I previously posted about the Digitech Bad Monkey and the possible mods that can be done. I have completed the first phase of the mod. I have switched the .049uf C5 Capacitor for one that is rated .1uf. The sonic difference in noticeable, but not everything I was hoping. I plan to strengthen the change by swapping the .1uf cap for one that is .15uf, thus flattening the mid-hump a little more. Also, I want to hear the difference when the bass is strengthened by exchanging it with a higher rated capacitor. The more I work on this pedal the more I want to do. The strength in this pedal rests in the high and low knobs. It is was sets the Bad Monkey apart from the standard Tube Screamer and the clones. So far the changes have breathed a little more life into a pedal that is loved by some and hated by others. Is there a true "fix" for this pedal? Or is it just "perfect for some"?
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Badder Monkey Mod, Stage 2
I'm pretty excited about Stage 2 of the Bad Monkey Mod. In this stage I've exchanged the C11 Cap for a .1uf instead of a .049uf Cap. I don't pretend to understand why these element change the sound, but they sure do. The step increases the bass response. The change is Very noticeable. I spend a considerable amount of time testing out the new features of the pedal post-mod. The tonal features are a far cry from where we began. It might just find its way back onto my pedal board.
Secondly, on the stage of the mod, I've done a little cosmetic work. I changed out the old red LED for a yellow one. I actually had to solder it in twice. Evidently it has to be put in a certain way, positives and negatives and whatnot. The LED was rated for 2 volts which I thought to be a bit too much. The pedal only draws 9 volts. The LED is a little faint. It may be due to a resister before the LED. I could change it out for one that lets a little more power to the light, but that may result in a popping sound when toggling the pedal on and off.
Most of the changes have been on the inside but heres a picture
Secondly, on the stage of the mod, I've done a little cosmetic work. I changed out the old red LED for a yellow one. I actually had to solder it in twice. Evidently it has to be put in a certain way, positives and negatives and whatnot. The LED was rated for 2 volts which I thought to be a bit too much. The pedal only draws 9 volts. The LED is a little faint. It may be due to a resister before the LED. I could change it out for one that lets a little more power to the light, but that may result in a popping sound when toggling the pedal on and off.
Most of the changes have been on the inside but heres a picture
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