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Another Peach Custom Fuzz Sample

I really need to get back to my "regular style" posts, but until then, I'll keep posting my RAILhead Effects related goodies. That said, I tweaked my Peach Custom Fuzz once again, and I'm really, really getting close to the tone I'm looking for in a fuzz. My recording setup is my 88 Les Paul w/Goodwood pickups, bridge position, guitar volume max, guitar tone rolled out, fuzz at max. I start out playing a simple rhythm riff (and eventually have to fade out because I have so much sustain!), then I play a simple blues-type run. After that, I roll the guitar tone all the way in and play the blues riff again. Here's the MP3:

http://www.railheadeffects.com/sounds/Pv2001.mp3

I like it quite a bit — but there's one more transistor I'm waiting on to test, so I may be changing it again ever so slightly...

Posted at 9:34am CDT | Permalink | Comments (2)

My Little 3PDT Board

For over a year now, I've been looking for some way to make wiring my effect pedals' foot switches and DC jacks easier to wire, and now that I have an awesome PCB boardhouse at my disposal, I've done just that:

This little guy is only 26x31mm, and it fits right over the lugs to a 3PDT switch. Starting from the bottom left, I have pads for the DC jack's positive and negative hookups — airwire I loathe running because of the distance it has to travel to the board. Now, all I have to do is tap on a 10mm wire and I'm done with the power (my DC jacks align right next to these pads). Next we have the input jack sleeve pad, which is another short jump. Above that is a resistor spot named "INR," which is an optional spot for placing your input pulldown resistor. Beginning at the top left, we have the standard board in, then a +9v pad which is spliced to make room for the LED resistor (in case your circuit doesn't include one already). -9v comes next, then the pad for the aforementioned LED power. Next is the standard LED ground, switch ground, then the board out. Going down the right side, you see another spot for an output pulldown resistor, and finally, the output jack sleeve.

This will greatly simplify the running airwire all inside my pedals, and it'll take care of those pesky DC taps I hate so much. Also, I designed this board to be used by pretty much anyone, as the pulldown and LED sections are totally optional — and once I get them in and verify them, I'll be making them available for $1 each (plus shipping) to my fellow DIY enthusiasts.

Posted at 6:44pm CDT | Permalink | Comments (1)

While I Wait…

Today is "Stencil Day" here at the RAILhead Effects shop, and while I'm waiting for some stencils to finish exposing, and others to finish soaking, I thought I'd post a quick comment to let everyone know how much I've recently been loving the font Bodoni.

It's easy on the eyes, contains great serifs, has wonderful kerning, and radiates an all-around pleasant attitude. I wish more people were as pleasing as Bodoni, but so many are just your typical Helvetica.

Posted at 4:02pm CDT | Permalink | Comments (1)

Mid-Week Schtuff

Things are getting really, really close to going public over at my guitar effects site, RAILhead Effects. I have the vast majority of product detail pages finished up (they're offline to the public), and all that remains after that is final product shots and finishing the demo goodies. The adage "good things come to those who wait" should be the banner for any business, and we've been meticulously planning our grand opening for over a year — and I'm pretty dadgum confident that things will go well.

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I'm still getting some email from you guys (and gals), asking about the medical stuff I was talking about a few weeks ago. I was being intentionally vague until we knew what was happening, and now that we *do* pretty much know what's happening, I can fully let the cat out of the bag.

My Dad has cancer.

Man, it sucks to type that.

I'll post more about this in the coming days, but the nutshell version is that Dad has Large Cell Type B Lymphoma. We were afraid he had lung cancer or mesothelioma from his asbestosis, but a biopsy of a fast-appearing tumor that was removed from his side gave us the good news it was neither of those two cancers.

For weeks, hundreds of people have been praying for him and our family, and God has been compassionate and merciful — and we're crazy thankful for that. The pieces of this puzzle have been falling into place in such a manner that there's no doubt that God has been at work — from tipping us off with the sudden "cyst" so many weeks ago, all the way to providing care for Dad at M.D. Anderson with the top minds in the cancer field. Everything in relation to this situation has been touched by God, and it's been awesome to see Him work — and I'll post about all that later.

As far as the cancer is concerned, we had a visit with the oncologist (Dr. Nathan Fowler), and his preliminary diagnosis is that Herman Hospital did, in fact, identify the cancer correctly. Of course, MDACC will perform their own tests and confirmations — but Dad's presenting the classic symptoms of this cancer. The good news is that, while Type B large Cell Lymphoma is highly aggressive, it's eagerness to replicate makes it weak and highly susceptible to therapy. This means that Dad has a near 60% of going into full remission, and an 85% to 90% plus chance of being able to manage the cancer with sporadic treatments as needed. Those, my friends, are tremendously positive percentages! To quote Dr. Fowler, "the odds are stacked highly in [Dad's] favor."

We meet with Dr. Fowler again next week, and he will then give us his official diagnosis and plan for therapy. He said the typical regimen is R-CHOP every 3 weeks, with a total of 6 treatments. We'll know more details next week, though.

So there you have it: my Dad has cancer, and we're thankful it's a cancer with a butt that's readily kicked. We're blessed to have the best of the best working on this, and we're looking forward to being yet another case of cancer being made history at M.D. Anderson. That said, please continue praying for healing and strength and continued good news from the doctors. Stay tuned for more...

Posted at 3:56pm CDT | Permalink | Comments (2)

A Quick Peach Sound Sample

I made some final modifications to my fuzz circuit, The Peach, and I recorded a quick sample of its fatness. This is played through my Les Paul with the bridge pickup, tone rolled all the way out:

http://www.maurymccown.com/images/uploads/Peach001.mp3

I love how this circuit takes the sound of the guitar itself and uses those frequencies to really get a custom sound. Between my Les Paul, Strat, Teles, and hollow-bodies, I have a massive array of different fuzz tone possibilities — the classic circuit (with my personal tweaks in transistors and caps) is a truly versatile circuit. And the part I'm playing is an original, so don't bogart it!

For kicks, here's a pic of the test circuit:

Posted at 6:09am CDT | Permalink | Comments (3)

A Quick TUA Sound Sample

I've been lazy about doing demo recordings for my RAILhead Effects stuff, so I decided to gather-up all my recording gear to get ready for legit demos. That said, I recorded a totally quick-n-dirty sample of my high-gain distortion, Total, Utter Annihilation (or TUA for short). Needless to say, this isn't a "legit" or final demo — just a quick example. And of course, the better your sound system, the better this will sound — so if you don't have a good sub, you're missing out! I personally enjoy the massive feedback you can get at bedroom levels. And for the record, this is with tone controls on the effect set to neutral — and the gain is only at 50%. =)

Enjoy Total, Utter Annihilation:

http://www.maurymccown.com/images/uploads/TUA001.mp3

Posted at 6:54pm CDT | Permalink | Comments (1)

RAILhead Effects TUA Revised

Okay, I did some magic and got my newest effect, TUA (Total, Utter Annihilation), set into the shell how I want it. I was able to move the DC jack to the side, and I moved the knobs further up to get them further away from the switch. Still no internal battery, but I'll make a little adapter available for those that insist upon using the little money-hogs. You can see the metallic black base coat here, too, but no other artwork (yet).

Posted at 11:50am CDT | Permalink | Comments (1)

A New Power Supply

I've been fully pleased with my Gator Cases G-BUS8 power supplies as far as powering abilities go, but one of the things that bugs me about them is the main unit's power adapter — it's just too flimsy. I have a lot of gear on my board, and I have to move a lot of cable around — so I need something that I know will stay in place.

So, after a bit of research, I decided to go with BBE Sound's Supa Charger power supply. Stupid name aside, this ought to suit my needs quite well — and it's less expensive (a whopping $20 less) than the more recognizable Pedal Power 2. Truth be told, these are pretty much identical — but the BBE isn't made in the USA.

It ought to arrive next week, then I'll give a run against the G-BUS8 and see how it fares.

Posted at 7:46am CDT | Permalink | Comments (4)

Tuesday, Quickly

It's a good thing I don't have a LAW rocket launcher at work, because I think I would have used it today. I'll interject here — for those that don't know — that "LAW" is an acronym for "Light Anti-Tank Weapon." Anyway, the girl down the hall from me not only chews her gum with her mouth open — something that should be punishable by 2 nights in lockup — she insists upon popping it while chewing. HOLY FREAKING CRAP. I took every ounce of self control to not get up and tell her to quit popping her gum like a 4 year old.

Sweet stinking pile of vermin, it was killing me. I eventually got up and closed my office door. Ugh. People, sometimes (usually).

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One of my pics from the Bronx Zoo is being included in the Schmap New York travel guide that's become available on the iPhone:

(insert being proud as a peacock joke here)

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Some of you have asked what I was talking about Wednesday, so I feel I should say something about it. Basically, it was some health-related issues with my Dad — and while things didn't come out exactly as we hoped, we're still confident things will take a great turn for the better soon and very soon. So, please keep him — and us — in your thoughts and prayers as we wait for reports.

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SUNUVADADGUM SHE'S DOING IT AGAIN! Serenity now...serenity now...

Posted at 2:57pm CDT | Permalink | Comments (4)

RAILhead Effects TUA Finalized

Holy crap on a land mine, I have created a serious monster. For over a year now, I've been working on a massively heavy metalcore distortion box — The TUA (Total, Utter Annihilation) — and I finally got it to where I was ready to fabricate a board. It started out as a modified version of the Dual Rectifier circuit, but I did loads of tweaking to get it to sound exactly how I want it to — and mother, is it AWESOME. After biasing the transistors, I just stood there and played and played and played — eventually stopping in a fit of mischievous, childish laughter. This, Pedal. Rules. There is nothing nice or pretty about the TUA — it's simply the sounds of Perdition trapped inside a metal box.

My mics and mic stand are in my truck, and since it's as hot as Perdition outside, I can't record anything right now — but I'm planning on taking care of sound samples this week, so stay tuned on that front. In the mean time, here's a look at the finalized exterior and interior layouts, and be sure to check out my effects site, RAILhead Effects.

Posted at 5:01pm CDT | Permalink | Comments (9)

Mid-Week Randomness

Today will be a tough, but — we're confidently praying — a good day. I don't want to post names here (and I ask that those of you that know what I'm talking about don't either), but if you're the praying type, please send prayers to our family today. We're finishing-up some business, and we need for things to come out well — and we look forward, with confidence, to sharing good news with everyone very soon. Pray for 100% clean results. Thanks.

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I haven't even fully opened my guitar effects shop, RAILhead Effects, and I already have someone that wants to be my exclusive dealer in Japan. How cool is that? I'm going over details with them now, and this could be really, really cool.

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Speaking of my effects, the final boards for the io, PURE, The Peach, and TUA will be arriving today and tomorrow, so I can't wait to start building en masse. My wife has come up with some new artwork for PURE and Switcha-Rooski, too, so I'm dying to get some painted enclosures in her hands. That's one of my many goals for this weekend, then I ned to get prepped for recording demos, etc.

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Stay tuned for wonderful news, and remember us today — especially around noon and the hours that follow.

Posted at 7:24am CDT | Permalink | Comments (2)

A Gut Shot and a Preview

I thought I'd post a gut-shot of my RAILhead Effects io Distortion box, even though the PCB used in this pedal isn't my final version (those won't arrive until next week sometime). Regardless, it sounds dadgum awesome, and I'm happy with the layout — and the final version will be even better. Here it is:

I thought I'd also post a preview pic of my newest circuit, TUA™ — or the shell, at least. This little jewel will kick your butt six ways to Sunday, and it will destroy all small mammals in a 200 foot radius. TUA: Total, Utter Annihilation™ — coming soon!

Posted at 8:02pm CDT | Permalink | Comments (1)

Progress: I Am Making It

Yesterday was a big step forward in getting my guitar effects store, RAILhead Effects, up and running. The main issue I’ve been dealing with was determining which boardhouse I was going to use for mass producing the PCBs that make all my stuff work. After a couple of months of searching and waiting, I found the place I’ll be using, and they got me my boards in just 9 business days. SWEET. I assembled an “io” with one of these boards last night, and everything works like a charm. So until they do something that makes me change my mind, I have my boardhouse selected — and PCBs for my effects are on order as I type this.

A second step forward was the delivery of a clearcoat my wife found online. While no one should expect a guitar pedal, whose purpose is to be stepped on, to have an everlasting finish — it’s nice to have a rugged exterior to fend off blemishes as long as possible. Supposedly, this product beats the pants off automotive clearcoats, even, and it dries to a “deep clear” — and it’s been hammer-tested for durability. Of course, I can’t find what PSI they hammer tested with, so that’s somewhat moot. That said, this clearcoat is typically used on marine vessels, so it’s designed to protect the surface while maintaining the appearance of your fancy boat. My concern is that it won’t cure-out 100% clear — which will be totally noticeable on my boost, PURE, because it’s pure white. I’m hoping to give it a go tonight or tomorrow, so keep your fingers crossed…

The step is to begin mass board population and shell painting, then I’m ready to open for business full-on.

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Speaking of pedals, I’ve decided to give ribbon cable a shot for pot connections — and I have no clue as to why I’ve never though of using flat cable for pots before. So, I ordered myself a spool of 24 AWG cable today, and it should arrive tomorrow. The good thing is that it’ll make wiring a LOT cleaner, a lot less breakage-prone, and the 100 foot spool should be good for around 1200 pot hookups. Looking at it that way, this will be a lot less expensive than buying basic cable in the long run.

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It seems that almost every time I’m supposed to lead music on a Sunday, I get a sinus infection. It’s so nice to worry all week about whether or not I’ll have a voice for Sunday — especially since I have to use said voice on Thursday at practice. Couple that with not enough sleep, and things are looking interesting for our big Father’s Day Sunday. At least I’m only singing 2 of the songs, so I won’t be too vocally stressed. I think I’ll hunt the medicine cabinets for some antibiotics, just in case…

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The Watson Twins have a new album coming out June 24. Hopefully it will be good.

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A new pet-peeve: people that place their sunglasses on their forehead to hold them in place while indoors. I don’t mean on the top of the head, like ladies do to help hold back hair (or whatever type of illustration makes the point) — I mean placing them on your dadgum forehead, like you have 4 eyes. WHAT IN THE CRAP? This “technique” has eclipsed my previous sunglasses pet-peeve of people putting them on their neck, backward. With behavior like this, I am still amazed that we, as a species, ever managed to land on the moon (or have microwave macaroni and cheese).

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Did you know that it’s incredibly difficult to find metallic black spray paint? Luckily, our local “Mom and Pop” hardware store was able to order me a load of it — along with some other colors you’ll soon see…

Posted at 10:40am CDT | Permalink | Comments (3)

TUA Board Updated

Posted at 3:09pm CDT | Permalink | Comments (0)

Living Sacrifice Concert

After finally going to sleep at 1:30am, then waking up at 5:50am, I'm not too keen on typing much. So, I'll just say this: Living Sacrifice still rules. You can't tell they've been on a 5 year hiatus, that's for sure, and Bruce was as spot-on as ever. Seeing these guys took me back over a decade, and I'm gad they're still doing their thing. A new album is in the works, too, and Im quite certain it will be as good as their other work. I didn't get many pics because my little camera's battery was dying — but here are a few...

Posted at 8:38am CDT | Permalink | Comments (2)

While I Wait: A New Circuit

Posted at 2:52pm CDT | Permalink | Comments (2)

Sunday Catch-Up

I need to clean my office. Man, it looks like a bomb went off.

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Tomorrow is the Living Sacrifice concert, and I’m really looking forward to it. It’ll stink if the guys aren’t as good as they were back in the day, but I somehow doubt they’d be back doing shows if they weren’t ready for it. I’d prefer the show to not be on a Monday, but what can you do?

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Things are really rolling with the pedal building business. Pieces are falling right here they should, right when they need to — and I’m now buying bulk components to get myself set for decent haul. Startup capital be praised, I’ll only have to sell around a dozen and a half pedals to begin making profit. That, my friends, is good news. Of course, I may have to build a shed in the back yard to store everything…

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Our worship leader is on a mission trip, drilling water wells in Bolivia, and I’m leading this coming weekend while he’s out. I’m taking the opportunity to teach everyone a new song, and I’m pretty pleased with the run-throughs we did the other night. I had flashbacks of our band back in college and all the practicing we’d do for hours on end — but we don’t do that with this group, since there’s just not enough time. Any way you slice it, though, there’s no better way to get a song down than playing over and over and bloody over, back to back. Rinse, repeat.

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My nephew just graduated from High School, and his brother will do the same next year. My niece is now old enough for Driver’s Ed. How nuts is that? Why can’t we all just stay where we are?

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Redkin saw my pictures. Redkin liked. =)

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It’s wonderful to have friends you can go to, talk to, and ask them to pray. Friends from church, friends from the “old days” — brothers and sisters in Christ. I love you guys.

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I still haven’t found the perfect summer hat…

Posted at 8:57pm CDT | Permalink | Comments (6)