Tools, Tones and Toys for Guitarists
This is a slightly different hybrid MKII than I have previously seen – this is a Sola Sound MKII built by D*A*M, referred to as the Black Fish Skin version by Macari’s Music. The PNP Silicon transistor is a PNP version of a BC109 / BC108. I couldn’t see the value of one resistor on the photos, so a safe … Read more
Nils from Moon Electronics just released a cool DIY project based on two LM386 audio amps with a russian style clipping stage with tonestack sandwiched in between. And it has a Havoc switch! Nils own words on it HERE along with build doc and schematic. I will be offline for a couple of weeks from … Read more
Per request. Based on Indigo Ranch Bigger Muff without the high voltage tube section. It is basically based on a Ram’s Head variant but with small filter caps and low gain transistors. I added a Mid switch for a bit more versitality.
Per request. A slightly modernized take on a Moog designed Fuzz/compressor hailing back from the 70s. The signal path remains true to the original but the rotary switch has been removed in favour for a variable fuzz control. And the two compressor settings is now fed through a toggle switch. The CD4007AE IC might be … Read more
A big thanks to Ian for sending me a couple of these PCB to trace! This one is already verified by Chris Stelloh, thanks buddy!
Since I’m on a Fuzz Face thing at the moment – the JB Fuzz Face is basically Soviet-era germanium transistors with trimmers. Soviet transistors definitely have a slightly different texture to them when it comes to fuzz. DUNLOP JOE BONAMASSA FUZZ FACE – VERO LAYOUT
FUZZ FACE VARIANT SCHEMATIC, INCLUDING MK1.5 & VOX TONE BENDERS The schematic includes room for components not present on a standard fuzz face, as some variants have additions. I thought I’d keep it relatively simple and not venture into circuits with input blends or the various trimmers substituted for resistors (at least for now … Read more
A nice simple one – the Analog Man Astrotone, which is pretty much a stock Astrotone, with some mods to make it worthwhile. The original circuit is a bit thin and is said to only sound good with the volume right up, making it too loud to use in most situations. The Analogman mods fix this, … Read more
After realising I had the “right” transistors for this, I thought I should have a crack at a Vox Tone Bender. I’ve done a generic vero layout with room for mods, with some common values listed – I guess the most obvious is the external bias pot, which could be replaced with a standard 8k2 resistor. The D*A*M … Read more
