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Tonebender or fuzzface?

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3/6/2003 2:50 PM

Tonebender or fuzzface?

I've got hold of some AC128 germanium transistors, and I'm trying to decide what kind of fuzz to build with them. I've heard that the (3-knob version) tonebender is much less sensitive to variations in transistor gain than a fuzzface, so does not need such careful selection to get the right hFe values. Has anyone here found that to be the case? Also, does the tonebender suffer from the same impedance problems as the fuzzface when used after other effects? Any opinions on the differences in tone between the two would also be welcome.

3/6/2003 9:38 PM
Constantin Necrasov	I've built quite many of both and i like TB mor than FF. also you can install a dpdt toggle switch abter the output capacitor of the input buffer stage of the TB and turn it on or off as you wish. second and third transistors on the TB MK II look almost like the FF, with some exceptions. Also, the collector resistor for Q2 is 10K on mine. Sounds better on release, less gated.

3/7/2003 12:47 AM
anonymous	It is true that the 3 Knob can handle a wider variation in transistor gain. Also, you can use silicon transistors for Q1 and Q2 since Q3 is what is making that good fuzz sound. Personally, I did build one with silicon for 1 and 2, but there was no sound (not that this was the problem). I think since there was more gain, the resistor off Q1 needed to be changed. Have fun, Eric

3/7/2003 4:12 AM
nic	The three knob is a different animal compared to the 2 knob or a FF. I have had some great success building units with pots in place of the resistor values that make the differences between FF and TB. As far as trannies are concerned Steve at smallbear has some great sets! nic

3/7/2003 12:25 PM
Martin Beer	Thanks for the hints. I think I'll get myself a breadboard and try playing around with both types of tonebender to see what suits me best. I've got quite a few of the AC128s, so I'll measure their gain and try different ones in different positions.

3/7/2003 5:28 PM
Jim Jones	Hey Martin, I find the 3-knob TB circuit too gainy for my tastes, but the FF/2-knobber seems just about right. It depends if you like really over-the-top fuzz sounds or not, I guess. That and I never play with an amp that's running dead clean. An already distorted Marshall-type circuit with a 3-knob TB out front is a bit much. Jim

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