Build Your Own: Germanium Fuzz Face

from $129.00

Everything you need to build your own 1966 Dallas Arbiter germanium Fuzz Face

In 1965 the Fuzz Face would revolutionize the sound of the electric guitar and kick off the fuzz phenomenon of the sixties. This circuit can deliver a wide array of fuzz tones when the guitar volume is used in conjunction with the fuzz and bias knobs. With the bias fully counterclockwise the pedal will provide a trumpet like fuzz and deliver the cleanest tones with the guitar volume rolled back. Turn the bias counterclockwise for gated fuzz tones or set in between for a range of classic Fuzz Face tones.

No expense spared in selecting parts for this build. Each transistor set is meticulously tuned with an amp and breadboard to sound true to the original. The 50’s style eyelet board layout and quality components will ensure this circuit will be blowing out your eardrums for years to come! The build document includes a parts list, detailed layout diagrams, and step-by-step instructions with pictures. I have also added supplemental circuit analysis, circuit variations, and popular mods for those who wish to take a deeper dive and explore the inner workings of these classic circuits.

Included in kit:

  • Instructions to build the 1966 Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face w/ external bias knob

  • New old stock germanium transistors (options below)

  • Pre-drilled / powder coated enclosure

  • Polyester film capacitors and carbon resistors

  • Alpha potentiometers

  • Vintage style amp jacks

  • Eyelet board

  • FK brand foot switch

  • LED and bezel

  • Knobs

  • Standard 9V power jack (standard 2.1mm center negative)

TRANSISTOR OPTIONS

All transistor options are new old stock germanium transistors dating from the early 1960’s to the late 70’s.

  • 1970’s Soviet UFO - soviet made military spec germanium transistors with medium gain. Warm and low noise

  • 1974 Texas Instruments // 1970’s Mullard CV - a pair of mismatched 70’s mil spec germanium transistors. Medium high gain. Low noise. Chimey and articulate.

  • Mullard OC series // Mullard GET - a hybrid pair of 1960’s black glass and metal can Mullard transistors. Medium low gain. Excellent clean-up.

  • Mullard GET // Mullard GET - 70’s Mullard germanium transistors manufactured in the UK. Medium gain with exceptional clean-up.

  • New Market NKT // New Market NKT - a close cousin of the New Market NKT275 transistor used in the earliest runs of Fuzz Faces. These early 60’s New Market transistors are highly regarded for their touch sensitivity and harmonic complexity.

TRANSISTORS:
ENCLOSURE COLOR:
KNOBS:
POWER OPTIONS:

Everything you need to build your own 1966 Dallas Arbiter germanium Fuzz Face

In 1965 the Fuzz Face would revolutionize the sound of the electric guitar and kick off the fuzz phenomenon of the sixties. This circuit can deliver a wide array of fuzz tones when the guitar volume is used in conjunction with the fuzz and bias knobs. With the bias fully counterclockwise the pedal will provide a trumpet like fuzz and deliver the cleanest tones with the guitar volume rolled back. Turn the bias counterclockwise for gated fuzz tones or set in between for a range of classic Fuzz Face tones.

No expense spared in selecting parts for this build. Each transistor set is meticulously tuned with an amp and breadboard to sound true to the original. The 50’s style eyelet board layout and quality components will ensure this circuit will be blowing out your eardrums for years to come! The build document includes a parts list, detailed layout diagrams, and step-by-step instructions with pictures. I have also added supplemental circuit analysis, circuit variations, and popular mods for those who wish to take a deeper dive and explore the inner workings of these classic circuits.

Included in kit:

  • Instructions to build the 1966 Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face w/ external bias knob

  • New old stock germanium transistors (options below)

  • Pre-drilled / powder coated enclosure

  • Polyester film capacitors and carbon resistors

  • Alpha potentiometers

  • Vintage style amp jacks

  • Eyelet board

  • FK brand foot switch

  • LED and bezel

  • Knobs

  • Standard 9V power jack (standard 2.1mm center negative)

TRANSISTOR OPTIONS

All transistor options are new old stock germanium transistors dating from the early 1960’s to the late 70’s.

  • 1970’s Soviet UFO - soviet made military spec germanium transistors with medium gain. Warm and low noise

  • 1974 Texas Instruments // 1970’s Mullard CV - a pair of mismatched 70’s mil spec germanium transistors. Medium high gain. Low noise. Chimey and articulate.

  • Mullard OC series // Mullard GET - a hybrid pair of 1960’s black glass and metal can Mullard transistors. Medium low gain. Excellent clean-up.

  • Mullard GET // Mullard GET - 70’s Mullard germanium transistors manufactured in the UK. Medium gain with exceptional clean-up.

  • New Market NKT // New Market NKT - a close cousin of the New Market NKT275 transistor used in the earliest runs of Fuzz Faces. These early 60’s New Market transistors are highly regarded for their touch sensitivity and harmonic complexity.