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Sooo I've been wanting to build a super fuzz clone but I like mids and I need to be able to cut through the mix. Does anyone know how I could mod one for more mids without changing the overall character of the fuzz too much? I would ideally like it to actually boost the midrange a bit, but flat is definately cool too.

Also, what transistors would you guys recommend I try in it? I'm looking for that ULTRA SUPER NASTY moderately gated and compressed fuzz tone.

Thanks

On the original Superfuzz there's two modes, one that is mid scooped (@ 1000hz I believe) and one that isn't.
The one that isn't mid scooped, certainly is not scooped - far fucking from, trust me

The Superfuzz actully uses Silicon trannys, but germanium diodes, transistor choice shouldn't have a big effect on it

Thanks man. Sorry I'm a noob and I've never actually used a superfuzz. I've just read that they're mid scooped and that scares me haha

I have a couple more questions..

How does the ibanez standard fuzz differ from the superfuzz?

Anyone tried putting a starve on a superfuzz or standard fuzz? How is it?

Thanks!

There's a scooped setting on the superfuzz and the spinoffs. It's a switch that allows for non scooped or scooped tones. If you look at any of those schematics, you notice that there is a a switch diagram that gives you 2 choices. The parts between the diodes and the switch comprise the two tone selections. The scoop setting has a cap to ground. If that was left out you would get the non scooped sound. Since there's a gain recovery stage following that portion of the schematic you could probably bypass everything after the diodes, erect your own tone control and feed it to the last transistor stage. I'm not sure how a mid bump would sound in this circuit in the non scooped mode. A tad more bass could be great, though.

There's a cool mod for the shin-ei fy2 that allows for a variable scoop via a pot. I've always wanted to try this on a superfuzz circuit but never got to it. The scoop setting on both circuits is very similar. The mod lets you dial in and out the scoop which is probably more versatile.

The standard fuzz is driven by a jfet at the input. I had that circuit going on a breadboard for awhile and it was awesome. Like a cleaner superfuzz but somehow also just as nasty. I put that circuit on a pcb but it needs to be debugged. The Acetone Fuzzmaster is my favorite of that bunch. I've built two and it's full throttle fuzz.

There's a scooped setting on the superfuzz and the spinoffs. It's a switch that allows for non scooped or scooped tones. If you look at any of those schematics, you notice that there is a a switch diagram that gives you 2 choices. The parts between the diodes and the switch comprise the two tone selections. The scoop setting has a cap to ground. If that was left out you would get the non scooped sound. Since there's a gain recovery stage following that portion of the schematic you could probably bypass everything after the diodes, erect your own tone control and feed it to the last transistor stage. I'm not sure how a mid bump would sound in this circuit in the non scooped mode. A tad more bass could be great, though.

There's a cool mod for the shin-ei fy2 that allows for a variable scoop via a pot. I've always wanted to try this on a superfuzz circuit but never got to it. The scoop setting on both circuits is very similar. The mod lets you dial in and out the scoop which is probably more versatile.

The standard fuzz is driven by a jfet at the input. I had that circuit going on a breadboard for awhile and it was awesome. Like a cleaner superfuzz but somehow also just as nasty. I put that circuit on a pcb but it needs to be debugged. The Acetone Fuzzmaster is my favorite of that bunch. I've built two and it's full throttle fuzz.

LaoWiz built me a Fuzz Master clone and it is my fave fuzz atm. I use it for everything! Trust me....the non scooped settings cuts through like no other!

I just looked up the Fuzz Master and it sounds pretty rad. I'm torn between building a Superfuzz and a Fuzz Master.

Thanks laowiz! I don't really want a tone control. I kinda like not having a tone control for some reason.

I really want to try putting a starve in this circuit though. How would I wire that up and what value pot would be good for that?

I put down a superfuzz circuit on bread board and the a FM2, the FM2 sounded fuller and meatier to me. I would say build a fuzz master!

I never have played with voltage starve, could be cool. post your findings!

I'm actually really into thin, deficient fuzz tones. I dunno why, I just have a thing for really thin tones and less than ideal amounts of gain

I think I'll try building both and hold on to the one that suits me better.

LaoWiz wrote:I put down a superfuzz circuit on bread board and the a FM2, the FM2 sounded fuller and meatier to me. I would say build a fuzz master!

I never have played with voltage starve, could be cool. post your findings!

Brian of smallsound/bigsound fame actully has built me a superfuzz clone with a starve

Ill post my findings once it arrives

Oooh sounds pretty dope. I'm sure it'll be sweet. I have an ss/bs pedal (a fuck od) and it sounds so amazing.. Brian is an awesome builder.

I found a superfuzz vero layout over at FSB and I'm gonna take a whack at that when I get a chance.

So the starve on the superfuzz is pretty awesome. Doesn't make it gated or glitchy
like I thought it would, kinda just tightens things up and takes a little bit of the
hair out of the tone. Still very cool tho