Bazz Fuss volume control very erratic....

[JEPorter]

I've built 3 Bazz Fuss pedals and I can't seem to get anything close to a smooth volume function...it's like an all or nothing thing, heavy fuzz or quiet or off...I'm using the recomended K100a pot...all the parts values are standard to ROG's...what could I be doing wrong with this thing? What could I try?...I'm just looking for a functional volume control...
Thank you guys,
Your the best,
Jeffrey

[JEPorter]

to sum up my rambling...
I'm looking for any advice on how I could smooth out the volume control to make it more functional...

[vendettav]

you sure you're using 100k A pots?

[JEPorter]

the pot is an A100K alpha pot from Radio Shack...I triple checked thinking it might be a linear taper...

[JEPorter]

am I expecting too much from the volume control on this simple circuit?
I breadboarded another one and am getting the same effect...

[JEPorter]

It's like the whole range of the pot is in the first third of a turn...i don't know

[Earthscum]

It's like the whole range of the pot is in the first third of a turn...i don't know

This should help out a bit...

If the whole range happens in the first third (to your ears... realistically, it is getting louder, but signal may be getting limited down the line, or "perceived loudness", etc...), try adding 10k before the pot's output. Think of it this way: instead of getting full signal at full-up, you will now be getting 9/10's of the signal (roughly) at full dime. 50k => 100k pot means that you would only have 1/3rd output when you dime it.

Remember, though, that the more resistance you add also adds to your output impedance, which can affect the next item in the chain if it's input impedance isn't substantially higher. You could try 22k to the pot, and add another 100k resistor from out to ground (across the pot) to keep the output impedance lower. This would give roughly the same ratio as the 50k to 100k pot. I actually use linear pots on mine, which means the pot is sitting at about 9-10 o'clock, and I turn it to 11 (o'clock) when I really need boost. Wouldn't have to do that if my guitarist knew HIS equipment better, but it's the life of  a bassist, I suppose... lol.

[JEPorter]

Thank you David!!!
I'm gonna copy that down and save it with my notes...thank you!!!