Gated crackle on a Fuzz Face

[gfxbss]

Hey guys,

I am pretty new to building pedals, but have a couple under my belt.

Recently built a Ger FF, layout being found @ http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php/v/Richard-Boop-RLBJR65/album84/FFace.gif.html

I made the stock version, only variations being the tapers on the pots.  
Also, the 2.2uF input cap is non-polarized, not sure if that would make a difference.

The issue is that bypass works fine, LED lights when pedal is engaged.  The only sound that comes out when pedal is engaged is a gated crackle sound.  My biggest confusion is that I have this same problem w/ 2 Big Muffs that I purchased to repair.  (They are the '81 "Mudhoney" Muff and the black Russian muff.

Any help would be greatly appreciated,

Thanks,

Tyler

[LucifersTrip]

I'm pretty much a beginner, also...but I'd be much happier with a gated crackle than no sound at all.

I've found that when I get that gated sound like you have, the solution is nothing more than adjusting the resistors [bias].
It's a very good idea to substitute pots for the 3 or 4 resistors and tweak before soldering [I use clip leads].

Did you double-check the resistor values?  A 100 ohm or 100K ohm will make a big difference...


good luck

[petemoore]

  Measure the voltage from ground of all the transistor pins.
  Adjust Q2Collector voltage to bring the circuit into non-gating bias condition [assuming everything is right with the circuit] by adjusting Q2C R Value.
A  20K pot.
B  10k pot + 4k7 stop resistor, my favorite.
C Larger value pot with taper resistor [if smaller pot isn't available <50k recommended.
  any of the above...used as variable bias resistor for Q2Collector.