Definitive Germainium Dirtbox?

[The_Active_Conundrum]

I've only played silicon fuzzes.

I really want to fix that. I want a Germanium dirt box (fuzz, overdrive, distortion whatever) that will open my eyes. I want to plug in and say "This is Germanium! I get it now"

it can be anything, really.as long as it has a knob for volume and one for amount of dirt, it can be any kind of device. Main thing is I need to shout "WOW GERMAINIUM" and marvel at it.

maybe not even shout. Just affirm. like being a lifelong Sprite drinker then sipping Dr. Pepper. Wouldn't you want to be a pepper too? only Germanium.

Nonsense about genre or what other gear I use isirrelevent...because I have most basic bases covered. Aside from germanium. I've also heard germanium likes cooler environs? I keep it cold here. because hot chocolate is wonderful.


Thanks for any help!

[Ro_S]

I don't know about germainium, but I can comment on germanium. ;p

In terms of germanium transistors:

Most fuzzes of the 1960s used germanium transistors.
For example,
Maestro Fuzztone
Tonebenders made by Sola Sound (mk1, mk 1.5, mk2 and mk3 versions)
Italian-made Vox Tonebender
Fuzz Face.

60s treble boosters often used germanium transistors - the most well known being the Dallas Rangemaster.

Various modern clones and pedals very closley based on of all the above can be had from many boutique makers, although they are often very expensive. (Monsterpiece does a wide range of various 60s fuzz clones that aren't crazy priced.)

In terms of germanium clipping diodes, the MXR Distortion + and the Proco You Dirty Rat immediately spring to mind.

For very good and easily available candidates for modern pedals featuring solely germanium transistors, I'd suggest the following to you:
Earthquaker Devices Crimson Drive overdrive
EHX Germanium OD overdrive
Fulltone Soulbender fuzz (clone of mk3, 3-knob Tonebender)
Dunlop Mini Fuzz Fuzz - the red, germanium one.
MI Audio Neo fuzz

I hope that was germane. ;p

[Derelict78]

SS/bs TAFM.

[MEC]

SS/bs TAFM.

[zRobertez]

Dude I made this thread a couple weeks ago
http://www.ilovefuzz.com/viewtopic.php?f=149&t=40037&

Still rockin ss/bs Sparkle Motion and EQD Crimson. Would recommend both over and over again.