Hi,

Does anyone has any insights about building his/her own Fuzz Face clone? I got a look at the schemo and I thought that this could be a nice project for somebody technically challenged like myself. This idea came to myself after seeing the insane prices (in USD, thank you) being asked for the "boutique" clones, which limited availability makes them hard to "try before you buy"...

Since I would like to built the NPN BC108C(?) silicon transistor variant, I don't have to run into the trouble of finding tone-worthy and temperamental germanium transistors.

Any do's, dont's or general recommandations?

Thanks!




(originally posted to old forum at an earlier date)

That's the spirit. You'll end up with a better sounding one that way. While you're at make 3 or 4 boards, that way you can more easily compare different transistors and caps, etc.

Bias the collector of the second tranny to mid supply voltage (4.5v). If you try germanium transistors, you may have to change the collector resistor value.

You can prototype it on Vero Board and use a Hammond 1590 series case, either the B or C Model.


Enjoy



(originally posted to old forum at an earlier date)

Thanks Rick,

I did some browsing last night and found someone who apparently had good results with PN2369 transistor, which has a lower gain than a bc108 or 109. The PN2369 has a gain factor of 120hfe max, which is closer to what the fuzz afficionados believe is the optimum value for a "vintage" Fuzz Face. Building 3 or 4 boards is a good idea, since most transistors are cheap and readily available.

I was thinking of putting variable resistors at both transistors in order to tweak the bias. Good idea?

Can the Vero Board be used inside the hammond case or should I get some sort of DIY PCB kit for final install?



(originally posted to old forum at an earlier date)

The best would be to find pre-made printed circuit boards. Next easiest is the Vero board layout. Making a printed circuit board from scratch with a home etching kit is a lot of work for such a simple board, and it's very messy.

Variable resistors to bias the circuit is a good idea. Alligator clips and a good assortment of resistors and caps will come in handy as well.

Vero board examples:
http://www.vorlac.com.au/searchres.cfm?select=85&subcode=147
http://www.surplustronics.co.nz/detail.php?id=1734



(originally posted to old forum at an earlier date)

check with small bear electronics for parts or kits, steve is very helpful
http://www.smallbearelec.com/



(originally posted to old forum at an earlier date)

Hi. JC sent me here and yes I just finished a Si FF and here's what I have. I used a Tonepad board.. I did use a PN2369a and BD139 as my tranny choices.. Gains 95 and 130 respectively. The only other changes were adding a 100pf cap (a polystryene, didn't have a ceramic) between the collector/base junction of Q2, changed the input cap to .22, and the obligatory trim pot on the collector of Q2 to set the bais to half the supply voltage.

It sounds fat and smooth, and to be honest the only time I heard any RF interference was when I kicked on my wah! Which until I connect an output buffer to my wah, does not wah.. You get the "EXP" effects from track 1 of "Axis Bold as Love".

All the ideas I used were from Fuzz Central. The idea about making the gains close to the germaniums, made some sense to me to try out. I would like to try the much raved BC108's, but with their gain, I can see an increased chance of RF noise.. But mind you, with the trannies I chose the output volume doesn't seem as high as some I've heard. That my be the lower gain trannies, don't know I will have to try it.

Hope this helps!

Dave