Different Tone With Different hfe,(transistors for fuzzface)

[formerMember1]

hi,
i was wondering about hfe of ge's and si's for fuzzfaces.
I already know Q1=70-100 and Q2=100-130
But, What would a matched pair rated at Q1=70 and Q2=130 sound like compared to  a pair at Q1=90 and Q2=110.
Would the first pair be smoother with less harsh frequencies?  And the second pair be more in your face?
What about a pair around Q1=95 and Q2= 100?

thanks

PS: If one could pick a "PERFECT PAIR" of hfe rated transistors what would the Q1 and Q2 be?

When i modded my dunlop fuzz i used a Ge pair at Q1=80 and Q2=129.
Is this why it is so smooth and silky.

I understand this post is subjected to ones own opinion, but just wondering anyway. :wink:

[petemoore]

Here's my take based on exp/ so a grain of salt and some Exp on your part may tell more.
 Q1 depends on being a lower gain transistor for best guitar volume rolloff cleanup.
 Using higher gain transistors ... increases gain.
 This is the simplest explanation...
 There used to be a 'many faces of fuzz' article or was it Fuzztrek at Runoff Groove, maybe Homewrecker, with soundclips of FF's and voltage readings using different gain transistors for Q1, Q2.
 Trimpot Q2 and see Joe Davissons FF calculator, you should be able to get bias on a pretty wide range of Q gains ie...the trimpot may not be the only thing you need to tweek when you change Hfes in the Q positions...for *best results.
 In other words there are schematics calling for say 2n5088 transistors that are FF's modified a bit for the higher gain Q's.