More mids to fuzz

[bimbi]

Hello, I'm new to the list and I have a question to make:
I built a fuzz pedal ( see schematics below) and I'm very pleased with it, but I would like to have more mids out of it. How can I do it? Thanks in advance.

[DavidS]

Sorry, not an answer to your question, but a comment on the circuit:

If that diode in series with the battery is just there for reverse polarity protection, you might want to place it in paralell with the battery, but inverted so that it just shorts the battery if the battery/supply is reversed. Otherwise, in series with the battery, it will cause a voltage drop, making your battery prematurely "old", lowering your headroom, etc.

If you're doing this deliberately to get a "dirtier" sound, sorry for pointing out the obvious

[MartyMart]

Replace the 47n input cap with a 150n or 220n
"More mids" probably means "less highs" and is exactly the same effect
so towards the end of the circuit, use a small "hi roll off" cap from signal
line to ground, try 1n or 2n2.
Perhaps if the effect is too bassy ? use a smaller output cap like a 2.2uf
instead of the 10uf, experiment and use a couple of "sockets" to save you
the agro of "re-soldering" every time !

Marty.

[Steben]

Sorry, not an answer to your question, but a comment on the circuit:

If that diode in series with the battery is just there for reverse polarity protection, you might want to place it in paralell with the battery, but inverted so that it just shorts the battery if the battery/supply is reversed. Otherwise, in series with the battery, it will cause a voltage drop, making your battery prematurely "old", lowering your headroom, etc.

If you're doing this deliberately to get a "dirtier" sound, sorry for pointing out the obvious

The effect works on clipping diodes (T3 and T4 to ground) at 0.7V, which means the drop from 9 to 8,3 Volts at power won't harm the sound IMHO.

[bimbi]

Replace the 47n input cap with a 150n or 220n
"More mids" probably means "less highs" and is exactly the same effect
so towards the end of the circuit, use a small "hi roll off" cap from signal
line to ground, try 1n or 2n2.
Perhaps if the effect is too bassy ? use a smaller output cap like a 2.2uf
instead of the 10uf, experiment and use a couple of "sockets" to save you
the agro of "re-soldering" every time !

Marty.

Did all this (exept replace the 47n cap, haven't got one, maybe some other value is worth trying?) but the fuzz still sounds too "loudness", you know good  bass and treble but no mids. I must say, thow that I like the fuzz's sound in general but I fear that in band situation it will be lost.
Maybe what I need is a Tube Screamerish mid hump. Would it be difficult to add somekind of mid booster, maybe a trim pot or something?

By the way can I change ceramic caps to some other types and vice versa?

[MartyMart]

Replace the 47n input cap with a 150n or 220n
"More mids" probably means "less highs" and is exactly the same effect
so towards the end of the circuit, use a small "hi roll off" cap from signal
line to ground, try 1n or 2n2.
Perhaps if the effect is too bassy ? use a smaller output cap like a 2.2uf
instead of the 10uf, experiment and use a couple of "sockets" to save you
the agro of "re-soldering" every time !

Marty.

Did all this (exept replace the 47n cap, haven't got one, maybe some other value is worth trying?) but the fuzz still sounds too "loudness", you know good  bass and treble but no mids. I must say, thow that I like the fuzz's sound in general but I fear that in band situation it will be lost.
Maybe what I need is a Tube Screamerish mid hump. Would it be difficult to add somekind of mid booster, maybe a trim pot or something?

By the way can I change ceramic caps to some other types and vice versa?

Hmm, if you "search" for Big Muff AND tonestack, you'll find a few little
examples of that "tone" control, it may be in the FAQ and at AMZ also.
It's very simple:
Signal line splits through a 10nf cap and 39k resistor, (so two paths) the 10n cap connects to lug 3 of a 100k pot and to ground via a 47k resistor.
The 39k connects to lug 1 of the pot and a 22n cap to ground, lug 2 of
the pot is then signal output ( its way easier if you "see" the little schem)

Then you have quite a nice tone control, or search for Marks "Stupidly
simple tone control" which is a very nice little addition to a circuit !

Marty.

[bimbi]

Thanks for your replies!
I'll try that tone stack. Btw, where do I put it in my fuzz... maybe an obvious thing to many but I really am a novice in electronics and stompbox building.   :oops: