Cloning Ethics Poll

[dorrisant]

This is just an example, I'm not trying to limit the discussion to just this device.

Spaceman Pedals - Gemini III Fuzz

Would you clone it? Or should someone else clone it?

If you had the capacity to put out a limited number...?

I have a modified version that I like better if that helps.

It's not like it is burning a hole in me to make a bunch of these... just started thinking about the limited availability of these pedals... http://www.effectsdatabase.com/reviews/spaceman/gemini3

Also, when they were available (limited run) the gutshots were posted on Spaceman's site. They don't goop them so they don't seem worried about cloners. Really pretty work and top notch layout... but so are my pedals.

Not to mention the prices they are getting:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Spaceman-Gemni- ... 7675.l2557

Think "Unobtanium". I mean they are cool and all, but how do they sound?
Really cool Fuzz Face sound with some cool tricks. I have heard/played through a real one at a show and have made a clone for myself (there is a build doc on the web if you search for it). It was sweet enough for me to pursue making a copy. It really is versatile.

If they aren't cloned now, I think they will be. There has to be a price threshold and situation that triggers cloning and mass marketing. Remember the Klon Centaur?

Btw, I didn't post any YT videos because they all kinda suck. If this gets many reads I will post something from here.

Just wanting to get some opinions from the sages.

[Ken Moon]

I don't see anything wrong with making a pedal with both germanium and silicon fuzz circuits, going into a blend control.

But that isn't the same thing as cloning this pedal.

How would you feel if you sold a pedal, even one that is derivative in design, and someone else started selling an exact clone?

I think it would be much more satisfying to you to design your own, borrowing the concept but not the exact circuit.

But that's just me - what do I know?

[Phil_S]

Do the right thing. If the protections on the intellectual property (copyrights, patents) are expired, it is in the public domain and do as you like. If not, nothing wrong with building one for yourself, but you should pay the royalties if you make and sell them.

If your box is derivative and different enough, maybe you can skirt the intellectual property protections, in which case, go right ahead. It's the American way!

[Bob S]

Like you said - you like your modded version better.
At that point it's not a clone. Fair game.

[rp]

I'd plug straight in

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeTybKL1pM4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcvd5JZkUXY

[Leo_Gnardo]

Like you said - you like your modded version better.
At that point it's not a clone. Fair game.

What Bob S said ^^. It's not as if there aren't at least thousand and one copies & variations already in existence of the ol' Fuzz Face.

I do like the copper coating on the box though.

What's the transformer used for?

Bring out the clones! And their relatives.

[dorrisant]

What's the transformer used for?

Primary side is used as an inductor... secondary side is not used.

[johnnyreece]

If I want something and there's a schematic floating around, I'll build it. I don't get too hung up on it.

[rp]

Bring out the clones! And their relatives.

clones on the way, and let this be a warning to you all:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLITQXRH70M

[dorrisant]

Well, I don't want to go into production with this circuit, but I wonder what is stopping others. Some companies make a living off of it.

http://guitarefx.blogspot.com/2015/07/j ... st_20.html

I wouldn't mind making a few (Gemimi Fuzz) for personal and for friends...

[tubeswell]

If I wanted one, maybe I would.

But chances are I'd hit upon very similar design by closing a mixture of other things.