1776 Five O'Clock Fuzz

[Bret608]

I haven't seen gtr2 around these parts for some time but am still glad to post this build report. I definitely have not had time to start any new projects up since spring/summer, but this populated Fuzz Face board emerged from my stash of populated PCBs as a quick win. And it sounds great! Transistors are some old GE 2n1305, hfe of 73 for Q1 and 103 for Q2, both with leakage around 0.070mA. You know, I had always felt the whole "4.5 volts on the Q2 collector" thing was a bit oversold based on my experience with other fuzz circuits that do not live in that range (e.g. Tonebenders), and RG Keen even said as much over at DIYSB once. But I set the trimmer on this to the historical 8.2k, dropped them in, and damned if that isn't more or less where they landed (4.7v to be exact). Have to say, the volume knob cleanup is great. I also love that bit of fuzzy "rip" these transistors have at the end of a note. Josh's version of this also does very useful OD sounds due to the treble bleed mod--as you reduce the fuzz, you just turn that up to reduce the "blanket over your amp" effect.

[jessenator]

Nicely done! Clean and spotless in and out.

I really like those GE germs, too; classy, mid century brand aesthetic for the curious ones opening up the box.

[Bret608]

Yes! I could look at those things all day.