electric stomp boxes

[Paul Thorley]

What's the most effective way to create a stomp box that BOOMS without needing a huge amp?

[Ted Crocker]

A pair of size 12 Doc Martins

[Paul Thorley]

Thanks Ted.

[Roosterman]

Bass amp = bass boom.

If you dont have one, turn the bass up an the treble down on your guitar amp.

I use a piezo in mine, encased in a sensible chunk of hardwood. I then silicone this into my box, and fill all the remaining space with foam cut from a camping mat, all siliconed into place. I usually place the piezo block over to one side, so one edge is in contact with the box side - hitting it here gives a good 'bash' sound, hitting it elsewhere, where the piezo block is protected by the foam, gives a duller thud.
Try experimenting with different coverings on the top of the box too..... foam, carpet, tin, plastic, metal... anything youve got!

Hope this helps! :o)

[Paul Thorley]

Cheers Roosterman, you've been a great help, I'll give it a try..

Roosterman said:

Bass amp = bass boom.

If you dont have one, turn the bass up an the treble down on your guitar amp.

I use a piezo in mine, encased in a sensible chunk of hardwood. I then silicone this into my box, and fill all the remaining space with foam cut from a camping mat, all siliconed into place. I usually place the piezo block over to one side, so one edge is in contact with the box side - hitting it here gives a good 'bash' sound, hitting it elsewhere, where the piezo block is protected by the foam, gives a duller thud.
Try experimenting with different coverings on the top of the box too..... foam, carpet, tin, plastic, metal... anything youve got!

Hope this helps! :o)

[Ted Crocker]

I make stomp boxes with different types of pickups and they all get the job done, even through a MicroCube. My Terraplane has a license plate as the top and an actual bass guitar pickup inside. The Angel Stomper has a Tesla Transducer piezo pickup and really rocks. I've used bare microphone elements and some folks even use a speaker as the pickup.

Here's a tip, if you are getting feedback, place a sheet of crumbled up newspaper inside the box.

[Paul Thorley]

Thanks for that Ted, very helpful. . . the Doc's looked really stupid in shorts...
Ted Crocker said:

I make stomp boxes with different types of pickups and they all get the job done, even through a MicroCube. My Terraplane has a license plate as the top and an actual bass guitar pickup inside. The Angel Stomper has a Tesla Transducer piezo pickup and really rocks. I've used bare microphone elements and some folks even use a speaker as the pickup.

Here's a tip, if you are getting feedback, place a sheet of crumbled up newspaper inside the box.