Farm TGR Onboard OBEL Ready Preamp Module

TGR Onboard OBEL Ready Preamp Module

This circuit is our take on the Jerry Garcia Tiger Buffer. This buffer cleans up the signal really nicely, it adds clarity and sparkle.  This module puts the buffer directly connected to the pickups for maximum signal integrity.

The TGR is OBEL ready. The switch is for the OBEL loop. This buffer circuit is wired pre-OBEL loop to drive the signal.

Designed to fit into most Fender/Squier stratocasters.

The nature of this module means that if your battery dies, you guitar dies, there is no buffer bypass.  This unit will not work without power.

We highly recommend shielding the cavity and pick-guard when installing this preamp. It will, by nature, amplify any interference picked up by the guitar, and shielding will help mitigate any unwanted interference.

Knobs

1: Master Volume, C10K

The switch is for the OBEL.

Signal chain:

Wire from pickup selector (and tone knobs) > preamp module > buffer > OBEL > volume control > output jack

This preamp module does not pretend to make you sound like Jerry, is not a part for part clone of any other pedal, and doesn't guarantee anything to anyone... I built this for fun, and it should be used to have fun.

Installation Instructions

Modifying a guitar can damage or destroy it... the buyer is taking on full responsibility for any damage done to their guitar.

Included in this unit: Completed board with pots & switches, 2 Stereo cable jacks, 9 volt battery strap.

Not Included in this unit: Knobs

Purchaser will need to have familiarity with soldering and guitar modification.

There is a pre-soldered lead in the I eyelet. That wire should be soldered to the pickup selector and sends signal to the module.

There are two free eyelets near the volume pot for ground. The third ground eyelet has a copper wire soldered to the volume pot. The two remaining eyelets can be used for ground wires. The copper wire soldered to the volume pot can also be used as a ground solder rod.

There are six long wires attached to the far side of the board. These wires should be snaked to the jack cavity and soldered to the two stereo jack provided.

The wires labeled on the board as DT, DR, & DS are for the direct out. DT goes to the Tip of the jack. DR goes to the Ring of the jack.  DS goes to the sleeve of the jack. This is situated so that the battery is only grounded and completing a complete circuit when a guitar cable is engaged. When the guitar is unplugged the battery is disconnected, saving battery life.

The second set of wires labeled on the board as OT, OR, & OS are for the OBEL. The silkscreen lettering is partially obscured by solder joints, but they go in order OT OR OS, near to far from the switch, and mirror the Direct out wire placement.  OT goes to the Tip of the jack. OR goes to the Ring of the jack. OS goes to the sleeve of the jack. Tip is the send, Ring is the return. Use the stereo jack with the soldered wire (and extra tabs) for the OBEL. This jack is set up so that if there is no cable plugged in, it automatically loops the signal back, not cutting any signal whether the OBEL switch is engaged or not.

The battery strap can be placed anywhere you want. We recommend drilling through the pickup cavity through the back of the guitar into tremolo cavity. The tremolo cavity makes a nice easy place to put a battery. There are bunch of ways to make battery compartments, you do you.

The battery wires are soldered to the board on the battery strap terminals. Red is +, Black is -.

Two holes will need to be drilled through the pick guard for the switches. Consult the template included with purchase.

Because of the nature of this item, it cannot be returned once it's been purchased without a written statement from a professional guitar tech outlining defects in the product. Each board has been tested prior to shipping.

We recommend bringing this module to a professional guitar tech to complete the installation.