Build Your Own Clone Message Board

Hi,

I've build the Tremolo (with bezel) and the 250+ kit (without bezel).

I can push the led of the 250 all the way down into the enclosure...

I really think bezels are far better to mount leds.
I have to rely on my effects so they have to be roadproof.
The bezel-free kits are less roadproof than the kits with bezel.

In time I'll drill a new enclosure for the 250+ and install a bezel myself.

Vinni

yeah i agree. i dont mind the bezeless but, i liked the bezel too. it was a bit more difficult to get in there without it.

(my bezeless kit was the compressor)

Couldn't you just get one of those little black plastic bezels like MXR uses in their pedals? I haven't built any of the newer, bezel-less kits yet, but the hole size looks to be about right. These plastic bezels can be had for pennies as well. Very cheap.

Here's what I've been doing and it looks very nice:

I drill out the BYOC LED hole to 1/4 ".

Stick in one of these holders and then put in one of these LED assy. Add the nut; toss the split washer. The nut on the LED assy. presses the flange on the black holder and locks it in place. The black holder gives a nice frame to the LED lens. It's practically flush to the pedal face and won't push down into the pedal. So far I haven't had a problem with it fitting in my BYOC pedals, despite the length of the assy. Even the cramped Vibrato has room for this.

The LED assembly has a 680-ohm resistor built into the negative lead. You can cut it out, or (what I do) leave it there and substute in a 3.9k (or a little less) resistor for BYOC's normal 4.7K resistor.

They come in red, green or amber. Be aware that RS has two different sizes and they look almost the same so are sometimes mixed together in their parts drawers: One is 5mm; one is 6mm - you really want the 5mm one. The 6mm one is too large.

Robert

I've just always thought the bezel looks classier. I want them on my pedals.

On the new "bezel-less" kits, can't you just enlarge the hole and add your own bezel?

There's no doubt that you can install a bezel or so....
But it's much easier if the kit comes with the Bezel and the appropriate drillholes.
And yes I agree....Pedals with bezel look more professional and classier....

Vinni

maybe the kit should just come with a bezel optionally, but you'd have to drill a bigger hole, which shouldn't be a problem

Personally, I prefer the bezel-free look. I think it looks cleaner...sharper. It also gives you that much more space for artwork and it makes it easier to incorporate an LED into your artwork. Plus I think it sets a your pedal apart from all other handmade pedals. Anybody can add a panel mounted bezel. How many boutique handmade pedals or DYI pedals have you seen without some sort of bezel....I can't think of any. That's because you can't do it unless you have a very carefully thought out PCB.

But more importantly it also gives you 3 different options for mounting your LED. The metal panel mount bezel, the black plastic snap on, or no bezel. Once the hole is drilled for the larger bezel there's no going back. The kit may only supply one option, but the other two are there if you are so inclined.

If I did supply a bezel with an enclosure that wasn't drilled to fit it, then there'd be confusion and complaints about that as well.

I prefer the bezel free look, it looks more professional.

Keith does an excellent job on component lay-out and over all board design.
I work with seasoned engineers that design sloppy boards, forget components and have to put jumpers on the boards to correct omited traces and missing components.

Keith's updated boards of his previously super lay-outs are top notch.
When he gets around to a power supply design, it will kick ass and be a top seller.

BYOC boards are an excellent deal.
Try designing a double-sided pcb, then add solder mask and silk screen, see how much time and money it costs.
I can't Keith enough praise for what he has brought to us tinkerers and players.

+1 on Bezel free as well, but only as long as the hole for the LED is snug enough to where you need to tap it into the hole. I got some enclosures where it is snug, and some where it has a bit of room, and I definitely prefer the LED hole where its a bit of a squeeze to get the LED in...

I like the bezel look too. To me bezel-less looks cheap - exactly what a "professional" factory would do. Unfortunately with the VB-2 I had to epoxy it on because the hole is so close to the edge a nut wouldn't fit.

+1 on the bezel. i ordered a bunch for my "future builds".

ZVex

Klon, MI Audio as well. But I also like the look w/o it or with only the black snap.

Klon, MI Audio as well. But I also like the look w/o it or with only the black snap.

I take my argument back, I'm looking at my phaser that has a bezel, and I must say, it looks much nicer without one!

You guys can start a petition to bring the bezel back. If you get 1000 signatures I will consider it.

That's a joke BTW.

I'm not worried if the bezels come back or not. I'm perfectly happy to reach into my parts bin and get on of the dozens I keep in stock whenever I need one. Those little black plastic bezels like MXR uses are pennies a pound anyway. If the hole is too small, I can drill it out in less than a minute. Isn't this what DIY is all about anyway? I for one have no issues with the bezel-less kits at all. If I want a bezel, I'll just do it myself

Does that make your icon, "Bezel, the Clown"?

That's just too damn funny Geek - LOL. I wish I could hang with you some time bro - LOL. It sounds like we've got the same type of whacky sense of humor. You know; the kind of sense of humor that gets on the nerves of the females in our lives, the kind of sense of humor that makes us laugh our collective asses off at the Three Stooges...etc... - LOL. Bezel the Clown is hilarious - LOL. If I was stealing from my job, I could be Em-Bezel the Clown - LOL :P:P :):)

I agree with the clown. This bezel topic should not be an issue. All you need to do is go buy a Uni-Bit and drill youre own hole.

Wham... Bam... Done!

Ok. I can't resist:

Step away from the clown!

Anybody know the movie that came from?

hint: Bette Midler - Danny DeVito

Robert

Just that has me laughing, still, as I type. Holy Moly that's funny.

Step away from the clown


was it Ruthless People?