The Para Para Paradise is a DIY guitar effects pedal kit from Jeds Peds, a light to medium gain overdrive circuit. The maker describes it as "the Em Drives big sister", and it is based loosely on the Electra circuit, a simple single-transistor overdrive design that has long been a favorite starting point for first-time builders1.
The circuit and its controls
The pedal has three pots, which control the Drive, the Tone and the Volume. Because the parts count is low, the maker calls it "a nice kit to start with"1. The PCB is designed to hang from the pots inside the enclosure, which keeps the wiring simple for a first build1.
For comparison only, the maker notes that the kit compares to the Paramount Overdrive by Emerson Customs, with no endorsement implied1.
Kit options
The Para Para Paradise is sold in five versions, from a bare board to a fully drilled enclosure1:
| Version | What you get |
|---|---|
| PCB Only | Just the plain PCB |
| PCB & Components | PCB plus parts |
| PCB & Components and off board parts | As above, with off board components: foot switch, jacks, 9V socket, LED |
| Full Kit | Complete kit |
| Full Kit & Drilling | Complete kit plus a drilled enclosure |
The Full Kit & Drilling option includes a drilled enclosure with all the holes needed for a complete pedal, for a small surcharge1. You will need three knobs for the kit, and the maker suggests medium sized ones1.
Pre-built option, build time and warranty
If you would rather not solder it yourself, Jeds Peds offers a Pre Built Kit at £28.00 GBP. Pre Built Kits have a 1 to 4 week build time1.
There are no returns accepted on pre-built kits, but the maker gives a 12 month repair warranty: "should a fault be developed I will re[pair it]".1
Related Jeds Peds kits
Jeds Peds makes a range of other DIY kits, including the Weighty, Symbolisation, Nepotist, Dowager, Zendaya kit, Harolds, Plexi, Watermelon Sugar, Blue Beret, Fred and English Gent.
Videos
Jeds Peds
Sources (1)
- Para Para Paradise, Jeds Peds
