Tools, Tones and Toys for Guitarists
The Maestro Super Fuzz-Tone was introduced in the early 70s. It uses 6 transistors, 2 of which are used as clipping diodes. Original transistors were 2N5133s, but 2N5088s or BC109Cs can be good subs. I’ve built 2 clones of this pedal in the past (though not with this layout) and used 2N5088s with good results. … Read more
This was (I believe) the 3rd iteration of Maestro’s Fuzztone fuzz pedal. The first 2 used germanium transistors and AA batteries. This marked the changed to silicon transistors and a 9v battery. Originals had 2N3860 transistors, but 2N2222s or 2N3904s would probably work just fine. Couldn’t find any info on the diode, so socket and … Read more
Gnarly, oscillating fuzz tone–this is a bit of a weird one. The original used both positive and negative 9v (which I have a hard time wrapping my head around). FSB forum member Induction altered the circuit to support standard power supplies, so no need for a 9v battery or adding a +/- converter. And it … Read more
This one was a request. I removed the input/output buffers and the original switching scheme to allow for true-bypass switching. There is one jumper (the original had 6!) and a couple things that bug me, but I’m probably the only one who would care, so I won’t worry about it. Update Feb 25, 2022: Had … Read more
Here’s a simple blending circuit that uses a JFET to allow you to blend between effected signal and clean signal. I’ve used this on Big Muffs before and it’s quite useful.
PinkJimiPhoton from over on FSB shared this circuit he came up with. It’s a bit of a Fuzz Face variant, but sounds fantastic. His original schematic doesn’t include a master volume control, but one is easily added (if you want to add to the offboard wiring mess… lol). Use an A100k pot and wire the … Read more
There are now 4 version of the OCD. The latest has a few guitarist I know wondering what was wrong with the last version, so if you’re looking to go back to the original circuit, this layout is for you. The OCD one of the most respected overdrives out there. Derived from the Voodoo Drive, … Read more
Here’s another Lovepedal circuit. It’s similar to the Black Magic, adding a frequency control, and is supposed to sound like a Marshall amp.
This one was a request. Two pots onboard and one offboard. The Barbershop Overdrive is a transparent overdrive/booster with medium gain. It has the expected Volume and Drive controls, but also has a Sag control which alters the voltage the pedal is running at. This can change the color and compression of the tone. UPDATE: … Read more
This layout is for the distortion side of the Box of Rock. The Boost side is just a SHO. I’ve laid this effect out for top mounted pots like in my other Zvex layouts and should fit vertically in a 1590B. Pots are 1.1 inches (28mm) apart. Board dimensions: 3.2 x 1 in. or 81.3 … Read more