The MinuteMan Fuzz

[tubelectron]

When I refer to a buzzy fuzz, I'm talking about playing single notes, mainly on the lower strings.

An early version of a buzzy fuzz is, of course, this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxrBnuT84Ws

That's excellent ! The perfect music for Max-La-Menace (a french 60's TV serie, which was a burlesque pastiche of James Bond). This is very close to the sound I have with the 2N1613 and my 335 at loud settings on my (clean) Twin-Reverb or Boogie MKIIA... It's not too agressive or intrusive, but it easily cuts through the mix. That's the difference between a really usable pedal and a bedroom toy !

Therefore, I though that buzzy had more DZZZZZ (maybe you call it fizz ?) than that I heard in that sample. I would have qualified as buzzy the famous (and usually discarded) black round FuzzFace "Jimi Hendrix" model that Dunlop issued at one time, fitted with 2xMPSA18, that many would classifies in the "fizz factory"/"fizz face" range... I was wrong, OK ! So in the buzz range, I would then include the FuzzRite. Right ?

A+!

[LucifersTrip]

When I refer to a buzzy fuzz, I'm talking about playing single notes, mainly on the lower strings.

An early version of a buzzy fuzz is, of course, this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxrBnuT84Ws

That's excellent ! The perfect music for Max-La-Menace (a french 60's TV serie, which was a burlesque pastiche of James Bond). This is very close to the sound I have with the 2N1613 and my 335 at loud settings on my (clean) Twin-Reverb or Boogie MKIIA... It's not too agressive or intrusive, but it easily cuts through the mix. That's the difference between a really usable pedal and a bedroom toy !

Therefore, I though that buzzy had more DZZZZZ (maybe you call it fizz ?) than that I heard in that sample. I would have qualified as buzzy the famous (and usually discarded) black round FuzzFace "Jimi Hendrix" model that Dunlop issued at one time, fitted with 2xMPSA18, that many would classifies in the "fizz factory"/"fizz face" range... I was wrong, OK ! So in the buzz range, I would then include the FuzzRite. Right ?

A+!

Everyone has a different definition...but yes, the FuzzRite can be buzzy, but more harsh & trashy. remember, Davie Allan used the FuzzRite:

buzz:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=em_G4B8oHMw&feature=related

a bit different than straight buzz:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkO-LyG8DbE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZDvXcTJed4&feature=related

...and of course, it all depends on how you set your amp & pickups. For instance, most people think of a Big Muff as a fat, thick fuzz, but I turned the bass down, the treble up and made it sound like a wasp.

[tubelectron]

OK, LuciferTrips,

Now that's clear in my ears about what is a buzzing fuzz' s sound. Thanks for the additional links : very good sounding fuzz tones, indeed... Again, you seem to know very much about that !
I see that there is greater variants in the fuzz field than in the overdrive field;  the goal isn't the same, and so are the parameters and designs.

A+!

[LucifersTrip]

OK, LuciferTrips,

Now that's clear in my ears about what is a buzzing fuzz' s sound. Thanks for the additional links : very good sounding fuzz tones, indeed... Again, you seem to know very much about that !
I see that there is greater variants in the fuzz field than in the overdrive field;  the goal isn't the same, and so are the parameters and designs.

A+!

....yes, a million varieties of fuzz, which is why it's so fun. A couple more things...There is a further variety of the buzz, which is many times referred to as bumblebee, or bee fuzz. It's thinner with usually  more treble.

and I will leave you with this ultimate fuzz tone...play loud or don't waste your time!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXLG1KgKbHg

[tubelectron]

Ha-Ha-Ha !

Absolutely Awfull Piece of Fuzz Goodness !!!

If we except the wah playing sections, this kind of fuzz is to be considered as being a part of the "scoop fuzz" range, along with the Si Fy-2, the SuperFuzz (I have built both) some Ace, Roland or Ibanez fuzz. Or maybe it is only an HPF, agreemented with a possible octaver - sorry, at 10:24 PM, I can't play it loud to be sure... Maybe an Ibanez Standard Wau Fuzz would do similarly ? - I will try to borrow it to one of my pals to see

My modified SI FY-2 "Sbrodj Fuzz" gives a similar kind of non-wah sound to the one found on that Ron Wray Light Show -Speed (fuzz monster from 1967)  :





You can replace the 2N3137 by 2N1613, 2N1893, or 2N2219, maybe 2N2222, BC109 which will even give a more "rattle" sound, but I prefer low Hfe (40-60). The 3rd stage is here only for recovery volume due to filter attenuation. You can even try it with only the volume knob, the fuzz being maxxed by a replacement resistor of 47K, the loop being returned to the M (maximum) point, as the wiper no longer exists then.

I will really need to be equiped to make and post samples - sorry !

A+!

[rugeb]

The full diagram:
http://www.fuzzface.es/mods/MMF/

[tubelectron]

Thanks rugeb for this neat redrawing work :

Here is the Minuteman in its final box :




A+!

[heyveno]

Hi all, i try a similar schematic.

On a fuzz face type schematic i can put a gain control between Q2 emitter ans Q1 base, but in this case, where IS thé better place ?

I think to replace put a 100k lin juste between the 2 100k wich goes to Q1 base, but maybe i can just out a master volume

[MaxPower]

I put 250k pots in place of the 100k feedback resistors. They both clean up/dirty the signal, though the second one seemed a better choice. Not a lot to be gained with larger resistance imo.

Cool circuit.

[Marcos - Munky]

I can't see the schematics. But since you said "fuzz face type", you should read the fuzz face tech article at geofex.com. Your answers (and way more info) are probably over there.