From the Bench

Projects & Builds.

A look at some of the guitars, pedals and electronics that have crossed my bench — including build photos, modifications, repairs and the process behind the finished project.

1992 Jackson guitar with custom JFET preamp and momentary kill switch

Guitar Electronics • Custom Circuit

1992 Jackson — JFET Preamp & Kill Switch

A custom onboard JFET preamp developed around the guitar's existing pickups, plus a momentary kill switch for rapid stutter effects.

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Custom Pedal • Circuit Development

Dual-Stage Power Boost

Two cascaded classic power-boost stages with PRE and POST controls, plus a switchable input low-cut designed to tame octave-down rumble without losing the thump.

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Dual-stage power boost project from schematic and breadboard development through perfboard construction to the finished pedal

Compact LM386 practice amplifier built around a salvaged PA speaker

Small Amp • Circuit Development • Salvaged Speaker

1/4-Watt LM386 Practice Amp

A salvaged department-store PA speaker turned into a portable cabinet, then into a self-contained LM386 amp with Gain, Level, three-way tone voicing and 18V battery power.

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Restoration • Guitar Electronics • Custom Circuit

First Act ME4016 — Burned, Rebuilt & Rewired

A rough free guitar transformed with a torch-burned finish, fretboard and fret work, aged hardware, a rebuilt control cavity and a custom-tuned onboard JFET preamp.

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First Act ME4016 transformation from original guitar through torch burning to the finished rebuild

Finished DIY pedal builds and kit projects from the BJW Tech bench

DIY Pedals • Kit Assembly • Troubleshooting

DIY Pedal Builds & Kit Assembly

A bench full of pedal builds — from bare PCBs and kits to troubleshooting, circuit modifications, enclosure work and finished effects.

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Pedal Modification • Switching • Signal Routing

JHS Notadumble V1 — Dual-Channel & Stacking Mod

A factory two-channel pedal reworked with external Presence, independent Clean and Overdrive footswitches, simultaneous stacking and selectable signal order.

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Modified JHS Notadumble V1 with dual footswitches, channel LEDs, external presence control and stacking-order switch

Have Something Different In Mind?

Let's talk about your project.

Custom electronics jobs don't always fit neatly into a service menu. If you've got an idea for a guitar, pedal or small electronics project, get in touch.

Discuss a Project