fuzz face screaming

[zolee]

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. :?:

[R.G.]

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.

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.

[petemoore]

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

[brian wenz]

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.

[B Tremblay]

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.

[brian wenz]

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.

[brian wenz]

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.

[brian wenz]

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

[Chris R]

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