fuzz face questions

[fuzzy645]

I will start by saying I read the article here before posting: http://www.geofex.com/Article_Folders/fuzzface/fffram.htm

I notice the original circuit does not use any kind of clipping diodes.  I have a couple of questions:

1.  How then is the distortion created?  Is it via the 2nd transistor? 

2.  I read in the article that soft clipping with asymmetrical clipping is used but I assumed you need diodes to do that?  I thought asymmetrical clipping meant you have 2 diodes on one side and 1 diode on the other in the clipping section.  What makes this asymmetrical?

[snarblinge]

start here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bipolar_junction_transistor

and see how you go.

[Joe]

When the voltage reaches the limits of the power supply, it will clip (distort). Diodes perform the clipping at a lower voltage.

In the fuzz face, Q2 amplifies the sound of Q1, sending part of the signal back into the input. This positive feedback increases the amplification even more.

I think Q1 does most of the clipping, but Q2 also clips to some extent.