Sun Face Fuzz clone - Can I replace transistors?

[argbluesman]

Dear all,

For those of you who build pedals and know a thing or two about this... I built a clone of the Analogman Sun Face, with BC108B transistors. The one that StewMac is selling. Sounds great but...

Is it possible/safe to swap those BC108B for BC183B? The goal is a bit smoother/warmer fuzz sound.

Thank you in advance!

[duck_arse]

welcome to the forum.

yes, you can swap B rating npn BC series transistors for other B rating/grade/bucket BC series npn transistors. check your datasheets for the parts you have - watch for any L suffix parts.

[antonis]

Welcome, also..

As long as, V_CEO & Ic fulfill the lower values of those 2 BJTs, it's safe..

[Steben]

The goal is a bit smoother/warmer fuzz sound.

You could add caps from collector to base....

[argbluesman]

Thank you! I appreciate your responses! Will post back with the results!

[pacealot]

You could add caps from collector to base....

Indeed; I came in to say that very thing — and also to opine that it's a fantastic opportunity to equip yourself with a small breadboard and the small handful of parts a FF requires, and experiment to your heart's content. Having the BC108B circuit to compare your results to, as a kind of "control", might makes things even clearer and quicker to get something you prefer.

Values in the 47pF to 220pF range might be good for a start, but others will have other suggestions. Probably anything under 1nF will give you a rough idea...

[Steben]

https://fuzzcentral.ssguitar.com/axisface.php

This might be useful. Caps can go everywhere. To GND at the input. From collector to base in Q1 and Q2. And after that to +or GND.