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Any hFE reports from a working (Consistent gate function) NPN version? I have been looking at this one for quite some time.

BetterOffShred wrote:Any hFE reports from a working (Consistent gate function) NPN version? I have been looking at this one for quite some time.

honestly, i never really got super consistent results using the gate on with NPN germaniums which is why i very quickly switched back to PNP. it was only one small run where i used those and found a batch of particular NPNs that worked well enough but i wouldn't recommend them if you have the option to use PNP. ymmv of course!

Alright cool. I've been trying to buy one used for a while, almost had one on ILF but the buyer decided to keep it! I play 7 and 8 string guitars a lot now and this fuzz just sounds so good with bass and ERG's so I'm kind of lusting after it again.

I have sacks of PNP germaniums lying around, but most are like 50-80 hfe. Thanks for the advice Hoss.
I also loved that text on one of your boards about adopting a kitty (think that was yours)
-Brett

BetterOffShred wrote:Alright cool. I've been trying to buy one used for a while, almost had one on ILF but the buyer decided to keep it! I play 7 and 8 string guitars a lot now and this fuzz just sounds so good with bass and ERG's so I'm kind of lusting after it again.

I have sacks of PNP germaniums lying around, but most are like 50-80 hfe. Thanks for the advice Hoss.
I also loved that text on one of your boards about adopting a kitty (think that was yours)
-Brett

hey you can always get one direct!
as for the PNPs, give those a shot - should be cool. yeah the kitty adoption was mine. as someone who has 2 cats from SPCAs, i can't recommend pet adoption enough.

Built this using MP38A transistors and I can get a wide variety of tones that sound great!

Just one question: the Gate function sounds like I remember it sounding (an ex-band mate had a TAFM on his board), but engaging it seems to max out the fuzz. Is this normal?

I used a BAT41 and a 1N5819 for the Shottkeys... I'm wondering if that could be the reason...

Appreciate any help offered. Cheers.

Addy Bart wrote:Built this using MP38A transistors and I can get a wide variety of tones that sound great!

Just one question: the Gate function sounds like I remember it sounding (an ex-band mate had a TAFM on his board), but engaging it seems to max out the fuzz. Is this normal?

I used a BAT41 and a 1N5819 for the Shottkeys... I'm wondering if that could be the reason...

Appreciate any help offered. Cheers.

as for the gate function - totally normal. it does indeed max out the fuzz.

Well I built a stripboard of it, and it sounds fantastic. Does the fuzz knob only operate when the gate is on? I also built it with some 404's because my MP38's haven't arrived yet.. but they are all over 100hfe.. I may just order some mp35's .. can make custom Germanium Darlingtons with the rest still don't get the dip switches.. mine won't run unless I have the top one on.. I may have an error.

Very awesome fuzz. It's everything I heard it was. Going to mess with the germs a bit before I box it up and see if I can get the gate to operate as intended. Great fuzz, really unique.

I'm a dumbass. I had my Jfet pinned wrong.. now it has the buffer with 2 and 3 engaged. Love it. Also figured out I just had the gate switch off when I thought it was on .. need some lower gain NPNs.. Love this effect...

I put MP38's in and it's huge as fuck. I bought a sack of MP35s too, but they haven't come yet so I'm waiting to see if there's a sweet spot for the gate portion. Great design, sounds fantastic.