Help with Fuzz Project

[BillG]

Hello, I am very new to this.  I'm trying to build the Roger Mayer Axis Fuzz (http://fuzzcentral.ssguitar.com/schematics/axisfuzzschem.gif) and have run into some problems.  First, I don't know what type or brand of pots to get.  Second, I can't tell from the schematic where the stomp switch is connected.  Also, can it be wired true bypass?  Third, I'm not sure how the stereo input jack works.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[rbcguitar]

Just a thought, why dont you get a kit from byoc or ggg (google 'build your own clone' and/or 'general guitar gadgets'), your questions will be addressed, everything you need will be included, you will have a blast and it WILL work, which WILL hook you.



btw, I started with the esv fuzz from byoc, very easy build.

[zombiwoof]

...and the original Fuzz Faces were true bypass right from the beginning, so the answer to your question is "yes".

Al

[shadowmaster]

First, I don't know what type or brand of pots to get.


More important is the value of the pot and it's taper although for the brand, most here swears by Alpha. Just say rotary if they ask you for the type when buying.


Second, I can't tell from the schematic where the stomp switch is connected.

Based on the schematic, it's not showing the connection of the switch. The input of the circuit is the point where 2.2M and 0.1uf connects which as shown in the schematic is connected to the input stereo jack. Remove the connection to the input stereo jack. The output of the circuit is the wiper of the pot which in turn is connected to the output mono jack. Remove the connection to the mono jack. Now these four points are basically what you will want to connect to a stomp switch. There are many switching configurations but the most common is with the use of 3PDT with input grounding during bypass. Better yet check out the project files at http://www.generalguitargadgets.com

Also, can it be wired true bypass?

Yes you can. Making this true bypass is not a problem.

Third, I'm not sure how the stereo input jack works.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

The stereo jack is basically used for stereo connector but when used with a mono connector we can take advantage of an inherent "switching function" available. The terminals of a stereo jack are sleeve, ring and tip. Sleeve is usually connected to ground. Tip is for left channel or mono channel. Ring is for the right channel. When we plug a mono connector to a stereo jack, we are basically connecting the ring and the sleeve together thus if the sleeve is connected to ground, the ring will also be connected to ground. Note that this is not true when using a stereo connecter. In the world of guitar effects, the ring terminal of a stereo input jack is usually connected to the negative terminal of the battery clip. Assuming that we have a battery connected at the battery clip, if no mono connector is plugged on the input stereo jack, our circuit is basically off because the negative terminal of the battery is not connected to ground. It's just floating. Connecting a mono connecter to the input stereo jack, sleeve connected to ground will now be shorted to the negative terminal of the battery. Current now will flow from high to low potential. Now you also have a battery power switcher just by employing the use of a stereo jack for your input.

[BillG]

Thanks for all of the help!  I guess I should have started with an easier one but I have been wanting an Axis Fuzz for a while but can't really afford one right now.  I ordered some pots and will be learning all about true bypass wiring  I will probably order a kit next, whether this one works or not.  I also have a Thomas Organ Crybaby that I want to upgrade to true bypass.