Pulp Squeezer

[jugglindan]

You could try J201s instead, as I have heard of others using them. Mine is using 2N5457s just fine though.

Did you try hooking a multimeter to the gate lead of Q2, then adjusting the bias trimmer until the voltage to ground is between 1.3 to 1.5 volts? That's the method I used. In my build thread I have a photo showing the voltmeter at 1.314v, but I think I actually went a bit closer to 1.35v the next day. To set this you don't need signal, just have the board powered up.

I get good compression (both limiting peaks and boosting low signals) at that setting with both single coils and humbuckers (the DiMarzio PAF in the G&L).

[Bakersdozen]

You could try J201s instead, as I have heard of others using them. Mine is using 2N5457s just fine though.

Did you try hooking a multimeter to the gate lead of Q2, then adjusting the bias trimmer until the voltage to ground is between 1.3 to 1.5 volts? That's the method I used. In my build thread I have a photo showing the voltmeter at 1.314v, but I think I actually went a bit closer to 1.35v the next day. To set this you don't need signal, just have the board powered up.

I get good compression (both limiting peaks and boosting low signals) at that setting with both single coils and humbuckers (the DiMarzio PAF in the G&L).

TBH I've just been doing it by ear. But I will try that approach and see. That was my next step. I do get better performance if the volume is backed down to around 9.

Do you much background hiss when yours is engaged, but not playing?