Wednesday, January 11, 2023

MAESTRO: FZ-1 Fuzz-Tone

I guess this is where it all started - The Glenn Snoddy Fuzz-Tone.  I modified an existing MKI layout on the larger vintage size vero for this, sized to fit in a wedge enclosure.  Initially, I was going to do the original layout used, but it was a bit of a mess - as was the practice back in the day.

Don't forget that the FZ-1 runs off 2 x AA batteries (3v).  There are some schematics out there missing the 470k resistor - these are considered to be wrong, as a 470k resistor is clearly visible in photos of the original units.  The FZ-1A is basically the same, with some minor tweaks, running at 1.5v.

RCA 2N270 transistors are pretty hard to come by; just use anything you might find in a MKI, as they are of course very closely related.  

FZ-1 FUZZ-TONE - 0.15" VERO LAYOUT

FZ-1 FUZZ-TONE - 0.15" VERO LAYOUT FOR DIY GUITAR EFFECTS



The effect was so revolutionary at the time, that they needed to publish a guide, which came in the form of a record.  



7 comments:

  1. Just a couple of days ago was taking a look at this because I never build one (basically for the 3V adaptor) but I think it will be in my short list!

    Off topic: I saw your Tone Bender gold Hammerite paint and looks stunning ♥️

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  2. The paint came out pretty well - now I just have to wait a week while it hardens properly, which always kills me…. The circuit I have for it sounds killer and is already wired up and ready to go - can’t wait to finish it off.

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  3. Shouldn't V (Volume lug 3) be connected to row 4?

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  4. And I guess the 56k in parallel with the 500k volume pot turns it into a 50k.

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  5. Correct on both comments Andrea. Layout updated - need my glasses checked…. ;-)

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    1. I wasn't sure. Actually is there a difference in sound between having the 500k pot and the 56k in parallel or replacing both with a 50k volume pot? I ask because If I can use one fewer component, why not?
      Thanks!

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