Fuzz Factory Mods?

[sonic_tooth]

Hello all,

Just wanted to know if anyone knows what cap to experiment with to get more low end out of a fuzz factory.  I couldn't seem to find any info on anyone modding them. 

thanks   

[John Lyons]

The input caps are large so really what you should do is cut the high end and maybe some mids. This will give the same effect as raising the bass. Try a simple cap to ground (.001, .002 or more across the outer lugs of the volume pot) This will cut some highs.

To cut the email me PM me I can send you a mid cut filter schematic...

John

[sonic_tooth]

Never thought of cutting what I don't like....     I will go home and do some experimenting with my EQ pedal before heating up the iron.   I just want to make sure that cutting will give me enough lows.  Thanks for the suggestion.   

[The Tourist]

The thread starter here replaced the input cap to 22uf and ouput cap to 47uf and got good results - http://www.offsetguitars.com/forums/index.php?topic=5251.0

[tcobretti]

The output cap has a huge effect on the EQing of a circuit, so if you want thicker I'd start there.

[Paul Marossy]

The output cap has a huge effect on the EQing of a circuit, so if you want thicker I'd start there.

In the case of the Fuzz Factory, that's probably a good suggestion. Maybe playing around with the input cap value might help, too.

[John Lyons]

Hmmm... I wouldn't think that changing the caps that are already 10uf would make that much difference.
I'll have to try it out. I would start with the output cap first as not to change the picking attack and getting into the flubby character of a large input cap.
Funny thing about how some effects use  .01, .02 .1 input/output caps. You would think that 10uf would be the the limit if not too much bass to over modulate the signal. I guess it depends on the circuit (obviously does!)

John

[tcobretti]

I didn't actually look at the schem and just assumed it was a small cap.  I agree that there may not be much to gain from a larger output or input cap in this instance.  You could try changing the 100n cap after the first stage to something slightly larger to see if that makes a difference, but I suspect that too much of a change might have an undesirable effect.  Probly the best idea that is fairly simple is what John said about a small cap to ground to cut some of the highs.  I'd start with 50-100p and go up from there.

My FF is pretty brittle sounding, so I understand your complaint.  I think probly the very best solution is a BMP tone control tacked on the end, but it wouldn't  be feasible with a ZVEX original pedal.

[John Lyons]

The link posted does say that he got change in bass response by raising the output cap. It's worth checking out of course but as with anything, "take it with a grain of salt".

A small mid cut control with a single pot to vary the amount of cut would work along with a cap to ground at the output.
The mid cut control is only 4-5 parts and can be made on a tiny piece of perf board.
Not much room for another knob on a FF though. Maybe on the side or if you use a fixed cut and no knob.

John

[Gila_Crisis]

a mod you can try is change the transistor with BC177

[sonic_tooth]

The thread starter here replaced the input cap to 22uf and ouput cap to 47uf and got good results - http://www.offsetguitars.com/forums/index.php?topic=5251.0

Cool thread, seems like this guy had some favorable results.  I will let you guys know as soon as I try this out.  Thanks.   

[MetalGod]

Try a simple cap to ground (.001, .002 or more across the outer lugs of the volume pot) This will cut some highs.

this is exactly what I did and it works a treat - I always thought the pedal had too much treble for my tastes and this takes the 'buzz' off it.  I used a 0.022uF cap.

[bumblebee]

True,i found the output cap made the most difference and i didn't even bother with the input until the output was up to 47uF.

Right now,its 100uF output and 47uF input and its never sounded better imho,thats coming from someone who's favorite fuzz pedals are an ultra lord and woolly mammoth though!

Personally,i notice i like more bass and thicker fuzz than most so I'd try a 47uF output cap,see what you think and then you can still add a 22uF input if ya want a little more.
The input does change the sound noticeably but its less than the output obviously.

Even how i have it,it still has excellent response and its not muddy in the least even on the neck pup,so its cool.

A 22uF output made an insignificant difference imo.47Uf seems pretty cool tho,i just had to go that one step further to 100uF like always.

EDIt to add,it wasn't that i thought it had to much treble,i felt the bass was lacking and it still has great treble even at the extremes i got it at.

[Gila_Crisis]

on my Fuzz factory i change the in put and output can too. 47 in and 100 out. works really fine!

but now i wanna do something more. 'cause i fell the sound is still too acid, with al those blistering highs... what can i do?

[John Lyons]

Put a small cap across the collector and base of Q3.  .001 and up.

[Gila_Crisis]

ok i've done it, with .001 you mind 1nF right?

[goosonique]

... try a smallish cap to ground right after the input cap ....this helps with pesky RF too 

[Gila_Crisis]

ok thank you i'll think about it, but first i wanna try the pedal with the cap around the c && b of the third trans. i also changed the 0.1uF cap with 0.22uF. i've done those mods using sockets so that i can easily try diffent value with soldering and desoldering every time

[John Lyons]

Yes, .001/1nf  , also you may try everything up to .01/10nf, see what you think.
It depends on how bright you think the pedal is to start.

John