Germanium Fuzz Pedals - PNP and NPN

In this video, we will be going over Germanium Fuzz Pedals along with how to set them up for PNP by using a voltage inverter, as well as for NPN Germanium transistors, as well as what is needed for converting them to silicon NPN transistors.
To pick up our Hydra Fuzz PCB, click on the link below:
www.diyguitarp...

[@Rarebirdeffects]

Just built a harmonic percolator with a diode lift switch. It’s such a cool pedal!!Very unique if you are bored of the same old same old fuzz tones. With the lift switch on it also becomes a super versatile overdrive pedal with a fairly flat eq. Sounds beautiful and I’m surprised this circuit hasn’t been explored more.

[@erikvincent5846]

I have made a clone of one and rather enjoyed it. I have to guess the issue is due to the "what circuit is the correct circuit" that becomes the reason why the circuit doesn't get analyzed. A lot of people don't agree what circuit is the correct one.

[@gorillafunk725]

Hey Rarebird. Just checked out your fuzz on Reverb. I LIKE. Great to see someone trying something like this. I also like the circuit layout. Its almost art 👍 Experimentation beats emulation !

[@scottconnors8419]

Thank for link..I found big stash of cv7112 npn germaniums, been so long guess ain't like riding a bike .

[@danmillward8595]

Hey thanks for explanation. Quick question when working with PNP circuits...you have to flip the polarity on the parts...understood....what about the off board parts like the input and out put Jack's switches and posts ect...is ground still normal ground ( minus 9v) or is this too flipped?

[@erikvincent5846]

Correct, without an inverter IC, you would connect the 9V lead on the battery to the sleeves of the input and output jack as that becomes the new common ground.

[@fooschmack]

Thanks for this explanation. Is there a way to mod a circuit to work with transistors that don't have the recommended gain? For example, I wanted to do a Tone Bender and a Fuzz Factory build so I bought a set of Russian 1T308V Ge PNP's that were advertised at 80-150hFE, but when I followed the instructions from your transistor gain test video they ranged around 34 to 60 hFE with 10 to 23 uA's leakage respectively. I would assume these are too low to use in those types of circuits but maybe there's a way to calculate resistor changes to achieve close results?

[@erikvincent5846]

So, generally, you wouldn't be able to use them. However, there are ways to make them work with other components. You could make Darlington Pairs, which will increase the gain, but also increase the leakages. You could use Sziklai pairs to eliminate leakages and flip polarity, as well as getting more gain. We go over those here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKu6c5WMhcx3hdE If you note that you've created too much gain, you can reduce the gain by using Piggybacking, which we go over here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qmTXoJ6fgKmgf6c

[@J4060]

Absolutely yes, you can use them with no problem at all. You only have to polarize them correctly. If you have the skills is very easy. There is a lot of myth/nullshit going on in pedal building forums. Once you understand why the circuit sounds like it does it is very easy. You only have to learn some electronics. If not, just buy a kit and solder it following the manual.

[@majordabalert]

Hey friend i want to thank you and your team for all the help you’ve given me the past year or so. I’m a rookie and this channels a goldmine. I’m stacking some Electras and LPB-1s to make a fuzz and want to invert one of the gain stages. Can I just wire that stage upside down like in this video? Ground to power and vice versa? And is a voltage inverter still necessary?

[@williambock1821]

I don’t have any favorites as I’m an amp builder. Just starting to get more interested in building effects.

[@erikvincent5846]

Welcome to the channel.

[@williambock1821]

@@erikvincent5846 Thanx! I’m hoping to use exposure therapy to get used to the dreaded PCB!! 😱

[@erikvincent5846]

@@williambock1821 yeah, point to point only works in pedals with small part counts.

[@williambock1821]

@@erikvincent5846 I’ve built a couple MOD p2p kits and liked the results of the persuader starved plate OD but the faux spring reverb “the Verb” kit was kinda underwhelming. Especially for the amount of work putting it together. I’m mostly interested in modulation and reverb effects since the OD is the domain of amps around my house. But I know VERY little about IC’s and transistors. Looks interesting tho! I hate the idea of giving up and buying what I need. That’s not nearly as satisfying.

[@Rarebirdeffects]

Welcome to the world of stomp boxes. Beware, it can become very habit-forming haha. At least it can be rather affordable though.

[@jeroen4734]

I have never owned a pedal with positive ground and had never given it any thought as to the problems it might create. Is it that it just won’t work because the other pedals attached are draining its power to negative ground? Or is there more at play?

[@erikvincent5846]

The major issue is what the common ground is attached to on your pedals: the sleeves of your audio in and out jacks.

[@jeroen4734]

@@erikvincent5846 right! Never thought about that.. i did a npn (silicon) fuzzface a while ago just so i didn’t have to deal with positive ground 😅 after your video im even happier i went that route! Thanks for the video and the reply

[@siperonoway19]

classic edits

[@pezinski01]

People should be buying things from China while they still can, if China invades Taiwan or continues its actions in the south China sea then cheap goods will be a thing of the past as trade would likely be completely cut off. Stock up, I am.