Yet Another First Build and New Member

[madmag]

Hi fellow DIYers,

Thought I'd take this opp to introduce myself via my first build—an Axis Face fuzz.

Specs differing from Fuzz Central schematic:

• 2N4123—79 hFE
• BC109—180 hFE


• Added a 68pf cap from Q1 b to c


• Added Input Blend a la Easy Face


• Fuzz pot is reverse taper


• 2.2M pulldown resistor
• Graphics are inkjet waterslide paper sprayed with about 20 coats of clear acrylic

Overall, I'm extremely happy with the build.  It turned out way better than I could have hoped. Now, I'm trying to figure out what the next build should be. Leaning toward the Rangeblaster.

I want to thank:  this site's members, Beavis Audio, Fuzz Central, Small Bear and Tagboardeffects.   I never would have been able to do this without your unselfish sharing of your knowledge and expertise.

I would love to contribute to this forum, but I'm not sure I have anything of value to say that everyone doesn't already know. But I'll try.

Thanks,
John in PA

<br>
<br>

<br>

[Govmnt_Lacky]

I LOVE it!!!

First build...

First post...

Already got your own logo  

Congrats!

EDIT: Welcome to the forum. Please excuse my sarcasm 

[madmag]

Thanks. Funny you should mention the logo. I spent the most time on that! Don't know if it's obvious--the font is bragodoccio  "717" with the first 7 being flipped. What's 717 mean?  My month/day of my birthday.  I had a bunch of other names, then decided to go simple. 

I wish I could run internal wires better. If anyone has any tips/tricks, I'm listening.

This site rocks!

[bluebunny]

Really nice first build, John.

I wish I could run internal wires better. If anyone has any tips/tricks, I'm listening.

Yeah, don't look at my builds.      I'm never content with my insides...  But check out the Pictures thread - lots of good examples to get some tips from.

This site rocks!

Most definitely!   

[madmag]

Thanks, bb.   I forgot to mention I didn't add a DC jack, going with some advice that plugging it in could alter the sound...i plan to try a carbon zinc battery, the recommended power source for this old-school type circuit.  Remains to be seen if I'll regret that.  Still haven't gotten a cz battery yet tho... 

[Perrow]

I wish I could run internal wires better. If anyone has any tips/tricks, I'm listening.

Make wires just as long as they need to be and rework your circuit board so they can be as short as possible.

No need to go crazy like I did on my Little Angel build, but it demonstrates the point.

[madmag]

Shhheeooot!  That's a clean build, Pelle. You're my new benchmark! 

Marc:  Sorry. Called you by your avatar.   Didn't see yr name 'til now...

[bluebunny]

Shhheeooot!  That's a clean build, Pelle. You're my new benchmark! 

Yeah, I love that PT2399 dog taking a pee...      Nice one Pelle.

Marc:  Sorry. Called you by your avatar.   Didn't see yr name 'til now...

Ha ha!  No worries.  I respond to many things.  Ask my wife.   

[kurtlives]

What's with pin 4 sticking out again?

[bluebunny]

What's with pin 4 sticking out again?

. . . PT2399 dog taking a pee...

Just kidding.     As I recall, it was a retro-fix by Pelle to disconnect pin 4 (digital ground) from pin 3 (analog ground), since it's connected internally anyway by a small resistance.

I think it adds a certain charm to a quite striking little build.

[Perrow]

Your memory serves you well Marc, if we could only harness our ability to remember build details into remembering birthdays and anniversaries i guess we'd need to respond to fewer names 

[duck_arse]

well, we all know madmags birthday now.

[Perrow]

I'm not sure that'll please my girlfriend 

[madmag]

I forgot to give a shout out to John C. at planetz.com.  That's a great site, which, among other things, gave me the knowledge and confidence to drill my own enclosure and attempt the waterslide decals...

[madmag]

..also thanks to Joe Gagan for sharing his Easy Face circuit ... I love that blend mod...Awesome stuff!  I plan on using that on my Rangemaster....

[petey twofinger]

a recent tip i read and i cant remember who gave it , you take the pots and stomp switch and place them in the chassis holes upside down .

so the box is sitting on the desk , the normal way with the top up .

place the pots and switch in there from the top , so the bottom of the pot is facing the ceiling .

then wire it up .

makes sense , seems a bit easier , the person who shared this tip said it was the first time they enjoyed the process of final wiring , or something to that effect .

[Perrow]

place the pots and switch in there from the top , so the bottom of the pot is facing the ceiling .

Make sure your layout is symmetrical

[rutabaga bob]

Welcome, John!

[davent]

Nicely done John.

From R.G. Keen and John Lyons got the idea to use a wiring jig. I use 1/16" plywood but all you need is a piece of box board. Print out your drill guide, glue it to your board, drill the holes, mount your pots,switches etc and wire away, works great.



dave

[madmag]

Thanks everyone for the welcomes, and Dave and Petey for the tips. Very helpful....

I will employ them on my next build...which was to be a Rangemaster (with input blend), but after breadboarding it, I was surprised to find it....uninspiring.  I sort of knew what  i was getting into--it's not an overdrive but a treble booster, but I guess deep down I was looking for some magical mojo...maybe I really want an overdrive... now what to do with a single Germanium, hfe 83....

So I'm planning on another fuzz...a Merkin... I guess second  builds go into the regluar pictures thread...?

Dave:  what's your secret on that enclosure artwork?