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which fuzz/distortion circuit (preferably easy to build/vero) relies most heavily on diode clipping?

I have a nice collection of old & odd diodes that I'd like to try and profile.

thanks guys!

I know the IC muff has a fair few diodes!

I've seen a schematic for a prunes and custard that circuit has quite a few as well. Not sure if they are all for clipping though or all the weird modulated sounds. Hey wildebelor, where abouts in Melbourne you from? I grew up in East Keilor. Living up in the Grampians now.

If you're trying to hear the difference/characteristics of the diodes I'd build something like the electra distortion, or choose your favorite clean boost and tack diodes to ground at the output in similar fashion.

Based on limited number of components involved and the noticeable difference between diodes/diode lift option in clones....I'd say Harmonic Percolator.

If I recall, the HM-2 both has diodes to ground and in the feedback loop. I've seen the idea that it's an interesting "distortion lab" project to be able to switch on and off the different distortion methods in there. Tagboardeffects just posted a fairly faithful vero layout and one that switches the eq over to a Baxandall stack.

Gone Fission wrote:If I recall, the HM-2 both has diodes to ground and in the feedback loop. I've seen the idea that it's an interesting "distortion lab" project to be able to switch on and off the different distortion methods in there. Tagboardeffects just posted a fairly faithful vero layout and one that switches the eq over to a Baxandall stack.

I think it has series diodes between those two sections as well. Whole lotta clippin'

Jero wrote:

Gone Fission wrote:If I recall, the HM-2 both has diodes to ground and in the feedback loop. I've seen the idea that it's an interesting "distortion lab" project to be able to switch on and off the different distortion methods in there. Tagboardeffects just posted a fairly faithful vero layout and one that switches the eq over to a Baxandall stack.

I think it has series diodes between those two sections as well. Whole lotta clippin'

Yeah, a lot of those older Boss and DOD pedals used clippers to ground, in the feedback loop, and for crossover distortion (in series with the audio path).

The series diodes can also be used as a sort of noise gate. When you aren't playing, the diodes don't have enough voltage on them to conduct, so the circuit output is effectively shorted.

Jero wrote:If you're trying to hear the difference/characteristics of the diodes I'd build something like the electra distortion, or choose your favorite clean boost and tack diodes to ground at the output in similar fashion.

this might be just what I was looking for!

thanks for all the suggestions, everyone!

http://www.home-wrecker.com/bazz.html

Bazz Fuzz, Super simple and the diode and transistor are it mostly. Then when you find one you like build it into a whisker biscuit.

imJonWain wrote:http://www.home-wrecker.com/bazz.html

Bazz Fuzz, Super simple and the diode and transistor are it mostly. Then when you find one you like build it into a whisker biscuit.

good call, that's what I had on my protoboard before. the transistor makes a big difference too, though, so I was looking for something 'purer'.
not necessarily hoping to make is sound good - just being curious.

so far I'm afraid that the old Siemens BY250 diodes really are unique.

a simple clean boost - then stick a load of diodes to ground at the arse end of it, then add another clean boost at the end of that. Check this out -



"I wanted to do a simple project that would be easy and cheap for a beginner to build. A good single transistor design can do the job well. Let's just extract a section of the classic Big Muff, modify it slightly and use it as a single booster stage. It can provide over 30db of gain and will be fairly low noise.

If D1, D2 and C3 are not used, the circuit will amplify without distorting. This is useful in overdriving a tube amp input as a clean boost or providing a boost to a weak guitar signal. When the diodes and capacitor are added, the circuit will become a simple distortion box.

The transistor is not too critical. Use the 2N3904, 2N2484, 2N5088, BC108 or similar NPN silicon devices. When used as a distortion, the 10uF/C3 capacitor controls high content to some extent. Make it smaller to add some brightness or leave it as shown for full range. The diodes may be replaced with germanium types for a different clipping response though I would use 4 diodes (2 pairs) to keep the output volume at a higher level.

The circuit is laid out on the pcb so that you can follow the schematic to visualize how the design goes together. The dpdt switch can be eliminated and the jacks connected to the pcb IN and OUT if you do not need to be able to switch the booster out of the signal path.

You can build the Muffer (as a boost without the diodes) on the AMZ Multi-Purpose PCB. Order one of these boards and build this easy project! "

From the page - http://www.muzique.com/schem/projects.htm

Or, the "Dead easy Dirt" a super simple LM386 based circuit. IIRC 1 caps and whatever clipping diodes you want. Ive made this with red LEDs and it sounds great , and it is hella loud. Like, it will drive a small speaker quite well (but chew 9v batteries)

http://www.ilovefuzz.com/viewtopic.php?f=151&t=11064

electra. if you want to test the diodes for real there is something called a curve tracer.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjkUSvJFHTI[/youtube]

wildebelor wrote:I know the IC muff has a fair few diodes!

only 6!