danelectro fab tone

A forum devoted to mod, tips and suggestions for upgrading and rehousing your VERY CHEAP commercial stompbox to near boutique excellence.
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jinx1499
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Post by jinx1499 »

just bought a fab tone online by accident.. :oops:
do any of the bright minds on here have any ideas on how to pimp this sucker??
thanks in advance

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JiM
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Post by JiM »

The Fab Tone schematic was posted here: members/soulsonic/schematic/danelectro%20fabtone.gif

I will have one on the bench soon, i'm going to try out some mods in it. The first idea is to mess with the clipping diodes ...
I'll keep you posted.
I only give negative feedback.

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TheShadowKnows
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Completed builds: Modified Builds: Dan Electro FAB TONE, Fender Starcaster, Dan Electro FAB METAL, Washburn Lyon Distortion, DOD Grunge.
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Post by TheShadowKnows »

I found this mod on the internet, just do a search. First remove the clipping diodes D4, D5 to get rid of the chain saw sound. Then remove C5 to get rid of some of the mid-scoop. The link to that mod is here:
http://experimentalistsanonymous.com/bo ... 151.0;wap2

Those mods actually make the pedal useful. The only caveat is that there's still too much gain even fully turned down, but it's a good gain. And also the transition on the treble control from bassy to crisp is about a milimeter. I'd like to figure out how to reduce the gain and also get more 'range' from the treble control as opposed to turning it 1 mm and you're smack dab in the treble zone.

There you go. Easy mod. just remove one leg of the components and you're done. Add a switch and PRESTO! You're back to chain saw ville.

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JiM
Diode Debunker
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Posts: 967
Joined: 11 Mar 2008, 22:56
Completed builds: Completed builds :
Proco Rat
MXR MicroAmp in a volume pedal
TubeDriver (w/ NoS russian tube and big muff tone contol) + Phase 45 (w/ univibe cap ratio)
Dallas Rangemaster (w/ noisy OC75, negative ground)
SubCaster tube booster (w/ NoS russian tube, PtP)
Hot Harmonics
Music From Outer Space SubCommander in progress
Crackle Not OK
Simple bass blender in a 1590A
Bazz Fuss with a photo-darlington
Location: France
Has thanked: 70 times
Been thanked: 66 times
Contact:

Post by JiM »

This reminds me to document the mods i've done to this beast ...
It's a mainstay on my pedalboard now, so i'm digging into my memories. IIRC, i removed just one clipping diode, changed the gain pot wiring to be more progressive (look at a Marshall Shredmaster schematic), removed J6 (taking the bass control gyrator out of the circuit) and connecting J4 instead. The bass control is now a "bass and treble" control, i.e. a mid scoop.

Full Gain, full "bass", treble at 2 is a nice metal/fuzz tone.
Everything at noon is great for rock.
Lowering the gain goes down to crunch territory (a bit difficult to dial, the knobs are very sensitive).

Sorry, no time to draw a schematic or take gutshots now. But i'll do it !
I only give negative feedback.

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RomanyStew
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Post by RomanyStew »

I had been searching for info on this pedal when I came across this great site.
I had bought the Fab Tone (used) a while ago and never really used it,just too much gain on it.
The mods described here have made a big difference,
many thanks for them.
I cut the diodes D4 D5 and removed the Cap at C5,now it's more usable.
Trying a bit of tweaking on it and found that a 47uf non Polarized Cap at C5 will calm the circuit down a bit,
but still give a nice tone.
Still looking at ways to reduce the distortion(FAB) at it's lowest level.
I feel it's still too strong and I'm looking for more of a crunch sound.
The pedal has a lot of potential.

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Staypuft1652
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Post by Staypuft1652 »

Thanks, good tips.

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