Need Some Fuzz Face Input

[kd]

Hello Fellas,

I'm going to built a fuzz face clone using silicone transistors. I've always loved the Hendrix fuzz tone, don't know why it has taken me this long to get around to building one.

My question  to you experienced fuzz builders is, do you normally build to the specs of the original fuzz face like that shown on the GGG schematic or make the mods to build it like an axis face from Fuzz Central? Also, does anyone build with sockets(other than transistors) so you can change components without having to constantly solder and de-solder components?


Thanks,
Ken

[Gila_Crisis]

as far as sockets i use then always when mounting transistors and ICs and sometimes with certain resistors and capacitors so that i can tweak them

[GREEN FUZ]

Hi there.
This may be just what you`re looking for.
http://www.runoffgroove.com/multiface.html

I can`t recommend it enough, even as a first build.
There seems to be a lot of debate as to what constitutes original or ideal specs for the Fuzz Face. This layout will help you determine what sounds good to you.

Further reading on the subject here.
http://www.geofex.com/Article_Folders/fuzzface/fftech.htm

BTW this would have been better posted on the main forum as no-one really comes in this area  .

[newfish]

Hmm,

I'd say breadboard it first.  Seems like a backwards thing to do (I'm building this thing twice, etc...) but it's a good way of learning what does what, and how to interpret those pesky little diagrams.

Having said that, I have a Silicon Fuzz Face (BC107s I think) that I want to change the decoupling cap on - for a bit more top end, that's all - which *does* involve a soldering iron...



Good luck with your Fuzz Face - if you love yours half as much as I love mine, you'll be *sooo* pleased you built one.

Cheers,

Ian.

[andrew_k]

http://www.runoffgroove.com/multiface.html
I can`t recommend it enough, even as a first build.

+1  It was my first build and is still my favorite fuzz, despite my repeated attempts to build one that I prefer over the multiface. I think it's just about earned an enclosure and a spot on the pedal board 

[tcobretti]

The Axis Face is my favorite fuzz, and sounds very, very close to my Roger Mayer Classic Fuzz.  Make sure you use the right transistors!

I built the Multiface, and like all ROG pedals, it is great.  But if you want Hendrix, go straight for the Axis Face.

[earthtonesaudio]

I would suggest the multiface as well, but with switches for the transistors and caps.  I'd do 3pdt toggles for the transistors, dpdt (center off) toggle for the input cap, and a spst for the output cap.  This will give you a choice between 2 transistors, and all the cap values that Runoffgroove suggests, with some clever wiring.  Good luck!

[petemoore]

  every time this and breadboard comes up I type something like:
  FF Testboard has sockets all over it, trimpots too.
  Making say the 100k resistor 150k but with long legs above board so I can clip or solder parallel resistor or pot to it to get anything between the high value and less there, same for the 470ohm / 1k, and 33k.
  Input, output caps, transistors socketted.

[earthtonesaudio]

Yeah, for a circuit as simple as a fuzz face, you might as well make everything variable.   
Might as well, don't ya think?

[petemoore]

  FF Makes for constant tweeking fun if you're into that, I was, and believe it really helps find 'yer' fuzzface.
  Axis Face is a great looksee, as well as a great sound.
  YAFF mod with the resistor on Q1e is also worth checking out, long-leg that one and put a pot/R/ or jumper on it easier.
  I liked it and used it to get mileage from FF tweeks, that said, the FF on my board has very strong resemblance to 'regular' GE fuzzface but with an Axis Face HF rolloff cap [across the 1k].
  Super high gain works good, but doesn't clean up and can be a bit 'hard' sounding through an already ready for distortion amp [cranked tube.
  Medium is about right for me, reasoning/description best described as where the gain allows a more profound tonal difference when guitar volume is rollod back, for 'fierce' I add another boost transistor to the input for a tonebender type sound and circuit topology.

[kd]

Thanks everyone for your replies. Plenty of good information here to get me going in the right direction. I should be getting my parts order in tomorrow. I've also got an AMZ minibooster PCB on it the way.

Ken