So last night I was playing through my rig. It sounded great but there was something missing. There was no Algal Bloom running into my amp. But I have no reason fear of this fuzz purgatory for long because soon I will have one in my eager clutches. And not just any Algal Bloom, but a really great one is coming soon...
sonidero wrote:YES get a modded Algal...If you have the ca$h, which won't be much cause Thoms a Pimp, then just go all out and get all the mods...
This is exactly what I did.
Let me start with saying that Thom is the greatest guy to work with. He patiently answered all my clueless questions (and there were many) quickly and clearly. Over several long emails (long=my fault) back and forth an super awesome Algal Bloom was planned. It will have it all. Everything!
Bass ModA push pull knob will engage a different capacitor with a different value to allow more bass frequencies into the circuit. I opted for the "most bass" value for the most dramatic shift in tone.
Rotary Diode SwitchThis is an expansion of the germanium choke mod. Instead of only engaging only one different diode setting I will have the option of choosing between many different diode selections. Just as the germanium choke changes the sound in its own particular way, each different diode configuration will have a unique effect on the character of the sound produced and how the other controls react in the circuit as a whole.
Bloom BypassA push pull knob on the bloom knob will disengage the whole bloom gain stage. Thom's description is "The Algal Bloom becomes much less overdriven. More fuzzy, hrrrumphy, less sustaining, smooth, and gainy". This will open up many new possibilities for me, almost like a different fuzz.
Oscillation FootswitchThis Algal Bloom will also feature an oscillation footswitch muck like an AB Synth has. Thom explained to me that the different diode combos on the rotary switch would produce oscillations with differing characteristics. I should be able to go from screechy mayhem to robot madness. So cool!
I am really excited to get this super modded Algal Bloom. The wide array of options I will have available to get different tones and effects out of it will be limitless. That is the beauty of it. From starved out and sputtering, to high gain fuzziness, to oscillating chaos this Algal bloom will have it all! It will even look great (as all Fuzzhugger pedals do) as I opted for the stained glass roses finish with each knob a different color. It will add lots of color and class to my board. I am sure to cherish this pedal forever! So very Awesome!!!
Now all I need is a name for it. Algal Bloom Plus? Algal Bloom Deluxe? Supreme? Ideas?
Thanks to everybody who encouraged and inspired me to get an Algal bloom and to go all out with it. Reading your posts and watching your demos really helped. Thanks guys!
Lastly, once again I would like to thank Thom. His reputation as a great guy on this board and elsewhere is well deserved. Thanks Thom!
I have also seen some mention of other mods like a germanium/silicon hybrid switch. Not sure what that one does (ge vs si transistors, diodes?) Also different color LED clippers and other mods. What do they do? So many choices! 
" - smile_man
