OpAmp buffers are very useful to use in the beginning of your chain or before any effect pedal that needs it. As we’ve made a very reduced board, you can even place it inside your pedal’s enclosure to mod it! OpAmp buffers have a very high input impedance, which is crucial to keep your tone intact.
“When do I need to use an opamp buffer?” Adding an OpAmp buffer is a a good idea if you are experiencing any kind of tone loss because of an excessive loading, as it acts between a barrier: the OpAmp buffer presents a high input impedance, and won’t load your guitar or bass pickups while preventing any pedal to do so. That way, your tone will be kept unalterated.
“Do I need to use a buffer?” While buffers are almost mandatory before some vintage circuits that have a really low impedance and can negatively affect your tone, it’s always a good idea to place them at the beginning of your chain.
This OpAmp buffer circuit has be designed to work up to 18V, offering a lot of headroom.
Looking for a JFET buffer Kit? Check it out here!