DIY FuzzFace Clone

Post by **GrantB** » Sun Aug 15, 2004 4:06 pm

This is really an extension of the Germanium thread but I am so proud Ii wanted to start another. I bought the kit from http://www.bigtonemusic.com.
It came in a box with all the parts and wire etc, including the germanium transistors etc.
I started the project today and finished in abut 3 hours all up. I had all the gear alreay like soldering iron and tools. Instructions are on line in the somehwat poorely designed site
Sounds - woa baby - went first time

and it has that dark fuzz sound like Hendrix. Quite bassy and distorted the crap out of my old jensen 10 in jobbies. Beautiful true old style fuzz....endless sustain. I like it!
I did the case in auot pint and the lettering with my decal paper (tried it yet Ash?). Came out looking very good, excepting my finger print etched into the back when the paint was still soft...maybe good security!

philipnz · Post by **philipnz** » Sun Aug 15, 2004 5:03 pm

Bloody cool mate!

Post by **GrantB** » Mon Aug 16, 2004 9:36 am

Just a word of advice too - if you think drying auto paint (which is what I tried to type earlier) in the oven is a good idea, don't! I stinks the crap out of it, and your misses will be pissed.
Things I learned from this project...
1. Making effects is easier than I expected (well this entry level stuff is anyway)
2. Buy the kits - you get the right parts that way
3. Clean work area and plenty of time make for a good job
4. Solder can burn skin long after its hardened
5. If you want to use the little place-holders on volume/tone pots try not to drill right through the aluminium (those hoels you see besdie the dials). I had no choice here as it came like that, but it would look better if it didn't

Get building!

Post by Bg » Mon Aug 16, 2004 10:17 am

good one mate, though it does look about a simple as it could be! It does get harder when you try your hand at digital delays etc

Rog · Post by **Rog** » Mon Aug 16, 2004 10:31 am

Good on yer, mate.

Its good to start simple - before long you'llbe making your own PCBs - actually it's not hard to do - and then maybe some really clever stuff???

Waaay back, I'd strat with a basic preamp circuit then just experiment with different ideas - most didn't work particularly well, but I had hours of fun and that's satisfying within itself.

Polar Bear · Post by **Polar Bear** » Mon Aug 16, 2004 6:39 pm

I think that looks incredibly nice. Excellent job!, where did you get the case from? I've been thinking of building a treble booster.

B45-12 · Post by **B45-12** » Mon Aug 16, 2004 9:59 pm

yay good one brother - don't worry about the holes - they are neccessary and it's really difficult to stop from drilling all the way through.

Have you picked the hot soldering iron up by the wrong end yet? (happens to everybody at least once)

Polar Bear · Post by **Polar Bear** » Mon Aug 16, 2004 10:10 pm

Ok, jsut went to the site, the Rangemaster clone will be mine. damn being a student and the amount of time it's going to take to save up for this.