Finally fulfilled my inner Superfuzz and Standard Fuzz monster. Built both using the DEFX repro boards, and #2 Small Bear Bareboxes. This also gave me a chance to invest my years of study of these beasts, to apply all that I have learned into these builds.
The Ibanez #59 Standard Fuzz. All components came from old Japanese Keyboards that I gutted a few years ago. The authentic Toshiba 2SK30 JFET is one of a set of eight NOS (not pulls) that I was lucky to score on EBay some years back. The other transistors are vintage Matsushita 2SC828-Q's. Caps are also Matsushita/Panasonic. Cosmos pots, parts from Love My Switches, and some vintage knobs for extra mojo. The finish is a period favorite, black crinkle paint. A 60's transistor radio standard.
The Superfuzz, built to the typical Shin Ei/Univox design. All transistors are vintage Matsushita 2SC828-Q's from an old Yamaha organ. While many of the parts mirror the Standard Fuzz, I decided to go all carbon comp, but using the same component lead dress as was found on the original Honey units. Same finishing appointments as the Standard Fuzz.
The twins...
Performance-wise, both are excellent. Beautifully balanced, excellent octave up, with a touch of ring modulation if you dig in just right. As with the originals (I have a Standard, and a Mica branded SF to A/B to), noise floor does increase when switched on, but nothing out of the norm. Unlike many clones that I've played through, these do not exhibit the "strike fade out and blast of hiss" typically found on clones with the wrong transistors in them. Pull back, and note clarity blooms to where playing full chords cuts through easily. Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde at the turn of the guitar volume, tone, strum, or strike. Each has their own distinct character, principally due to the different front ends, and different pot values (50k vs. 100k). Both are different, but both are... perfect!
There's only one more left that I want to build, and that's a Superfuzz a la the original Honey design (Baby Crying). I have a few sets of 2SC539's on standby for that. I just need to get my butt in gear and pickup some more Bare boxes before Steve closes up shop.
), but I put together my first DIY!!!
