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#41
Open Discussion / spider-man pointing meme - who...
Last post by jessenator - December 14, 2025, 02:39:35 AMI've been looking around at the various MOSFET based circuits out there, mainly from "What can I build?", and came across some things, all probably old news and deep lore™
I ducked out of DIY in 2012/3 and came back about a decade later, for reference. I found a couple of posts here, but wondered if anyone can share light on who made the MOSFET boost first, because the circuits are looking rather similar. Obviously, only a few components can constitute a big difference, and maybe I'm nuts.
I was looking at the Firecracker, Landgraff Clean Boost, and z*ex SHO, and wondered if one came before the other. I tried backtracing the Firecracker from mirosol's tagboard, before finding what appears to be the original schematic, with a "this is for DIY only" disclaimer. I'm out of it enough not to know when John debuted his boost. And I only know that, like many others, if you use the brand or circuit name on a Reverb ad, you get a takedown from the ghost of Randy Savage.
Firecracker has a different biasing method, from what I see, but some of the bits look very similar.
I ducked out of DIY in 2012/3 and came back about a decade later, for reference. I found a couple of posts here, but wondered if anyone can share light on who made the MOSFET boost first, because the circuits are looking rather similar. Obviously, only a few components can constitute a big difference, and maybe I'm nuts.
I was looking at the Firecracker, Landgraff Clean Boost, and z*ex SHO, and wondered if one came before the other. I tried backtracing the Firecracker from mirosol's tagboard, before finding what appears to be the original schematic, with a "this is for DIY only" disclaimer. I'm out of it enough not to know when John debuted his boost. And I only know that, like many others, if you use the brand or circuit name on a Reverb ad, you get a takedown from the ghost of Randy Savage.
Firecracker has a different biasing method, from what I see, but some of the bits look very similar.
#42
Build Reports / Re: 1776 Five O'Clock Fuzz
Last post by Bret608 - December 10, 2025, 04:04:03 PMPurple is most definitely mojo! Those purple Marshalls J Mascis has...
#43
Build Reports / Re: 1776 Five O'Clock Fuzz
Last post by NorthCoast - December 09, 2025, 01:22:53 AMVery nice! That's a very clean looking build.
And bonus points for purple wire, purple = mojo.
And bonus points for purple wire, purple = mojo.
#44
Build Reports / Re: 1776 Five O'Clock Fuzz
Last post by Bret608 - December 08, 2025, 04:43:25 PMYes! I could look at those things all day.
#45
Build Reports / Re: 1776 Five O'Clock Fuzz
Last post by jessenator - December 08, 2025, 03:51:21 PMNicely done! Clean and spotless in and out.
I really like those GE germs, too; classy, mid century brand aesthetic for the curious ones opening up the box.
I really like those GE germs, too; classy, mid century brand aesthetic for the curious ones opening up the box.
#46
Build Reports / 1776 Five O'Clock Fuzz
Last post by Bret608 - December 08, 2025, 03:26:04 PMI haven't seen gtr2 around these parts for some time but am still glad to post this build report. I definitely have not had time to start any new projects up since spring/summer, but this populated Fuzz Face board emerged from my stash of populated PCBs as a quick win. And it sounds great! Transistors are some old GE 2n1305, hfe of 73 for Q1 and 103 for Q2, both with leakage around 0.070mA. You know, I had always felt the whole "4.5 volts on the Q2 collector" thing was a bit oversold based on my experience with other fuzz circuits that do not live in that range (e.g. Tonebenders), and RG Keen even said as much over at DIYSB once. But I set the trimmer on this to the historical 8.2k, dropped them in, and damned if that isn't more or less where they landed (4.7v to be exact). Have to say, the volume knob cleanup is great. I also love that bit of fuzzy "rip" these transistors have at the end of a note. Josh's version of this also does very useful OD sounds due to the treble bleed mod--as you reduce the fuzz, you just turn that up to reduce the "blanket over your amp" effect.
#47
Build Reports / Re: Moka Pot Fuzz [Harmonic Pe...
Last post by Aleph Null - December 04, 2025, 05:53:38 PM*It's designed to fit in a 1590B with top mount jacks.
Autocorrect did me dirty.
Autocorrect did me dirty.
#48
Build Reports / Re: Moka Pot Fuzz [Harmonic Pe...
Last post by jessenator - December 04, 2025, 04:34:14 PM
#49
Build Reports / Re: Moka Pot Fuzz [Harmonic Pe...
Last post by Aleph Null - December 04, 2025, 06:29:17 AMQuote from: jessenator on December 04, 2025, 05:34:14 AMLol that file name. So 1590F is it?
Jokes aside, nice work!
I'll print something kinder on the actual PCB 😘. The board is designed to fit in a 1590A with too mount jacks (of your into that).
Our repartee got me thinking about the SHO and the Speaker Cranker and how much I enjoy the sound and simplicity of operation. This circuit sandwiches the SHO between a pre-emphasis and de-emphasis stage to create an overdrive while retaining clarity. Gain staging and filter cut-offs can be set internally, then it's all rock and roll!
#50
Build Reports / Re: Moka Pot Fuzz [Harmonic Pe...
Last post by jessenator - December 04, 2025, 05:34:14 AMQuote from: Aleph Null on December 02, 2025, 11:01:02 PMI couldn't bring myself to do SMD, but I was inspired to make a one knob, mosfet overdive!Lol that file name. So 1590F is it?
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Jokes aside, nice work!