Sheet #i-2150 Updated 12/17

StewMac

JHS 808
C L A S S I C P E DA L K I T
Assembly Instructions
The JHS808 is one of the great stompboxes from JHS, mak-
ers of high-end effects pedals. Whenever JHS adds a new
pedal to their line, they retire an existing design. This means
great JHS pedals like the JHS808 have become rare and
sought-after. You can’t buy one, but you can build yourself
one—and it’s fun!

ctions!
Easy instru re
s show whe
Clear picture goes.
each part

Back in the late 1970s, Ibanez introduced the TS-808 Tube

Screamer, possibly the most famous overdrive pedal ever
made. Favored by many discriminating guitarists, including
Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Johnson, and Joe Bonamassa. Often
copied or modded, the Tube Screamer circuit has become
the platform for most modern overdrive pedals.
Using an original vintage TS-808 as a starting point, Josh
Scott modded the circuit to include a three-way gain toggle
that switches between the stock circuit, boost, and crunch
for added flexibility. The result is this JHS808.

stewmac.com ©2017 Stewart-MacDonald page 1 of 12

Tools and supplies Tips for soldering
Required: Soldering iron with fine point tip The solder joints you’ll make on the
Solder circuit board are very small, and too
much heat can damage the board.
Wire cutter/stripper
The idea is to make joints quickly,
1/2" nut driver or socket without scorching the eyelets.
10mm nut driver or socket
Hold components in place for soldering by threading the
14mm wrench leads through the board and bending them apart on the
#1 Phillips screwdriver reverse side.
Also helpful: Clear silicone adhesive
Circuit card holder
Magnifying glass or OptiVISOR
StewMac Soldering Aids
Power: This pedal requires a standard 9V DC
center-negative power supply (not
included) and consumes less than 100mA. Make your solder joints on the reverse side. Insert the tip into
There’s no battery option. the eyelet and let it heat for 4-5 seconds before touching it
with solder. This heats the contact enough for the solder to
flow nicely without damage. You don’t need much solder,
just enough to fill the eyelet. After soldering, trim away the
excess lead wire.

Give your pedal a custom paint job!

Any paint sold for use on metal will work well on the kit case.
Spray paints like Rustoleum® or Krylon® are a durable finish.
You might want to paint the case before building the kit,
so you won’t need to take the parts back out for painting.
A way to add custom graphics is to print them from your
computer onto waterslide decal paper. If you use decals,
protect them from scratches by spraying clear topcoats
over them.

stewmac.com ©2017 Stewart-MacDonald page 2 of 12

 (2) C6, C13 Capacitors (1 µF)

1
(1) C7 Capacitor (.047 µF)

47NJ
Parts list
Resistor values are indicated by colored bands, read from left NPO 51J (1) C8 Capacitor (51 pF)
to right. The first color in the code is usually the one painted
closest to a lead wire. When a gold or silver band is present, (1) D1 Diode (P6KE22A)
it’s always one of the last colors in the code. A magnifier is
aparts: i-2150
big help 808
in reading these codes. (3) D2, D3, D7 Rectifiers

Yellow Purple Black Red Brown

(2) R1, R2 Resistors (47 kΩ) (2) Q1, Q2 Transistors (2n3904)

(5) R3, R5, R12, R16, R17 (1 kΩ) (2) D4, D5 Red LEDs (5mm)
Brown Black Black Brown Brown

(1) R4 Resistor (2.2 MΩ) (1) D8 Clear LED (5mm, glows yellow)
Red Red Black Yellow Brown

Green Brown Yellow Gold

(2) R6, R19 Resistors (510 kΩ) (1) Ribbon cable

Brown Black Black Red Brown

(5) R7, R8, R13, R20, R22 (10 kΩ)
(1) Lead wire (12")

(1) R9 Resistor (4.7 kΩ) (1) R11 Pot (500 kΩ, linear taper)
Yellow Purple Black Brown Brown
(1) R14 Pot (5 kΩ, linear taper)
(1) R10 Resistor (51 kΩ) (1) R18 Pot (100 kΩ, linear taper)
Green Brown Black Red Brown

(1) R15 Resistor (220 Ω) (4) Adhesive foam tape

Red Red Black Black Brown

(1) R21 Resistor (100 Ω) (1) On-Off-On solder lug toggle

Brown Black Black Black Brown

Yellow Purple Black Gold Brown

(1) R23 Resistor (47 Ω) (1) Footswitch (3PDT, latching)

10uF (2) C1, 15 Capacitors (10 µF) (1) U1 Low noise op-amp (4558P 500nA)
(1) U1.2 socket for op-amp
100uF (2) C3, C4 Capacitors (100 µF)
(1) DC power connector (2.1mm)
(3) C2, C12, C14 Capacitors (.1 µF)
.1J63

(2) Mono jacks, 1/4"

.22J63

(2) C9, C10 Capacitors (.22 µF)

(1) LED mounting bezel (5mm)
27nJ63 (1) C5 Capacitor (.027 µF)
(3) Control knobs
(2) C6, C13 Capacitors (1 µF)
1J63

(Not pictured) (1) Circuit board

(1) C7 Capacitor (.047 µF)

47NJ

(Not pictured) (1) Metal case with 4 screws

NPO 51J (1) C8 Capacitor (51 pF)

(1) D1 Diode (P6KE22A)

(3) D2, D3, D7 Rectifiers

(2) Q1, Q2 Transistors (2n3904)

stewmac.com ©2017 Stewart-MacDonald page 3 of 12

(2) D4, D5 Red LEDs (5mm)

 Step 1: Install twenty resistors

DC Jack D1
JHS Pedals Kit
For Stew Mac R23
R1
C2 JHS808
Yellow Purple Black Brown Brown
R9 Resistor (4.7 kΩ)
C3
P78868

C4 C1

R10
R2 Yellow Purple Black Gold Brown
R23 Resistor (47 Ω)
R18
C8 R12 C12
R11
D5

U1 R1, R2 Resistors (47 kΩ)

D2
D7

Yellow Purple Black Red Brown

R16
R17
R19
C14
D3

R13
D4
R9 C7 R14 C9
Brown Black Black Brown Brown
R3, R5, R12, R16, R17 Resistors (1 kΩ)
R8 C15
R6 C10
C6 C13
R7 R15 R21
S Q1 Q2
Brown Black Black Black Brown
R21 Resistor (100 Ω)
C5 R5 R4 R20 S
T T
R3 R22
InJ OutJ

Red Red Black Black Brown

R15 Resistor (220 Ω)

D8

DC Jack D1
JHS Pedals Kit
For Stew Mac R23
R1
C2 JHS808
Green Brown Black Red Brown
R10 Resistor (51 kΩ)
C3
P78868

C4 C1

R10
R2 Green Brown Yellow Gold
R6, R19 Resistors (510 kΩ)
R18
C8 R12 C12
R11
D5

U1 R7, R8, R13, R20, R22 Resistors (10 kΩ)

D2
D7

Brown Black Black Red Brown

R16
R17
R19

C14
D3

R13
D4
R9 C7 R14 C9 Red Red Black Yellow Brown
R4 Resistor (2.2 MΩ)
R8 C15
R6 C10
C6 C13
R7 R15 R21
S Q1 Q2
C5 R5 R4 R20 S
T T
InJ R3 R22
OutJ Resistors have a low profile, sitting closer to the board than taller components,
so install them first. Their locations are marked with numbers on the board.

Resistors are not polarized, so it doesn’t matter which lead goes in which
D8
eyelet. They can be installed in either direction.

stewmac.com ©2017 Stewart-MacDonald page 4 of 12

 Step 2: Install six diodes

DC Jack D1
JHS Pedals Kit
For Stew Mac R23
C2 JHS808 D1 Diode (P6KE22A)
R1
C3

D2, D3, D7 Rectifiers

P78868

C4 C1
R2
R10 R18
C8 R12 C12
R11
D5 D4, D5 Red LEDs (5mm)
U1
D2
D7

R16
R17
R19
C14
D3

R13
D4
R9 C7 C9
Diodes are polarized, so they need to be installed in the correct orientation.
R14
R8 C15 Note the stripe around one end: this marks the negative (minus) lead of the
R6 C10
R7
C6
R15
C13
R21 diode. On the circuit board, the printed outline of the diodes also shows this
S Q1 Q2
C5 R5 R4 R20 S stripe. Install each diode so that its stripe matches the direction shown on
T T
InJ R3 R22
OutJ
the circuit board.
D1 is a larger sized P6KE22A diode. D2, D3, D7 are all 1N4148 rectifiers. Solder
them in their marked locations now.

D8
The leads on diodes sometimes vary in diameter. If the leads don’t fit into
the eyelets in the circuit board, trim them at a steep angle to create sharp
points that fit into the holes.
Next install the two red LED (Light Emitting Diodes) clipping diodes, D4 and
D5, on their location marks. These are also polarized and need to be installed
in the correct orientation. On the circuit board, their location marks indicate
a flat on one side. This matches the slight flat on one side of the LED diode.
Install them so the flat on the board matches the flat on the LED.

stewmac.com ©2017 Stewart-MacDonald page 5 of 12

 Step 3: Install fourteen capacitors
DC Jack D1
JHS Pedals Kit
For Stew Mac R23
C2 JHS808
100uF C3, C4 Capacitors (100 µF)
R1
C3
P78868

C4 C1
10uF C1, 15 Capacitors (10 µF)
R2
R10 R18
C8 R12 C12
R11
D5

U1
The four capacitors shown above are polarized, and have to be installed in
D2
D7

R16
R17
R19
C14
D3

R13 the correct orientation. Note the white stripe running the length of each cap;
D4
R9 C7 R14 C9 this identifies the negative (minus) lead. On the circuit board, the circle for
R8
C10
C15 this cap’s location has a thicker line on one side: insert the capacitors with
R6
C6 C13
R7 R15 R21 their stripe facing that side. (On polarized caps of this type, there’s a second
S Q1 Q2
C5 R5 R4 R20 S way to identify the minus lead: it is the shorter of the two leads.)
T T
R3 R22
InJ OutJ

D8

C7 Capacitor (.047 µF)

47NJ

DC Jack D1
JHS Pedals Kit
For Stew Mac R23
C2 JHS808
R1
C3

C4
P78868
NPO 51J C8 Capacitor (51 pF)
C1
R2
R10 R18
C8 R12 C12
R11
D5
C2, C12, C14 Capacitors (.1 µF)
.1J63

U1
D2
D7

R16
R17
R19

C14
D3

.22J63

R13
D4
C9, C10 Capacitors (.22 µF)
R9 C7 R14 C9
R8 C15
R6 C10
C6 C13
C6, C13 Capacitors (1 µF)
1J63

R7 R15 R21
S Q1 Q2
C5 R5 R4 R20 S
T T
R3 R22
InJ OutJ
27nJ63 C5 Capacitor (.027 µF)

D8 The remaining capacitors are not polarized. Solder these caps in place
facing either direction.

stewmac.com ©2017 Stewart-MacDonald page 6 of 12

 Step 4: Install the operational amplifier

DC Jack D1
JHS Pedals Kit
For Stew Mac R23
C2
.1J63 JHS808
R1 U1 Low noise op-amp (4558P 500nA)
C3
P78868

C4
R2
C1
U1.2 socket for op-amp
R10 R18

.1J63
C8 R12 C12
R11
D5

U1
D2
D7

.1J63
R16
R17
R19
C14
D3

R13
The operational amplifier consists of two parts: the op-amp itself (U1), and
D4 the socket it plugs into (U1.2).
R9 C7
47nJ R14 C9
.22J63
R8 C15
R6 C10
.22J63 You’ll solder the socket first, then install the op-amp in the socket.
1J63

1J63

C6 C13
R7 R15 R21
S
C5
Q1
R5 R4 R20
Q2
S
The op-amp has to be oriented correctly in order to function properly. There
T
R3 R22
T are two indicators on the circuit board to guide you in positioning it:
InJ OutJ

1. The rectangular U1 position marker has a small notch at one end. Align the
similar notch in socket U1.2 when installing the socket.
2. The U1 position marker has a dot in one corner. There is a dot molded into
D8
the corner of op-amp U1. Align these corners when pressing the op-amp
into place.
Solder socket U1.2 to the board. The op-amp U1 then snaps in without solder.
This feature allows you to try different op-amps with no soldering.

Step 5: Install two transistors

DC Jack D1
JHS Pedals Kit

Q1, Q2 Transistor (2n3904)

For Stew Mac R23
C2
.1J63 JHS808
R1
C3
P78868

C4 C1

R10
R2
R18 Q1 and Q2 are 2n3904 JFET* transistors. They are directional, and need to
.1J63

C8 R12 C12
R11
D5 be installed in a specific orientation. Note that they have a flat side. On the
U1 circuit board, their location outlines also have a flat side. Install the transistors
D2
D7

.1J63
R16
R17
R19

C14
to match these outlines.
D3

R13
D4
R9 C7
47nJ R14 C9
.22J63 *JFET: Junction Gate Field-Effect Transistor
R8 C15
R6 C10
.22J63
1J63

1J63

C6 C13
R7 R15 R21
S Q1 Q2
C5 R5 R4 R20 S
T T
R3 R22
InJ OutJ

D8

stewmac.com ©2017 Stewart-MacDonald page 7 of 12

 Step 6: Install the mini toggle switch

On-on solder lug toggle

The three-position mini toggle switch installs on the back of the board, and
there is no location marker printed. Solder the switch to the three large eyelets
pictured, making sure it’s flat and square to the circuit board.
The switch is not directional, so it works equally well turned in either direction.

Step 7: Install the control pots

Break off this index pin on all 3 pots.

R18 Volume pot (100 kΩ, linear taper)

Adhesive foam tape (Goes on back of the pots)

R11 Drive pot (500 kΩ, linear taper)

Adhesive foam tape

R14 Tone pot (5 kΩ, linear taper)

The last components to go onto the circuit board are the three control pots.
They install on the back of the board. Each pot has three connecting lugs; the
illustration in Step 8 shows the three pots in position on the board.
Each pot has an index pin protruding from the case. Break off this pin before
installation, so the pot will mount flush against the pedal case. Needle nose
pliers work well for removing the pins.
Use the adhesive foam tape to insulate the back of the pot from the soldered
leads of the other parts. Solder the pot in place, making sure it sits flat on the
back of the board.

stewmac.com ©2017 Stewart-MacDonald page 8 of 12

 Step 8: Install the footswitch, then the ribbon cable
B500K
B100K B1K
A500K Footswitch JHS Pedals Kit
DC Jack D1
For Stew Mac R23
C2
.1J63 JHS808
R1
C3
P78868

C4 C1
B5K
R2
R10 R18

.1J63
C8 R12 C12
R11
D5

U1

D2
D7

.1J63
R16
R17
R19
C14

D3
R13
D4
R9 C7
47nJ R14 C9
.22J63
Ribbon cable R8 C15
R6 C10
.22J63

1J63

1J63
C6 C13
R7 R15 R21
S Q1 Q2
C5 R5 R4 R20 S
T T
R3 R22
InJ OutJ

D8

Install the footswitch on the back of the circuit board. The switch lugs will
fit in only one of two directions; either orientation works fine. Insert the lugs
through the nine eyelets so the switch sits flush, making contact all around.
Solder one lug and let it cool. This holds the switch in place while you solder
the remaining lugs.
Next, install the ribbon cable. Insert the cable leads through the front of the
board, and solder them in place on the back.

Step 9: Install the lead wires, cut the board

DC Jack D1
JHS Pedals Kit
For Stew Mac R23
C2 JHS808
Lead wire, cut into six 2" lengths
.1J63
R1
C3
P78868

C4 C1 Cut the lead wire into six 2" lengths for the input, output, and power jacks.
R10
R2
R18 Strip the insulation on the ends and thread them through the front of the
.1J63

C8 R12 C12
R11
D5 board. Solder them on the back of the board.
U1
D2

Now you can cut the switch portion of the board away from the main board.
D7

.1J63
R16
R17
R19

C14
D3

R13 Small wire cutters make quick work of this, and a small saw also works.
D4
R9 C7
47nJ R14 C9
.22J63
R8 C15
R6 C10
.22J63
1J63

1J63

C6 C13
R7 R15 R21
S Q1 Q2
C5 R5 R4 R20 S
T T
R3 R22
InJ OutJ

D8

stewmac.com ©2017 Stewart-MacDonald page 9 of 12

 Step 10: Install the LED mounting bezel and the two jacks

LED mounting bezel

Two jacks

Install the plastic mounting bezel for the LED indicator by pressing it in
from the outside, through the top of the case. Spread the tabs open inside
the case to hold it in place.
Install the input and output jacks on the sides of the case. Keep the lugs
facing up so you’ll have easy access when it’s time to solder them.

Step 11: Mount the circuit board in the case

The main circuit board is held in place by the control pots and mini toggle
DC Jack D1
JHS Pedals Kit
For Stew Mac R23
R1
C2
.1J63 JHS808 switch.
C3
P78868

C4 C1 Install their shafts through the top of the case, and thread flat washers onto
R2
R10 R18
them on the outside. Install the mounting nuts so they are good and snug,
.1J63

C8 R12 C12
R11
D5

U1 but take care not to overtighten.

D2
D7

.1J63
R16
R17
R19

C14
D3

R13
D4
R9 C7
47nJ R14 C9
.22J63
R8 C15
C10
.22J63
1J63

1J63

R6
C6 C13
R7 R15 R21
S Q1 Q2
C5 R5 R4 R20 S
T T
R3 R22
InJ OutJ

D8

stewmac.com ©2017 Stewart-MacDonald page 10 of 12

 Step 12: Install the LED in the mounting bezel

DC Jack D1
D8 LED (5mm)
JHS Pedals Kit
For Stew Mac R23
C2
.1J63 JHS808
R1
C3
P78868

R10
C4
R2
C1
Like some of the caps and diodes, the D8 LED is polarized and has to be in-
R18

.1J63
R11
D5
C8 R12 C12
stalled in a specific direction. One side of the diode has a flat edge, indicating
U1
the negative lead. Another indication is that the negative lead is shorter than
D2
D7

.1J63
R16
R17
R19
C14
D3

D4
R9 C7
47nJ
R13

C9
.22J63
the positive. The circle marking the D8 location on the switch circuit board
R14
R8
R6 C10
.22J63
C15
has a corresponding flat to indicate the mounting orientation.
1J63

1J63
C6 C13
R7 R15 R21
S Q1 Q2

InJ
T
C5

R3
R5 R4 R20

R22
S
T
OutJ
Insert the LED into the bezel. It will be held in place by soldering it to the
switch circuit board in Step 13, but for a more secure mount you can run a
bead of clear silicone adhesive around the LED and bezel.

D8

Step 13: Install the footswitch

1/8"
Thread one of the nuts onto the footswitch, leaving
DC Jack D1

a 1/8" gap between it and the switch housing. Place

JHS Pedals Kit
For Stew Mac R23
C2
.1J63 JHS808
R1
C3
P78868 the split lock washer on next.
C4 C1
R2

Carefully install the switch so the legs of the diode feed through the D8 holes
R10 R18
.1J63

C8 R12 C12
R11
D5

U1
on the switch circuit board.
D2
D7

.1J63
R16
R17
R19

C14
D3

R13
D4
R9
R8
C7
47nJ R14 C9
.22J63 Place the flat washer on the switch shaft on the top of the case. As you tighten
C15
R6 C10
.22J63
the remaining nut on the switch, hold the switch circuit board inside the case
1J63

1J63

C6 C13
R7 R15 R21
S Q1 Q2

T
C5

R3
R5 R4 R20

R22
S
T
so that it doesn’t rotate.
InJ OutJ

Solder the D8 LED and trim the leads.

D8

stewmac.com ©2017 Stewart-MacDonald page 11 of 12

 Step 14: Install the DC power connector

Positive
JHS Pedals Kit
For Stew Mac
DC Jack D1 DC power connector Negative
R23
C2
.1J63 JHS808
R1
C3
P78868

Insert the DC power connector so the negative lug is facing up, and tighten
C4 C1
R2
R10 R18

.1J63
C8 R12 C12
it in place. The negative lug is the one with the largest metal tab.
R11
D5

U1
D2
D7

.1J63
R16
R17
R19
C14
D3

R13 Solder the installed leads from the circuit board to the jack. Where they attach
D4
R9
R8
C7
47nJ R14

C10
.22J63
C9
.22J63
C15 to the board, the positive lead is on the the right and the negative is on the left.
R6
1J63

1J63
C6 C13
R7 R15 R21
S Q1 Q2
C5 R5 R4 R20 S
T T
R3 R22
InJ OutJ

D8

Step 15: Wire the input/output jacks

On the circuit board, the input and output jack leads are labeled InJ and OutJ.
The leads are also labeled T for tip, and S for sleeve. Looking at a jack, you’ll
DC Jack D1
JHS Pedals Kit
For Stew Mac R23
C2
.1J63 JHS808
R1
C3
P78868 see that the sleeve lug is attached to the threaded shaft. The tip lug connects
to the spring metal piece that contacts the tip of a guitar cord.
C4 C1
R2
R10 R18
.1J63

C8 R12 C12
R11
D5

U1 Solder these four leads as shown to finish the assembly.

D2
D7

.1J63
R16
R17
R19

C14
D3

R13
D4
R9 C7
47nJ R14 C9
.22J63
Screw the bottom onto the case and add the control knobs.
R8 C15
R6 C10
.22J63
1J63

1J63

S
R7
Q1
C6
R15
C13

Q2
R21 Plug in and rock out!
C5 R5 R4 R20 S
T T
InJ R3 R22
OutJ
Here’s how to use the JHS808:

Requires 9V DC
center-negative power
supply (not included)
Volume
Overall output level
Drive
Dial in more
D8 Tone or less overdrive
Adjusts the top end

3-way gain switch

Three tone options:
• Up: LED clipping
• Middle: Open boost
Output
• Down: Silicon clipping

Input

Footswitch
On/Off LED Indicator
On/Off

stewmac.com ©2017 Stewart-MacDonald page 12 of 12