The video wouldn't go through, so here's some pics.

That being said, I'm curious. Have you ever built a fuzzrite? If so, what transistors did you use, and how did it sound? Surely, in your 50 years of experience, you've seen some odd things, haven't you? If I can find a way, I'll try to get you a video of mine. Then you can be the judge.

If my information seems misleading, I apologize. That wasn't my intention.  I merely wanted to point out that hfe isn't the only important factor. My circuit does, in fact work. I use it every day with no problems. Maybe I should try to learn more about electronic theory, but I'm no good with numbers. I found something that works great and I wanted to share it with people.  But if all you can trust is numbers, and say this is a coincidence, you're entitled to your opinion. I'm sorry that I'm not that familiar with these equations. I did try a number of different transistors. All of which I looked up the data sheets for. The hfe were all very similar according to the data sheets, but the frequency was different. If hfe was all that mattered, then wouldn't every fuzz circuit use the same ones? Further more, if that's the only thing that matters, wouldn't every circuit use the exact same transistor? Just think about that.

By the way, did you even read what I wrote? If you had, you'd see where I said that I went by the numbers on the data sheets because I don't have anything to measure transistors with. Go back and read this thread very carefully. I tried to explain it as best I could. You're right. I didn't measure hfe. Because I don't have the equipment,as I previously stated. I can understand your frustration. Just read the thread again, and when you have, then you may understand. It's not always about measuring every little thing. It's about experimenting with different parts until you get the right sound.

Look. I can't really give you a scientific answer to this. All I know is that when I tried these, they worked. The data sheet showed a higher frequency, so it occurred to me that this is an important factor. Have you ever tried some transistors in a fuzz circuit that just didn't sound right even though the hfe was perfect? All I can say is try them and see if you like the way they sound. I wish I knew how to answer your question, but I'm just not that familiar with the scientific aspect of electronics. I can't do math, either. But the data sheets will tell you. Just look at some. What transistors have you tried? Look them up and compare the frequencies. It's worth it.

Okay. Here's my schematic. Transistors are C1740, collector resistors are 10k, pots are 500k log taper. The parts in red indicate all the changes that I made. It's a great sounding fuzz, but requires some getting used to. It's nothing like a fuzz face, or big muff. You'll be using the volume control on your guitar alot more, and your pickups will affect the sound quite a bit.

I don't have anything to measure transistors with. I just looked up the data sheets of the ones I had tried and the typical frequencies of those were all between 80 and 90, which is a bit too low. I originally used the schematic from fuzzcentral, which does work, but has some errors. I kept tweaking it until I finally got a good sound out of it. Now, I'm not knocking fuzzcentral.  Their fuzz face schematic works perfectly. But, the fuzzrite is a different story. I have a schematic of mine, which I drew by hand. I'll post it for you later.

Okay. So there's not much in this circuit.  Two transistors, and not very much else. Some people will tell you that any transistor will work. That's wrong. The gain can be perfect, but if the frequency is too low, you get those weird decay sounds. If it's too high, it won't decay at all. The output will just cut off to dead silence as soon as the input signal drops. So what you have to do is find some middle number. Now, this circuit doesn't have much sustain. Only about 14 seconds. But it's more versatile than people think. Especially if you put the high pass resistor on a switch. With the transistors I used, the collector resistors had to be changed to 10k. This will cause radio static. To get rid of that, put a .002 uf on the board from input to ground. One last thing. The pots should both be 500k log taper. 33k and 350k are wrong.

Hello. In the years since I've been on here, I've learned a little bit about building fuzz pedals. So, I thought I would post about the mosrite fuzzrite. This isn't the easiest circuit to build because there's not a whole lot of accurate information about it. I built one, and it took me over a year to get it straightened out. First, the pots should both be 500k log or audio taper. Second, transistor shouldn't be selected by hfe, but frequency as well. This is a very picky circuit. Select a transistor with a frequency around 110-140 MHz. Third, you'll have to experiment with smaller value collector resistors. I used 10k. There will be some radio static,  but don't worry. Just put a .002 uf cap on the board from input to ground. This is a very versatile fuzz, and is very underrated.  I use mine for everything I play. Make sure you put the 22k high pass resistor in there too. You may choose to put it on a switch. I did, but usually, I leave it connected. It's a very bright fuzz with only 14 seconds of sustain. It has become my favorite.  I hope this helps anyone who is having trouble building this great sounding fuzz. I used C1740 transistors in mine, by the way.

Hello. I haven't been on here in a long time. Here's a pic of the amp I posted about back then. I still use it every day. :dbtu:

 Nice looking amp, Top Top. :tu:

I take back what I said abot not being able to get modern heavy metal tones from this amp. I was playing around one night, and I got some of the most muffled, heavy sounding tones I'd ever heard. This amp WILL handle most any type of music you'd want to play through it.

Alright, I'll look into that the first chance I get. Thank you.

Thanks, Joe. You're right these capacitors are 41 tears old, plus they've been exposed to the weather for about 10 years. It's a wonder that this amp is working at all. It still sonds good, though. I still need to finish the new casing for the head, cover it, and replace the channel 1 volume pot. If playing it without doing a cap job won't do any harm, then I'll leave that part alone. I like the way it sounds as-is. At the moment, the case is just plywood with screws holding it together. It's not much to look at, but it serves it's purpose. I'm gonna fix it as soon as possible. I'm afraid to take it anywhere at present, It may fall apart. I've moved it, but the case felt pretty sturdy, though. But you know how these things go, It never happens in a place where you can just go ahead and fix it.

I have one more question about this amp. I'm pretty sure it needs a cap job because the bass control doesn't work like it should. I've been playing through it since december, and it still sounds great. My question is; Will it hurt the amp if I keep playing through it? Please get back to me on it.


                                                                                           Thanks, LJN