The So Funkin' True is a distortion kit from UK pedal maker Jeds Peds, aimed first at bassists and, in the maker's words, "also exceptional for guitarists too." Jeds Peds describes the circuit as "full of rich bottom end, especially when tuned low," which is the quality bass players are usually after in a distortion pedal. The kit compares to the SFT by Catalinbread, a comparison the maker makes without any endorsement or approval from that manufacturer1.
Power: 9V in, 18V inside
The current version of the board features a charge pump, a small circuit that steps a voltage up, so the pedal runs at 18V internally from a standard 9V supply. For a player, that means no special power supply is needed to get the higher internal voltage the circuit runs at1.
"It now features a charge pump so it will run at 18v from a standard 9v supply."
Building the kit
Jeds Peds notes that this is a kit with a lot of parts to identify, and that it includes 8 JFETs, a type of transistor the maker describes as almost extinct. The latest redesign of the board has larger solder pads to aid effective soldering and a spacious layout, which helps with assembly1.
The Full Kit is supplied with a JP125B enclosure in the maker's 4 hole configuration. Drilling, which includes all the holes for a complete pedal, is an optional extra with a small surcharge. You will also need 4 knobs for this kit; the maker suggests medium sized ones1.
Versions and the Pre Built Kit
The So Funkin' True is sold in six versions, from a plain PCB to a fully assembled pedal1:
| Version | What you get |
|---|---|
| PCB Only | Just the plain PCB |
| PCB & Components | PCB plus parts |
| PCB & Components and off board parts | PCB, parts and off board parts |
| Full Kit | Complete kit with JP125B enclosure, 4 hole configuration |
| Full Kit & Drilling | Full Kit with all enclosure holes drilled |
| Pre Built Kit | Built for you, 1 to 4 week build time, £51.00 |
The Pre Built Kit is the option for players who want the pedal without soldering it themselves. It carries a 12 month repair warranty: if a fault develops, the maker will repair it. There are no returns accepted on these pedals1.
"There are no returns accepted on these but I do give a 12 month repair warranty so should a fault be developed I will repair it."
Jeds Peds also makes other kits and pedals, including the Foggy Twin, the Dirty Bomber and the Riot.
Questions
What is a charge pump in a guitar pedal?
A charge pump is a small circuit that raises a supply voltage to a higher one. In the So Funkin' True it takes a standard 9V pedal supply and produces 18 volts inside the pedal, which the maker says lets the circuit run at 18V without needing a special power supply.
What does the So Funkin' True kit come with in the Full Kit version?
The Full Kit is supplied with a JP125B enclosure in the maker's 4 hole configuration. Drilling, which includes all the holes for a complete pedal, is an optional extra with a small surcharge. You will also need 4 knobs, which the maker suggests getting in a medium size.
Is the So Funkin' True based on the Catalinbread SFT?
Jeds Peds says the kit compares to the SFT by Catalinbread. That is a comparison only: the maker notes there is no endorsement or approval from any manufacturer.
Can you buy the So Funkin' True already built?
Yes. Along with the various kit versions, Jeds Peds sells a Pre Built Kit, which is soldered and assembled for you. It is priced at £51.00 and has a 1 to 4 week build time.
Does the Pre Built Kit have a warranty?
Yes. The maker gives a 12 month repair warranty on the Pre Built Kit, so if a fault develops he will repair it. There are no returns accepted on these pedals, so the repair warranty is the cover offered.
Sources (1)
- So Funkin' True, Jeds Peds
