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Are diodes and transistors the same thing with just a different name? I think that's the question here.

About the original question, I can only mention the MJM London Fuzz since is the only germanium fuzz I know.

Tough call.
My favorites usually say "Earthquaker Devices" on them.
I could be pretty happy with just a crusher/shank combo.

Fuzzfaceless is also a germ wizard.

Stonergrunge wrote:Are diodes and transistors the same thing with just a different name? I think that's the question here.

About the original question, I can only mention the MJM London Fuzz since is the only germanium fuzz I know.

....I don't think so. If I'm not mistaken (which I probably am) diodes only allow current to pass through it one way and won't let it back the other. Transistors take current, and amplify it...fuck, I don't know

Stonergrunge wrote:Are diodes and transistors the same thing with just a different name? I think that's the question here.

diodes have 2 lugs and transistors have 3
that's the extent of my electronics knowledge

These are a couple of my favorites:

MG Music Tony Tender (extremely warm mach II tone bender)
SS/BS TAFM (needs no description)

Although the best germ fuzz i've ever heard (maybe the best fuzz i've ever heard) is the Cornish NG-2. I have a few other germanium based fuzz pedals, but these are probably my favorites.

Hacken wrote:Well is it a germ fuzz if it has germ diodes??

I would say no...maybe a germanium flavor?

The two really have much different functions...though you can use a transistor as a diode, you can not use a diode as a transistor

The Hoof and the Blunderbuss are both germanium/silicon hybrids.....best of both worlds IMO.

The Tone Reaper is a seriously killer take on the MKIII.

The germanium OX Fuzz is badass....

Diodes in fuzzes are primarily used to clip signal. They offer a soft clipping sound with smooth harmonics. However, people use them in all sorts of circuits so would you consider a Boss SD1 with germanium clippers a germanium drive or fuzz? No because the diodes are not the primary distorting devices in the circuit. However, if you have a circuit with germanium transistors creating all the cascading fuzz and distortion, then that is generally considered a germanium circuit. Invariably most people mention circuits that just have germanium clipping diodes in these threads.

I think the Skreddy Screwdriver is a good fuzz with an actual germanium transistor that sounds fantastic and is extremely versatile.

Don't think anyone mentioned it yet, but the DAM Drag'n'fly is another great germ/sili hybrid.

duders... just interested... any experience with Red Witch Fuzz God V1?

Sounds expensive

DarkAxel wrote:duders... just interested... any experience with Red Witch Fuzz God V1?

from what I hear, it's a fuzz factory

I love a lot of germanium fuzzes but I can't help but laugh when peoples first question about a fuzz is "is it germanium?" as if that's the deciding factor on whether it sounds good or bad.

I don't want to come across like I don't like germanium, because I love it, but I think it's overrated.

....but, is it analog?

Moustache_Bash wrote:....but, is it analog?

Haha. I like how a company will use the "TRUE BYPASS!!!!!!!!!!!" as their main selling point for a product. hahaha. The words true bypass are bigger than the damn company name most of the time.