Print Page - fuzz face screaming

Title: fuzz face screaming
Post by: zolee on September 21, 2003, 07:09:01 AM

Hi everybody,

I am new to this forum and as a beginner I think this is a great way to learn.

I recently built a pnp fuzz face. I used ac128s. One of them has a hfe of about 50, the other one about 100. I used them in the right place, as mentioned on the GGG site. The effect sounds great, only it gives a hissing sound when turning the volume pot of my guitar to zero. This phenomenon started when I tried an other tranny instead of the higher-hfe one. When the old transistor got back to its place, it started to hiss. Could anyone of you help, what this is and how to fix it? Thanks. :?:

Title: fuzz face screaming
Post by: R.G. on September 21, 2003, 10:51:58 AM

QuoteThis phenomenon started when I tried an other tranny instead of the higher-hfe one. When the old transistor got back to its place, it started to hiss.

If you are soldering parts in and out, I would guess that you heat damaged the original transistor putting it in and removing it. Germanium is delicate. That's one reason it's rare - no manufacturer wants to mess with that delicacy in trying to get a consistent product.

Title: alligater heat sinks
Post by: petemoore on September 21, 2003, 11:35:44 AM

I leave a little lead length. and put an alligator clip on the lead to be soldered, near the tranny body. ...Actually I use sockets

Title: fuzz face screaming
Post by: brian wenz on September 21, 2003, 11:38:10 AM

Hello Hello--
I've been having the same problem with silicon FF circuits. [Turn volume control on the guitar to "0" and the circuit gives 'running water' sounds]. Is this a tranny problem?
Thanks-
Brian.

Title: fuzz face screaming
Post by: B Tremblay on September 21, 2003, 11:55:23 AM

The Sili-Face at RunoffGroove was developed with several fixes for the usual Silicon FF problems. It is completely silent when the guitar voluyme is at minimum.

Title: fuzz face screaming
Post by: brian wenz on September 21, 2003, 12:02:42 PM

Hello Hello--
Thanks, B. Yeah, I've used all those circuit mods before......that's why I think the problem may be with the trannys themselves. All of my germ FF circuits are pretty quiet but the si's are 'hissy' at idle. Maybe a layout problem????
Thanks-
Brian.

Title: fuzz face screaming
Post by: brian wenz on September 21, 2003, 12:16:35 PM

OOPS--
Hey B., I noticed you like the 3053's . Now, that tranny has always had more "noise" problems for me. [I like the way they sound, though...] It seems the Radio Shack versions may be a little worse then others. What's yer take on 'em??
Brian.

Title: fuzz face screaming
Post by: brian wenz on September 21, 2003, 12:30:00 PM

DOUBLE OOPS--
Looks like it was Gary who was using the 3053's...
Brian.

Title: fuzz face screaming
Post by: Chris R on September 21, 2003, 03:39:49 PM

I've been having the same problem w/ my GE pnp FF. I've socketed the tranys and everything. I have no idea what the problem might be.. but i'll let you know if i figure anything out.

C

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DIY Stompboxes => Building your own stompbox => Topic started by: zolee on September 21, 2003, 07:09:01 AM