Buzzier Jordan Bosstone

[Marbles]

Hi there,

Just built the Jordan Bosstone. Was debating the VooDoolab Superfuzz, but didn't have all the parts in stock.
I did use the trannies mentioned in the VoodooLab version (MPSA18 and 2907(A) )

It sounds good, but a little too good if that makes sense. Kind of tame. I was hoping to get this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IBoisJ6h3Q

It's  at 1:45. (The Doors - Spanish Caravan). That real buzzy fuzzy.

It's a bit too tame now (humbuckers and single coils through a Twin). Would I get there with Q1 or Q2? I think these are the only PNP silicons I have, so if the answer is Q2, I'd have to order some to try it out.


Thanks!

[Travis]

I'm sure you will want to tweak both transistors.

The Doors were pretty much known for using two fuzzes. The Maestro FZ-1 or FZ-1A, and Vox Tone Bender. This sounds like the Vox Tone Bender.

[Marbles]

Ah really?
Damn.. I thought I read something about the bosstone for this record..

Substitute the whole pedal then I gues hahaha.

Thanks!

[Travis]

It's possible that he used the Bosstone. I don't know what he used for sure. I know he used the FZ-1 or FZ-1A in the studio (Hello I Love You, etc), and there are photos of live performances where he was using a Vox TB.

The sound in Spanish Caravan sounds too saturated to be a Maestro to me, so my best guess is that it's the Vox. The Vox will get you close if not nail that sound.

It seems that most people use much lower hfe transistors than the MPSA18 for the NPN tranny. It's always a good idea to try the same transistors that the original used, but if you can't find them I would try some different subs. Maybe 2N3904, 2N2222, etc

[nocentelli]

What diodes have you used? I wouldn't junk the bosstone just yet, I wonder if playing with the type of clippers will give a much more noticeable effect on the character of the fuzz than altering the transistor type would.

[Marbles]

I used 1N4148 for this (the same as the 4148 mentioned in the schematic). Would altering these make it fuzzier?

[Marbles]

Ay... the 2 circuits I try to avoid most.. But want to have the most haha.

I have built a tonebender before. Though I did like it, it was more 'hardrock' than it was sixties. Not having luck with getting high hfe germanium transistors and to have to mix and match 3 transistors make it an intimidating circuit. Add changing resistor values to make it sound great, and it's a beginners nightmare.

The Maestro I guess is the same. I have a battery compartment-thingy bought for the sole purpose of building this, but to have to mod it to suit single coils I think is harder, plus I don't have a lot of leaky transistors to try. Mostly russian non-leaky with a low hfe.
It's a low part build ofcourse, and easy to try stuff out,  but if I read reports of experienced builders having trouble getting it to sound good, well, I'm afraid with my lack of experience it will sound ok-ish, but not the way I 'd hope and left unboxed.

"Hello I love you" sounds amazing too... I wouldn't mind settling for that haha