KAREN!!! is an overdrive kit from JedsPeds, a DIY pedal build that, in the maker's words, "rather boldly claims to beat all the others." JedsPeds says the circuit "compares to The Thorpy Gunshot," and describes the design as having "a small engine inside it, cascading that tone filled gain from input to output." The maker is careful to state that "there is no endorsement or approval from any manufacturer and this information is for comparison only."1
For more on the effect type, see Overdrive Pedals, or compare two of the circuits this corner of the market grew from in Boss SD-1 vs Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer.
Kit versions and what you need to build it
The kit is sold in six stages, so you can buy as much or as little of the parts run as you want1:
| Version | What you get |
|---|---|
| PCB Only | Just the plain PCB |
| PCB & Components | PCB plus the parts that go on it |
| PCB & Components and off board parts | Adds the off board parts |
| Full Kit | Everything needed to build it |
| Full Kit & Drilling | Full kit with the enclosure drilled |
| Pre Built Kit | Built for you, £46.00 GBP1 |
JedsPeds rates the build as "suitable to an intermediate level builder," and supports it with what the maker calls "our DIY friendly layout and board design, detailed PDF build guide, top quality parts and the availability of" a build support forum.1
The board is designed for right angled pots, and you have "the choice of side or top mounted jacks and power socket on this one," which matters if you are planning a tight enclosure layout.1
The Pre Built Kit option carries a 12 month repair warranty. JedsPeds: "I do give a 12 month repair warranty so should a fault be developed I will repair it."1
Enclosure and layout
The kit fits a JP125b enclosure, and the Full Kit & Drilling version takes care of the drilling for you. Combined with the right angled pot design and the choice of jack and power socket positions, the layout is aimed at builders who want a tidy finished pedal.1
JedsPeds makes other DIY-friendly designs too, including the JedsPeds AndyChad, JedsPeds High Pocket, JedsPeds Super Klone, JedsPeds GOAT and JedsPeds Gobbles.
Questions
Is the JedsPeds KAREN!!! a Thorpy Gunshot clone?
JedsPeds says the kit compares to The Thorpy Gunshot, and the maker is explicit that there is no endorsement or approval from any manufacturer and that the comparison information is for that purpose only. So it is presented by the maker as a comparison, not as an authorised copy.
How hard is the KAREN!!! kit to build?
JedsPeds describes it as suitable to an intermediate level builder. The kit includes the maker's DIY friendly layout and board design, a detailed PDF build guide, top quality parts and access to a build support forum, which is where a builder would turn if they got stuck.
What enclosure does the KAREN!!! fit?
The kit fits a JP125b enclosure. JedsPeds also sells a Full Kit & Drilling version, and the board is designed for right angled pots, with a choice of side or top mounted jacks and power socket.
Can you buy the KAREN!!! pre-built?
Yes. Along with the various kit stages, JedsPeds offers a Pre Built Kit version, listed at £46.00, which carries a 12 month repair warranty: if a fault develops, the maker will repair it.
Sources (1)
- Karen | DIY Guitar Effects Pedal Kits, JedsPeds
