Boss FZ-2 with less gain -- possible?

[Bon Hoga]

Is there a mod that would enable me to cut the gain on my FZ-2? Even with the gain knob set to zero it's way too gainy and ricey.

[Jero]

Try decreasing or removing, the 2.2uf electrolytic capacitor, between the the 1k5 resistor & ground, from the gain control.

(This is based on a quick glance at the Hemmo schematic from google)

[Bon Hoga]

That would be R27, no?

[Jero]

No idea. Would need one in hand, good pics, or a better schematic with things listed.

[Iommic Pope]

Why would you do this?
Funeralopolis with your FZ2 or get the fuck out.

[Bon Hoga]

I hate that shit.

[Iommic Pope]

Dude, that's akin to getting HM2 and asking how to mod it for more transparency so you can use it as a boost and capture those Don Henley tones.

Why not flip the FZ2 and get something you're actually looking for?
Do you even want a Superfuzz or are you after a more sputter low gain sort of thing, on the edge of breaking up but sort of starving itself?
Not trying to shit on your thread but FZ2s pretty much do one thing in each of the three modes available.
They do them exceptionally well, but you are committing to A sound.

[Bon Hoga]

I've got an HM2 and I happily use it as a low gain bass overdrive.

I just want to be able to turn down the gain on the FZ2, is all.

[crochambeau]

Keeping in mind that I am not entirely sure what *sound* you are after in terms of keeping this platform, there are a few ways to "tame" this circuit, and each will take something away.

Were this a "fresh" clone type build, I'd start by planting a resistor on the emitter of Q15, vary to taste.

Lifting the 2u2 cap that is providing a signal path to ground through the 1K5 near the gain control may or may not swing the gain in the direction of your choosing. Q9 & 10 are right in there, and I *think* increasing the work that Q10 does will reflect on the operating point of Q9 (turning it down as Q10 pulls through the 4K7). The sticky point is that Q15 PNP is providing an inverted signal along that plane, and my understanding is the you can look at Q9 & 10 as a differential input stage for Q15, and "leaking" signal to ground before boosting that stage might be the purpose of that cap. I'd prefer to replace the 1K5 with a variable that can swing between 500 & say 3K and tune to ear.

Might be as easy as increasing the 10K load on the ass end of that section.

Another very active point at which you can juggle gain is the 47u that is signal bypassing the shared 2K9 emitter resistor on the Q13/14 differential pair, though I find the phase splitter (Q12) and differential sum of Q13/14 pretty much the heart of why these circuits sound so fucking good (to me, remember: I'm kind of a cave man - so grab a grain of salt). So you *could* add a small series resistance in line with the 47u at the differential pair, but doing so may *drastically* change the voice of the circuit. Same with evening out the load resistors coming off the phase splitter (might be a ratio thing, as the emitter at Q12 is not labelled).

There are lots more points to play with, but beyond just grabbing a bag of resistors and starting to juggle inside the 20% tolerance range (pushing whenever you find a path you like) it's all largely academic pondering.

I tend to avoid fucking with cap values or placement unless I've introduced instability or have a very defined reason to change it, but that's just me..

Long and short of it: keep notes and be able to retrace your steps. Have fun!