Gemini III dual fuzz PCB's

[digi2t]

UKToecutter will soon be selling PCB's for the Gemini III dual fuzz. He sent me a couple of sample boards for build validation (probably still smarting from the PLL  ), and I'm happy to say, the v.1 works perfectly. Smartly designed, and although it's a tight fit, does a 1590BB. Here are a few pics, including the customary visit to the Hen's Tooth Cafe.











He even incorporated an allowance for ECB pinout transistors on the Ge side, which many Russian transistors seem to favor. More clearance for the bigger Ruskies was also factored in. He did eliminate the Millenium bypass, and input ferrite. To my ears, the lack of the ferrite doesn't affect the tone at all, and the unit is pop free. All in all, a very nice job.

I built this one using almost the same transistor inventory as the original, AC128's in Q1/Q2, AC176 in Q3, 2N2222A in Q4, BC109C in Q5 (instead of a 2N2222A, my only departure), 2N3700 in Q6, and a 2N5088 in Q7.

Leakage for the AC128's seems to be more important than for the AC176. Anthing with leakage under 0.3mA will work fine in Q1/Q2. Q3 however, seems to like something leakier. As a matter of fact, the AC176 I have in there registered leakage of 0.82mA on my Peak meter, and my voltages compared with the original, are almost spot on. Compared to my vero clone, where my Ge NPN has considerably less leakage, the voltages are even closer with this build. I strongly recommend starting by istalling SIP sockets in the transistor holes, and auditioning different transistors first. Once you've got a set dialed in, pull out the sockets, and solder them in. You will however have to temporarily install the volume pot on jumpers, since the solder side of Q2 ans Q3 are located underneath the pot.

Like I mentioned, the fit is tight, and board placement inside the enclsore is of paramount importance. The key word if "LOW". The footswitch, and board, have to be installed as low, and as tight to the lower wall of the enclosure as possible. The switches and pots should not have any nuts or washers mounted on the inside either. Make yourself a drill template off the board, and triple check your placements before drilling. If you don't, the jacks will not fit. You've been warned.

Anywho, if you're looking for a fuzz that covers a boatload of territory, I would highly recommend this one. On with the show.

 

[Govmnt_Lacky]

DINO!!! You dastardly villain! 

I was actually in the process of incorporating one of those indicators on a pedal build! I got a TON of them at my work and was thinking the same thing! 

Great minds think alike I guess! SWEET sounding build there my friend.

[glops]

Looks beautiful!