Build Your Own Clone VB-2 clone

This is a very tricky kit. Tons of people have reported problems in building it, which is probably why they stopped selling them. Hopefully they re-release a better kit. The traces on the PCB are TINY. And if you make a mistake, you're screwed - desoldering on the PCB is nearly impossible without ruining it.

Too bad - it's a great effect and deserves to be reissued. Eventually I just bought the Behringer UV300, which actually sounds very good. I ended up using the BYOC VB-2 kit as scrap - mostly in regards to the pots/switches/enclosure, however, because the components on the PCB are very resistant to de-soldering. Disappointing.

I got some customer support, but never anything very substantial.

Hopefully they put out a new version of this kit that is better-executed. I've successfully built many pedals, but this one stumped me.

Rate Depth Ramp. I find it easy. Many people are confused about the ramp feature. It's goood. When RAMP is engaged via a toggle switch the effect is a clean signal. Now play. Once you step on the ramp stomp while letting a chord ring out, the vibrato effect slowly or quickly RAMPS up to the current settings. It's also easy to build. It has a high parts count but BYOC are so good at making it easy for folks like me. It worked the first time I tried it!

I've owned Marshall's VibraTrem, EHX Worm, Line6 MM4, Boss CE-5 w/FX Doctor Vibrato Mod. The closest to the VB-2 is the CE-5 w/mod. It's not close enough for me. The CE-5 seems to alternate between two pitches rather than bend up and back like the VB-2. It has it's own sound. I enjoy the sound. It sounds clean and bends the pitch at certain settings. You can adjust the pitch even more with an internal trimpot. This will introduce more noise. Now play into some other effects and an overdriven amp to complete your tone. It handles my High-Output Humbuckers very well.

I think the Layout is great. It is set up for long life. I have even changed a few components and the circuit board is in fantastic shape. Quality Parts from top to bottom.

The Board at the Build Your Own Clone website is full of help and advice both from BYOC and other builders. Everyone has been very helpful. If you buy it prebuilt the company that built it generally has a warranty.

True pitch Vibrato is such a great effect. I can't see why there aren't more out there. I can't live without it. I bought one for studio and one for gigging.