calling all fuzz specialists (Maestro Fuzz)

valdiorn · July 20, 2009, 10:03:16 PM

I have been researching the Maestro fuzz pedals today, found most of the schematics and have decided which one I want to build the most (The MFZ-1)
However, I have one schematic that I can't pin to a specific model, maybe you can help me:

http://files.getdropbox.com/u/1342726/maesto_fuzz.pdf
http://files.getdropbox.com/u/1342726/maestro%20fuzz.gif

Both schematics seem to be identical. I found these in 2 different places, but they don't say which type it is, just that it's a Maestro Fuzz. Now, I have (correct) schematics for FZ-1, FZ-1a, FZ-1b, FZ-1s and the MFZ-1, but this one, I don't know which model it is.

slightly Off-topic
Some stuff I learned today, in case you are interested:
the FZ-1 uses 3V power (2xAA) and the FZ-1a only 1.5 volts ! (that's why they are gritty as hell

)
The MFZ-1 actually uses op-amps, but is, to me, the best sounding of the bunch
the FZ-1 and FZ-1a use 3x PNP transistors while the FZ-1b uses 2x NPN and runs on 9 volt.

Mark Hammer · July 20, 2009, 10:18:12 PM

Here are actual Maestro schematics.

I have an original FZ-1S and can confirm the schematic and the use of 2N3391/3392 transistors.

tiges_ tendres · July 20, 2009, 10:38:51 PM

Quote from: valdiorn on July 20, 2009, 10:03:16 PM
I have been researching the Maestro fuzz pedals today, found most of the schematics and have decided which one I want to build the most (The MFZ-1)
However, I have one schematic that I can't pin to a specific model, maybe you can help me:

http://files.getdropbox.com/u/1342726/maesto_fuzz.pdf
http://files.getdropbox.com/u/1342726/maestro%20fuzz.gif

Both schematics seem to be identical. I found these in 2 different places, but they don't say which type it is, just that it's a Maestro Fuzz. Now, I have (correct) schematics for FZ-1, FZ-1a, FZ-1b, FZ-1s and the MFZ-1, but this one, I don't know which model it is.

slightly Off-topic
Some stuff I learned today, in case you are interested:
the FZ-1 uses 3V power (2xAA) and the FZ-1a only 1.5 volts ! (that's why they are gritty as hell )
The MFZ-1 actually uses op-amps, but is, to me, the best sounding of the bunch
the FZ-1 and FZ-1a use 3x PNP transistors while the FZ-1b uses 2x NPN and runs on 9 volt.

The MFZ-1 only uses one opamp. Some of the schematics for this pedal are wrong. There is a .pdf floating around that was originally circulated (for $2.50) by Norlin that tells you how to diagnose an repair these. That schematic is correct!

Brett's Hidrosis is based on the MFZ-1 but is tweaked for less noise. There are a couple of projects available for that pedal.

tiges_ tendres · July 20, 2009, 10:41:38 PM

My virus checker freaked out when I tried to click on your links, but here is the correct schematic for the opamp MFZ-1:

http://www.jedistar.com/pdf/maestro_fuzzMFZ-1.pdf

gigimarga · July 21, 2009, 02:30:53 AM

Quote from: valdiorn on July 20, 2009, 10:03:16 PM
...
However, I have one schematic that I can't pin to a specific model, maybe you can help me:

http://files.getdropbox.com/u/1342726/maesto_fuzz.pdf
http://files.getdropbox.com/u/1342726/maestro%20fuzz.gif
....

Both schematics are wrong...the original (and correct) schematic is this (thx to gadgetman21 who sold one of this on the ebay): http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php/v/Schematics-etc/fuzzpedali2a.JPG.html.

You can still use the layout from Fuzzcentral (http://fuzzcentral.ssguitar.com/pcbs/maestrofuzzlayout.gif) making some minor changes around the squelcher part, in the bottom right corner (if i am not enough clear tell me and i will try to modify the picture, but now i am very hurried to go to the job):

1. don't use (or desolder) the 100K resistor
2. cut the trace between the base of Q4 and 0.1uF cap after the second hole from left to right (after that, you must have a line with two holes from base of Q4 and a L-like line with 2 holes too)
3. solder (or unsolder and resolder) 3.3M resistor from the base of Q4 (the hole near the base) and the ground (the free hole which appears after you will eliminate the 100K)
4. solder a jumper from the cathode of 1N34 (the free hole which appears after you desolder 3.3M resistor) and the 0.1uF (the hole from the upper of the L-like line)
5. on the copper side solder a 680K resistor between the base of Q4 and the junction of 0.1uF capacitor and the jumper (the L-like line)

Very useful mods:

1. replace the 680K resistor with a 500K - 1M trimpot to adjust the "noise-gate" after your taste
2. replace the 100K/470K resistors from the collectors of Q2/Q3 with 10K/47K for a stronger sound (I did it using a DPDT)

Anyway, it's one of the best fuzzes that I know, so good luck!

brett · July 21, 2009, 05:58:25 AM

Hi
the search function will reveal quite a lot of information about these pedals.

QuoteThe MFZ-1 actually uses op-amps, but is, to me, the best sounding of the bunch

The MFZ-1 sure sounds good (check out Dan from the Black Keys using it on "Thickfreakness" and other albums). But it has plenty of hiss. It uses two op-amps in one 8 pin DIL package. The Hidrosis (meaning "profuse sweating") is what RG Keen and I designed for a similar sound, but with less noise.

Occasionally, I wish that I'd put a mid "hump" in the Hidrosis. Something about half as prominent as the tubescreamer hump would probably sound good. One day I must build such a pedal. I *think* it would be terrific.

cheers

valdiorn · July 21, 2009, 07:59:18 AM

Aw, crap, I think you guys misunderstood me.

Basically, I have all the schematics I need (and more

), but I also had these two mystery schematics and I was just curious what model they are for.

gigimarga · July 21, 2009, 10:31:10 AM

On the stompbox was written Maestro FZ1-B...but take care at what I wrote about it because I've lost some time to make it alive because both schematics are wrong!

tiges_ tendres · July 21, 2009, 10:47:55 AM

Quote from: valdiorn on July 21, 2009, 07:59:18 AM
Aw, crap, I think you guys misunderstood me.

Basically, I have all the schematics I need (and more ), but I also had these two mystery schematics and I was just curious what model they are for.

Like I said, if you could host your schematics somewhere else, someone might take a look for you. I can tell you that there are a couple of incorrect schematics floating around.

slacker · July 21, 2009, 01:27:27 PM

The schematics in the first post are both this one from Fuzzcentral http://fuzzcentral.ssguitar.com/schematics/maestrofuzz.gif

I've looked at this a few times because it looks quite interesting, I don't think I've ever seen any other info or build reports though.

gigimarga · July 21, 2009, 04:29:15 PM

Quote from: slacker on July 21, 2009, 01:27:27 PM
The schematics in the first post are both this one from Fuzzcentral http://fuzzcentral.ssguitar.com/schematics/maestrofuzz.gif

I've looked at this a few times because it looks quite interesting, I don't think I've ever seen any other info or build reports though.

I tried to build one with no succes. After that, with a lot of luck, I found the original schematic: http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php/v/Schematics-etc/fuzzpedali2a.JPG.html.

I like it a lot...it blends the clean signal with something like a Shin-Ei Companion.

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calling all fuzz specialists (Maestro Fuzz)