of your voicer helped me understand better why people put different size capacitors for pickup sound, strength, and other qualities. I definitely want to make one of these for my electric guitars. I imagine this voicer only applies to magnetic coil pickups....and would not work with an acoustic guitar with a 9 volt preamp...right?
Thank you very much for your amazing video. Of course, I subscribed. I'm going to check out all of your videos. I've already gone to the coil splitting one... But I had to come back to make a comment to let you know how much I appreciate this educational gift.
It's mind-blowing to think that you did this video a year ago and I get to see you today or even 10 or 20 years from today!! The internet is amazing. Thanks again and God bless 🙏.
Dude, you are SO cool you didn't censor the capacitors or anything, so anyone can replicate a version of your idea even if they dont 100% nail the capacitor values ❤❤❤
What values would work for bass
Brilliant! I might replace one tone control with the rotary switch 🤔
Thank You for this... if you haven't made your first million yet your on your way now!!
built it for less than $50 usd, tried it on alnico 5 single coils and about 1n to 2n they smooth out, but nothing drastic, but an odd thing happens with fuzz, it almost boosts and brightens a little. cool project and interesting results so far, will definitely have to try this on ceramic based and see what it does to them.
Awesome man :)
I mentioned it after the last vid, but the BB King Model Gibson hollow bodies use a very similar rotary switch to select from 5-6 different caps, as well. They're a great idea, but never really caught on with other models, for some reason, but you can buy the switches themselves so that you could install it on your own guitar. It is a bit bulky, but could be a nice compromise. Cheers.
kingtone sell the rotary switch to fit into strat bodies, for srv hendrix albert and BBking tones. SO yeah, its not gone unnoticed.
It's called a varitone switch. It varies but usually it has 6 different tones and varies wildly in price from were you get it.
You could wire a selector switch and some capacitor options into the guitar. In place of the tone knobs. I literally always have tone knobs wide open. Never use them. This is better!
Yes. I’d never heard of that (never owned a Gibson) but I just checked out the schematic and yes it looks like it.
This is a good mod to wire into the guitar itself. A standalone unit that can be installed as a knob unit itself. That will put the circuit as close as possible to the pickups lowering resistance created by cable lengths.
That was my thought. It would be super fun!
@@shawnhagerich2559 I just may. Rather than a standalone on/off switch, see if there is a push/pull switch. That way, all functionality is in one switch.
I just did away with all tone pots and caps on my strat. I have the red, blue, silver Lace pickups drop-in pickguard. Just volume and wide open pups with a three way switch. Wicked hot strat.
Warmoth, you can order a pickguard of your build choosing. I placed the volume in tone pot #2 location omitting the other tone pot holes. That way, the damn thing is outta my way. Always turning it down accidentally.
Those Lace pickups rock. The bridge puts out 18 ohm.
Thanks for your generosity posting a how to build. BTW, You play beautifully.
I'd love to put this onboard my guitar. It would be great when switching between genres, rhythm bits, soloing, etc
I believe this is what B B King has on Lucille
@@stevejohnson5251 Yes, a 6-way Varitone switch. Does the same as this 12-way version, but less subtle.
This is a great little tool. Def going to lose a tone pot for maybe a 7 selector version of this. Thank you… bought the schematic to chip in for a great vid 👍🏻
Cool idea, thanks!
Yeah, that's the move. The box is so useful that once you have it it seems silly to fix your pickups to one value. Why not have all the good choices available to you? Your way is def the best of both worlds. Have the 6 best choices plus a clean option. No box required. Way better than a tone pot. Thanks in advance for letting me steal this idea.
It's like a different type of varitone switch! I would want this in my Lucille!
Thanks! Great little project.
I just bought the schematic and now I'm off to Aliexpress for some bits. :)
Nice!!
Could you breadboard and just swap out caps for similar effect?
Nice gadget. It's ez to modify a cable with alligator clips soldered into the leads. Capacitors can be quickly swapped to test. Not as fun as your rig though. Well done. Cheers
I'm going to build a version of this for bass, when I've worked out the cap values I'll send them to you so you can include them on your schematic.
hello great video, thanks for sharing. Do you thing it would be possible to put that inside the guitar? i mean geting a smaller rotary switch and install it inside the guitar?
I've watched 3 of your videos today - I learned a lot!
Glad you like them, thanks!
Oh my god you made the video, and so quickly. You’re a legend!
Thank you. This will be extremely useful to me. It is much appreciated that you are willing to share this with us.
Glad it was helpful!
Michigan here.. Just ordered the schematics order number 4188. Can't wait to get building. Thanks for providing the schematics... sharing this video with all my fb friends.
Stoked, thanks for the share :)
Love the idea and design behind this, definitely picking up the schematic. I feel like this tool is going to help with all the guitars I refurbish.
Hello friend, i'm no where near your technical understanding, however, the knowledge share means a lot to me. Your video's are very well delivered, your very well spoken, and your expertise is clear. looking forward to more content. Cheers Friend!
Awesome, thank you!
I wonder if this could be used in the fx loop of an amp to revoice the amp too. 🤔
Ordered the Schematic and parts. Super excited to try this!
Thank you so much. Im building one as soon as the parts come in
Got all my parts yesterday and put it together! Wow, this is so cool. I have " fixed" my Prince tele. I was going to swap out the pickups, but now I have them dial in. Thank you again, 3 dollars, which was like 1.89 US, for the schematic! Thank you for sharing them.
I really like this. I think you got something that electric guitar players should consider getting.
Awesome! This will be my first pedal very soon! Thank you sir!
No problem, have a blast :)
Don’t we all love a big knob 😆
Interesting looking project, might give me the kick to finally start mucking around with diy!
haha, definitely have a crack!
I just stumbled upon your channel and I really like what you're doing here. I watched 3 videos in a row that were highly educational and straight to the point. Your flow is great, explanation is fast which I love, and you play very well. I'm subscribed with the bell on, I look forward to learning more from you and thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Just finished building mine, its a silver gizmo (no paint). It works brilliant. I built a Strat with P90's and the bridge pickup was very harsh. I add a 1nF cap and now it sounds like it should. Thanks again.
Awesome🔥🔥
dont underestimate a series cap. best for humbuckers. 150pf. worth an experiment.
I finished building the box last night and had a good session trying it out this morning. It's great and I'm now considering installing it in my guitar, especially after seeing your other video. Thanks.
Awesome, great to hear!!
in the mid 70s I had a GBX bass amp, it had a rotary (notch filter). In the preamp, The head was the preamp the amp was in the speaker cab.
rad! i'm gonna build this for sure. thanks.
Of a vaguely similar vein, the EMG SPC control does really neat things to 81's and 85's. It's basically a "more djent" knob. Is not a popular product, but it is a great one for filtering your midrange just so.
This is genius 👏 super awesome tool ! And thanks for sharing this video and links to the schematic/pedal !
I'll be using the solderstud hash tag! ❤
Effectively we are dialling in our guitars when using this device to choose the right capacitor. The amount of money to be saved because of a crafty Kiwi.
Really like this. Have you done one for bass and how different would be the capacitor values.
you should also keep the cable from the box to the amp short. given that the box is passive (doesn't buffer the output), the cable capacitance from the box to the amp will also affect the overall capacitance.
I have been lookin into this capacitance stuff past few day's and im actually seeing it more and more. I think this is what the king tone srv switch for your guitar does but not sure its the same. I hear the best way to get the best tone out if your pickups isnthis way right here so will be trying some of this on my own soon hopefully. I have read some stuff about the old cables they use to use compared to new ones is a way to get that vintage tone also cause its basically doing this same thing i believe.
You know that big switch on a Gibson ES-345? That's essentially what this is, I think. Minus the inductor.
@@J.C... no not familiar with that model so does it have something like this
Dude. I want this wired into my guitar pickguard
That would be a very cool mod :)
So I’ve built these into my guitars in the past. The only issue is that it won’t replace different inductance pickups for the fact it can’t simulate the filter of certain pickups. This due to interaction of cap, inductance and impedance but it a good thing to try so users can hear resonance shift. Personally I wind pickups super low to give theoretical flat response even at long cable lengths paying particular attention to keeping capacitance low at that stage
Looking forward to the humbucker -thingy at the back!
Insta-subbed from the previous gizmo video and insta-bought the schematic. Thank you for sharing and I hope you reap in the kiwi bucks from your innovative idea.
Liked and subscribed, as a big fan of inexpensive guitars this idea is gold dust to me - gonna have a binge watch this avo!!!
Thanks for sharing. This could be a cool little project to work on. I’ll try to find the time. Would be great to revoice a strat bridge pickup to sound a little more substantial.
So cool! Thanks for dropping such cool knowledge on us!
What happens if you put a buffer/buffered pedal before the Green Gizmo? Will this obviate the need for using the shortest cable possible before the Gizmo?
All good thanks for check this out, if you used a buffer the capacitor would no longer be in parallel to the pickup and it would not work, cheers!
Ok, just found your channel, this is next level stuff, I'm subbed, going to buy the schematic on the 1st and get these parts, I need to make one..
Certain guitars had a ‘vibratone’ circuit, is that similar to your device?
Algorithm brought me - it's like the G&L OMG switch in a box, nice.
Thanks, glad you liked it!
Just saw the other vid (followed the link to this one), and that pickup mod was great.
But this Gizmo! - I reckon this as a pedal would be far more handy to have on hand (for me personally). Love the idea of it! I know, I know, that's not what it's designed for, lol. But being able to revoice the guitar (any guitar) on the go could open up some interesting tone possibilities.
mcphersonmusic.site/product-category/pickups/the-green-gizmo%ef%b8%8f/
Excellent. Nice playing as well. Thankyou.
would you build one of these for an old guy and if so how much?
Sure, we have them available here
mcphersonmusic.site/product/the-green-gizmo%ef%b8%8f-pickup-re-voicer/
I like you stuff and all the knowledge you are sharing is incredible. So I also baught a schematic to support the channel. I will build it in a few weeks I think.
subscribed! gonna make one!
Cool, thanks!
Cool device and project. Thanks for sharing
No problem 👍
Fabulous device! My main concern, though, is that your shop is entirely too clean. What are you hiding? 😆 Great and informative video. Thank you.
Tone is swamped by reverb. It appears to be a variable top cut filter. A true comparison would be nice with same riff, no reverb and switch in/out.
It's the first time that i saw something like this and it's genius, is there any other way of changing pickup sound with similar electronic components?
Thanks for the great info!
Glad it was helpful!
my new favourite channel, hello from across the pond 🦘
Hey, thanks!
Hi there. I see your New Zealander or Aussie.? Do you sell these units already built to put on pedalboards.? And where can i buy from.?? Thank you.😊
Yes, New Zealander here :) We do sell them...cheers!
mcphersonmusic.site/product/the-green-gizmo%ef%b8%8f-pickup-re-voicer/
THANK YOU! this is going to be a cool project.
What about prebuilding and selling it as a "pickup revoicer" knob that fits under a pickguard? Hell, I'd prefer it over my tone knob.