About, Mods, Repair

Guitar Radio AMPLIFIER

	Mini radio modified for use as a guitar amp ...
	(Radio design is property of the original manufacturer. See note below.)

Features:
* High gain. Fairly loud but not too much to jam with acoustic guitars. Crank it for good fun.
* Sensible battery complement (4xAA).
* Lightweight with convenient carry handle which can also be used to hang from guitar strap.
* Twin 2" speakers are angled apart for a spread of sound -- increases room reverberance effects and disperses some harshness.
* $19

Inexpensive radio is modified by adding input jack and a high gain preamp which is simple enough to easily retrofit by hand. This provides good results, features high input impedance (1M) to preserve guitar tone, and includes some helpful tone shaping. One knob control (volume). For full distortion, turn all the way up. Output stage distortion, though different than with a large amp and speakers, shows advantage here, with a natural transition into distortion and extra complexity with increased level. Can be easily moved, blocked, etc. to change sound. You can also get a little bit of distortion at extra low volume by turning down the amp volume with the guitar volume up. Clean sound requires turning down both guitar and amp and isn't real clean and doesn't go loud (about 0.25 Watt), but still has some semblance of Tone.

SOUND SAMPLES
guitradio1.mp3 (284 KB) Full distortion demo. Guitar tone down at end.
guitradio2.mp3 (289 KB) Clean to crunch demo. Includes single-coil-ish pickup modes.
... use "Save Target As" to download instead of just play ... enjoy or pardon the guitarplaying as applicable ;) ...
=> All w/ Ibanez RG-550 guitar (bridge Multibucker), close miked with Shure Prologue electret condenser, Spencer Boost as preamp (flat), soundcard, no EQ. 64 Kbps Mono MP3s.

OPTIONS

Colors: Red, Black, Purple (not shown).

Tonal Variations: The standard version is tuned for the best compromise of characteristics for most players. Variations are possible in two parameters: Bass Drive and Gain. Increased bass drive increases distortion and low note sustain but may get muddy and harsh; reduced bass drive provides a clearer and more natural response with better note definition on chords and seems louder. Increased gain slightly trades off sound quality for a few extra dB's; reduced gain is a viable option for more manageable control. Also possibly to be developed is a lower gain version with a fatter tonal voicing.

Extra Options: are available at extra cost only because they involve more hand work, and exceed the original intent. Output 1/8" stereo mini-jack $5, DC power jack (for 6-7.5VDC regulated) $5, radio functional when guitar is unplugged $6. These options require specific parts which may increase lead time.
Batteries: are avail. as a convenience. $5 for econo alkalines installed plus extra shipping (U.S.).

Warranteed for 45 days from date of shipping against defects in parts and workmanship only. Do note that these effects are largely handmade and some cosmetic imperfections may be visible upon close inspection. Note unit is not an actual radio except with above option but may contain active radio circuitry; as with any radio user is responsible for correcting any interference.

ORDERING
Cost is $19 plus shipping in U.S. funds. U.S. shipping is first class $3, priority mail $4, insurance add $1.50 (requires signature). All units are shipped in original radio box with one thin bubble wrap; they're tough and should take it but I cannot be responsible for damage to unit or container during shipping. I can accept money order, cashier's check or Paypal (accounts, credit cards). I will have to consider shipping other than to North America on a case-by-case basis. Please send all inquiries to this address: . Be sure that the subject line is descriptive and there are no attachments, or else it may be ignored or deleted. Please indicate color, any options and payment method. Will normally ship within 2 days for stock, next Monday or Tuesday for nonstock; I will let you know if lead time will be unusual.