What is the best (high gain) fuzz for a first build?

[BlindtoFaith]

I am ready to do this!

[nbabmf]

I cut my teeth on a silicon Fuzz Face. I'd recommend that to start with as it's easy yet so flexible.

[eniacmike]

you can't go wrong with a bazz fuss.
http://www.beavisaudio.com/bboard/projects/bbp_BazzFuss.pdf solderless breadboard instructions
only 5 parts you can pick up all of these at radio shack including the bread board.
http://www.beavisaudio.com/bboard/projects/ <-great resource
he has silicon fuzz face instructions on there too, although the one he specs doesn't sound great.

devi ever sells kits too to make a couple of different fuzzes.

I would say don't attempt a Germanium fuzz face, a fuzz factory, or a big muff for your first build.

[mrdobolina]

I'm about a half step in front of you, and I will agree 100%. Breadboard the Bazz first, then a Silicon FF.

The Bazz is hard to screw up and worked even when I had component values off a little. Plus the Beavis breadboard layout is great. It got me started on the right foot.

Dobo

[futuresailors]

I just made a GGG companion fuzz. Didn't take very long, but the "instructions" leave something to be desired...
I think if you're not retarded (aka me) you could probably crack it out in under an hour without a hitch.

[culturejam]

Gotta give a +3 and say Bazz Fuss. It's the easiest first fuzz.

Easiest first overdrive is the Electra Distortion (aka - COT50).

[Jero]

I love me an electra distortion/work-a-like. If only I could have an original.

[eatyourguitar]

overdrive is pretty simple. you could make one out of a lm386 and a silicon diode. silicon fuzz face is also pretty simple. stay away from germanium for a first build.