Suggest an NPN build for me...

[aab0mb]

I have a bunch of NPN transistors (2n3904, 2n2222, etc.) from radio shack and I want to build either a fuzz, distortion, or OD with them.  Can anyone suggest a build (preferably low parts count) on the smoother side of the sound spectrum?  Never done a fuzz so that might be what I lean towards.   

Appreciative of any suggestions,
Aaron

[gutsofgold]

a stock fuzz face with low gain silicons will be smoother than you think. perfect overdrive with your guitar volume set just right. I use my one knob fuzz face more than I do my tube screamer now.

[MartyMart]

Check out Dragonfly's "Smooth Silicon Fuzz" it's simple and a VERY nice smooth Fuzz/Over drive.
One of the best sounding and useable one's around IMO.

Marty.

[JOHNO]

ive got big muffs with those transistors. one has all 222s and another with 3904s they sound great.

[Renegadrian]

NPN you say?
Wel, go build the NPN boost then!!!  Simple circuit from Gus, on the bluesy side...
Else you can build Gus Driver Boost.
Also there is a good overdrive, Metal Simplex, there is a simple layout I made without the tone pot. It uses 2n3904.

[newfish]

Am I right in thinking you can vary the Hfe of a device by changing the load current?

I know the Rangemaster gives more grit as you change the load resistor.

[petemoore]

  LPB
  Fuzz Facey thing, read "Bias" and see GEO again or...and also, figure Q1 as using a low gainer for fun test at least, if the gain is kinda high the FF will resist cleanups a bit or more.
  BMP can benefit from HG/LN transistors, see 2n5088, 2n5089, MPSA18.
 

[Dragonfly]

as mentioned, the Smooth Silicon is nice...

also, i might suggest a Colorsound Overdriver...

[newfish]

Just been looking at schematics for Fuzz Boxes.

I built a Silicon Fuzz Face a while ago, but it was just too harsh (both Qs were BC107s).

Ge version is much warmer to my ears.

Feel inspired to see if I can make a smoother Si box - since I have a few 2N222s (I think)...

Thanks once again to the people of this list for posting schematics for the rest of us to breadboard / build...

[alex frias]

In my humild opinion, if you have a bunch of them, select some with hfe around 120 and build FoxxToneMachine/Prescription Electronics Experience pedal or a Big Muff.

I was very well impressed (and now a converted fan) with the Saturn 5 Fuzz.

For the FuzzFace side of things: Smooth Silicon and Axis Face are good pathes anyway.

[aab0mb]

Hey!  Thanks guys.  Just got back from a couple of gigs out of town and I'm pleased to see all of the helpful suggestions.  Time to look at all of the ideas a bit closer and get building...