freestompboxes.org

Okay, so I'm not sure this qualifies as being original, but I recently finished up my own version of what *started off* as my take on a scaled-down Fuzz Factory. I dropped the Gate and Stability controls because I never use them, and changed the values of the Bias (COMP) and Fuzz (DRIVE) controls. Also, I wanted to make the parts layout include only components that could be had relatively easy and/or relatively cheap. That means silicon transistors. The end result does not quite sound like the clones of the Fuzz Factory. It's related, for sure, but not quite the same somehow.

Anyway, here's the project info:
http://www.forrestwhitesides.com/node/28
Layout and PCB files: for proper sizing, make sure to print the PCB image at 409px by 157px @ 166pdi.
And here's the schematic

If this post doesn't fit the guidelines of the "Ready-To-Build Effect Projects" forum, please move it or whatever.

Pretty cool fuzz and site there Forrest.
A cap across Q3 collector resistor (bias) would help with some of the fizz if you want to experiment. That might get you closer to a germanuim sound
Maybe .01 or so. Just a thought.

john

John Lyons wrote:Pretty cool fuzz and site there Forrest.

Thanks! In addition to the pedal-related stuff, I'll soon be adding some info on building a kegerator (for homebrew).

John Lyons wrote:A cap across Q3 collector resistor (bias) would help with some of the fizz if you want to experiment. That might get you closer to a germanuim sound
Maybe .01 or so. Just a thought.

Thanks for tip. I'll definitely give it a try and see how it sounds. As mentioned in the notes on my site, I like the overall sound better with lower-gain transistors. Much less fizz. But your suggestion sounds like a good one to help smooth things out.

And thanks for selling me the cool white PCB blanks.

Originality is proportionate to one's lack of the knowledge of history (of stompboxes)

As Zvex admits himself that the FF is quite hard to use (and sell) at first, a slimmed down version might appeal to many. But there is no need to even qualify it as a boutique clone, it's just a variation on a classic. If it's sprung from your experiences as a guitarist, that's even better, especially here.

I would only advice to a short description in the subject of the message (can you guys edit in this section?), like 'fuzz with variabe bias', 'slimmed down fuzz factory'. And maybe direct links to the files... for clarity, but by all means link to your nice blog in signature/profile/wherever... it's really worth it.

Thanks for sharing this.
If a mod moves a message that is no problem- don't be shy about posting. Forum structures can be overwhelming!

modman wrote:Originality is proportionate to one's lack of the knowledge of history (of stompboxes)

As Zvex admits himself that the FF is quite hard to use (and sell) at first, a slimmed down version might appeal to many. But there is no need to even qualify it as a boutique clone, it's just a variation on a classic. If it's sprung from your experiences as a guitarist, that's even better, especially here.

I just wanted to make it clear that I'm not under the delusion that I "created" something new.

modman wrote:I would only advice to a short description in the subject of the message (can you guys edit in this section?), like 'fuzz with variabe bias', 'slimmed down fuzz factory'.

Good points. I don't seem to be able to edit the titles here, so you can change it to what you think is most appropriate.

Here are the layout and PCB files:





For proper sizing, make sure to print the PCB image at 409px by 157px @ 166pdi.





And here's the schematic: