SHIN-EI: FY-2 Fuzz (Germanium Version)

SHIN EI FY 2 ge vero layout f16b8a87f012

This is the Shin-Ei Companion Fuzz’s lesser-known, but earlier incarnation – which is confusingly also called a FY-2.  It’s closer to a fuzz face than a fuzzrite, and there’s no notch filter on the output.More info on DIY Stomboxes via this thread.   It is said to be quite a monster fuzz…   SHIN-EI FY-2 GERMANIUM FUZZ – … Read more

SMALL BEAR: Germanium Transistor Test Method

Small Bear GE transistor measurement method c1220e6ad213

Given I listed the RG Keen method, I thought I should add the Small Bear method as well.  It’s a simpler test that some people prefer, and it’s generally considered not as accurate as the RG Keen method but close enough for most purposes. NOTE: Be prepared to see the voltage fluctuate a lot while the transistor stabilises. … Read more

TRANSISTORS: RG Keen, Germanium Transistor Test Method

RG KEEN Test method 9bcd3df4ad59

If you haven’t heard of this before (which seems unlikely), here’s the original RG Keen article, which explains how it works.  I use a spreadsheet set up with the calculations ready to go for testing; there’s also an online calculator here. NOTE: Be prepared to see the voltage fluctuate a lot while the transistor stabilises.  Don’t wait too long though, … Read more

JOHN HORNBY SKEWES: Zonk Machine (tagboard layout)

HORNBY SKEWES Zonk Machine tagboard layout e1420744cfa6

The Hornby Skewes Zonk Machine is pretty much a MKI Tone Bender with some value changes – most notably the 1n capacitor on the input and resistors to collectors. A classic guitar effect from back in the day. ZONK MACHINE – ORIGINAL TAG BOARD LAYOUT TAG BOARD LAYOUT There’s enough room on a 12-lug tag board … Read more