Question for fuzzy sound from diode clipping

[Harry]

I was thinking of just taking a booster circuit and adding clipping diodes to make a simple fuzz box. I'm looking for a true fuzz sound, not like an overdrive or distortion device. My question is where should the clipping section be? Before or after the gain stage? How should I position the diode(s)? What type of diode(s) should I use? Should I really be clipping with transistor stages or can I get away with this idea?

-Thanks

[oldrocker]

On the Jorden Bosstone Build Report thread it looks something like what you're getting at here.  I just built and boxed it today and it reminded me of your question.

[burnt fingers]

Have a look at Jack Ormons Muffer http://www.muzique.com/schem/projects.htm

It's exactly what you are talking about and it sounds pretty good.

I have a simple perf layout for it too  http://aronnelson.com/gallery/Burnt-Fingers-stuff/Muffer_perf

This was one of my first builds. 

Scott

[Harry]

Thanks for the advice. I'm thinking of buying a bunch of different diodes (silicon, germanium, leds, etc) and lay them out different ways and just try the guess and check method.

[WGTP]

I think the Muffer has them in the the feedback loop that might require some mods to the booster.

I would add some diodes to ground at the output.  GE's typically sound most fuzzy to me, but do experiment. 

[Harry]

I would add some diodes to ground at the output.  GE's typically sound most fuzzy to me, but do experiment. 

Thanks, I was thinking about about putting the diodes at the output. I was thinking leds and silicon would be fuzzier, so thanks for that advice I'll definately try germanium.

[Transmogrifox]

germanium will be more fuzzy just because they clip at a lower threshold.  It should come off nice and fuzzy as long as your booster has a flat frequency reponse.  Seems like the low frequencies getting in tends to fuzz things up nicely.

[WGTP]

Yes, the LED's may not distort much depending on how much output your booster is producing, but that can be good or bad depending on how much compression/sustain/dynamics you want.  Be sure to mix the different diodes up for different sounds.  Also, migh try varying the input cap to adjust the bass content.   

[Yun]

Try this:

-Build an LPB-2, put the booster circuit in series with a Bazz-Fuss

-Put diode clipping circuits at the very end (before the volume control) of each circuit. 

I built one like that ^  .  It sounds really groovy, whole lots of sustain and a smokey/synth like texture fuzz-tone.  It turned out pretty decent, if i do say so myself, man....