Flip the switch to make the lights blink. Plug in your guitar to engage the Nine Volt Nirvana Tape Measure audio circuit (schematic).
It gives you a pretty decent boost, around 25dB, and a bit of gritty overdrive. When cranked it has a bit of a lo-fi vibe to it.
This is available pre-built, or as a DIY kit that you solder together. If you can't or don't want to order a PCB you can get all the files needed to make your own on the GitHub project page.
Shop NowThere's really only one non-obvious thing to be aware of: when your guitar cable is plugged in, the pedal is using power. Unplug it when you're not playing. This has two circuits: the lights controlled by the switch, and the audio controlled by the input cable.
NOTE: If you experience a ticking noise while playing, turn off the pedal's blinking lights. Or embrace it and shrug it off because your guitar is plugged into a freaking Christmas Tree, hanging on a bigger Christmas Tree.
Instructions are written for the absolute beginner; This kit is perfect to dip your toe into the "DIY guitar pedal" waters.
Post to Reddit r/diypedals, the DIYstompboxes forum, or the Facebook Guitar Pedal Builders group. If I see any posts here I'll jump in and try to help.
You can also email me directly but you'll get a quicker response through those groups.
There are dozens of other DIY pedal communities as well, so of course you can seek help anywhere else.
