NEED TO KNOW___OpAmp DIRT PEDALS___ HOW THEY WORK___TOTAL NERDS ONLY

 OpAmp+Diodes=CHEAP Dirt Pedal

In plain language an OpAmp is a chip that acts like a nano, nano clean amp. A diode is like a funnel. A lot coming in and less coming out. What comes in is squished distorting it and then compressing it at the same time. Results, sustaining dirty signal. Sending the signal in circles adds, twists and shapes thing in many ways. This allows for pedals to be designed in endless variations. The ear is 10 times more sensitive to differences than all the other senses. So we do notice differences and love one pedal over another. 

 OTHER WAYS

On a final note. No OpAmps required? Some dirt pedals use FET transistors that react like a real tube. Pedals can be made using them to accurately clone tube amps but it is pricey, difficult and time consuming. ALL of my favorite OD's are made that way.  

 BUT

A good OpAmp pedal can make great noises and be made dirt cheap,(pun intended😇). All the famous OpAmp MXR, Boss etc. pedals that were made decades ago are still made and cloned by hundreds of small builders is a testament to that.

FUZZ is FISHY

The most noticeable thing about a Fuzz is it uses very few parts.

Most amateurs DIY types start with making a Fuzz because it is

much simpler to build. 

It is obviously also much cheaper to build.

So ...why do we get beyond stupid prices 

to buy the damn things.