SD-9 Sonic Distortion

Ibanez/Maxon SD-9 Sonic Distortion.

Originally touted as the Tube Screamer's sonically screamier sibling, it actually sounds very little like it's supposed bigger brother.

This bad boy is capable of much more distortion than the TS. Well worth a punt.

The stock circuit is pretty awesome, and the tone control will get you bassy badness through to ear-splitting treble, all with a bit of a mid scoop. We've added an optional mid-shift toggle switch, as per the later SD-9M, to give you three settings and lose the scoop if you want to (thanks AionFX).

There's also an optional toggle for a second set of clipping diodes if you want to really mix things up. This can be two-way, or you can opt for a three way with the centre position being diode-lift if you want a really, really loud dirty boost. We'll supply red LEDs if this option is selected.

We've utilised the unused op-amp as a gain recovery stage, as per the General Guitar Gadgets version, as the original has a fairly low output. It's easy enough to leave it stock if you prefer.

The recommendation from FDHQ is keep it stock. It's great. But hey, we all like to tweak...

The kit is supplied with vertical-mount pots which have round shafts, so you'll need set-screw fitting knobs.

If you want the PCB without parts there's a link for that at the bottom of the page.

Partial kit: PCB, all board-mounted components (depending on selected options), pots.

Full kit: As above, plus footswitch and appropriate daughterboard/components for your selected bypass type (see Downloads section for details of those), jack sockets, DC socket, battery snap, hook-up wire, LED.

Enclosure (pre-drilled) is available as an option with full kits, and will not take a battery. Knobs are not included.

Builds are only available with full kits including enclosure and vertical-mount pots. Please choose appropriate knobs.

Inspired by: SD-9

Difficulty: Medium

PCB size: 50 x 43mm

Knobs required: 3

Enclosure: 1590B

Direct-Connect compatible (4-way)

Download the INSTRUCTION PDF