The Jeds Peds Brain Bleach is a DIY guitar effects pedal kit that produces an analog octave down with a filter, sitting in the octave and pitch family of effects alongside pedals like the Bit Commander. Jeds Peds describes it as incredibly versatile and, most importantly, a huge amount of fun to play through1.
What it does
The Brain Bleach generates a note one octave below what you play and runs it through a filter. Jeds Peds says it will suit guitar and bass, "spitting out fat riffs from whatever your throw in the front end"1. The octave stage can be switched on or off, which the maker says cleans the sound right up if you wish, so the pedal can also serve as a filtered drive-style voice1.
With seven pots and two toggles, all of which are interactive with one another, there is a lot of range in how the effect can be set1.
How it compares to the Bit Commander
Jeds Peds is direct about where the circuit sits: "This kit doesn't compare to any production pedals per se. Its very much in the Bit Commander ball park, but has the addi"1. In other words, players familiar with the Bit Commander will recognize the territory, with the Brain Bleach adding a filter stage on top. The maker states plainly that there is no endorsement or approval from any manufacturer and that this information is for comparison only1.
Kit versions and what you get
The Brain Bleach is sold in several levels of completion, from a bare board to a fully assembled pedal1:
- PCB Only: just the plain PCB
- PCB & Components
- PCB & Components and off board parts
- Full Kit
- Full Kit & Drilling
- Pre Built Kit: the pedal assembled for you, listed at £75.00
Jeds Peds describes the build as a higher intermediate level kit designed with the DIY market in mind, so it is not a first-soldering-iron project1. The circuit uses three PCBs: two construct the main circuit and one carries the pots and toggles, joined with stackable headers1. Once built, it fits the JP125B enclosure with top mounted jacks and lots of knobs to fiddle with1.
If you order the pre-built option, you must add your knobs from the knob section separately or the pedal will arrive without them. Pre-built kits are sold with a 12 month repair warranty, and no returns are accepted on them1.
Videos
Budget Pedal Chap
Questions
Does the Brain Bleach work with bass?
Yes. Jeds Peds says the Brain Bleach suits guitar and bass, describing it as spitting out fat riffs from whatever you throw in the front end. The octave-down effect and filter work on the same principle with either instrument, so bass players can use it to add a sub-octave layer under their normal signal.
Is the Brain Bleach a beginner kit?
No. Jeds Peds describes it as a higher intermediate level kit designed with the DIY market in mind. It uses three PCBs joined with stackable headers, seven pots and two toggles, so it involves more assembly work than a simple first build. A pre-built option is available if you would rather not solder it yourself.
Is there a pre-built Brain Bleach?
Yes. Jeds Peds offers a pre-built option, listed at £75.00. If you choose it, you must add your knobs from the knob section separately or the pedal will arrive without them. Pre-built kits carry a 12 month repair warranty and returns are not accepted.
What enclosure does the Brain Bleach fit?
The Brain Bleach fits Jeds Peds' own JP125B enclosure. The maker says it goes together neatly inside one, with top mounted jacks and plenty of knobs on the front panel.
Is the Brain Bleach based on the Bit Commander?
Not exactly. Jeds Peds says the kit does not compare to any production pedal as such, but sits very much in the Electro-Harmonix Bit Commander ball park, with the addition of a filter. The maker notes there is no endorsement or approval from any manufacturer and that the comparison is for information only.
Sources (1)
- Brain Bleach, Jeds Peds (jedspeds.co.uk)