Tools, Tones and Toys for Guitarists
I got to see the Rolling Stones a couple days ago and when they kicked into (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction as their second encore, I realized I hadn’t laid out the effect responsible for one of the greatest songs of all time. The FZ-1 used 2, AA batteries to run off 3v, and the … Read more
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
Not the Maestro stompbox that produced the classic “Satisfaction” tone, but a good sounding fuzz nonetheless. This came out during the Norlin era of Gibson/Maestro in the 70s. The original used a TL022 opamp, but I’ve listed the TL072 because it’s more likely to be in your parts bin. I’ve also up’ed the power filter … Read more
Request. This effect needs a 3V supply and is a positive ground effect so I’ve included a 3.3V regulator and an ICL7660S to provide the -3V (ish). You can omit that and power it with a pair of AA batteries or standalone 3V power supply if you prefer, but if you do remember to wire … Read more
For some reason i reckon that the world was a lot cooler place 41 years ago…. 🙂