Problem with bazz fuss build

[Bobandy1]

For my first build I am doing a bazz fuss and am running into an issue I can't figure out. I have built 3 or 4 different versions with different transistors, diodes, and caps depending on the schematic and each build has same issue. The fuzz is very weak or nonexistent tent until I put a boost pedal in front of it. I have tried with different guitars and nothing seems to fix it. When I run a volume boost in front of it, it sounds amazing but without it its crap. I've considered just wiring a simple fet boost circuit ahead of the pedal with the boost turned all the way up but I'd like to know what the cause is so I know for future builds.

[nocentelli]

The bazz fuss isn't a super gain monster like a big muff but it should still be quite filthy and distorted if the emitter is grounded and you have a darlington with a 10k or higher collector resistor, or a 100k with a normal npn bjt. It's not a sustain monster either, but enough sustain to mean gating isn't usually a problem. Bigger input cap gives more dirt with diminishing returns above maybe 330n. LED colour, Si or Ge and diode type all affect the clipping, an antiparallel pair makes it mega loud if I remember rightly. Check in and output cap values, resistor value, transistor pinout etc, usual stuff.

[Bobandy1]

I've tried multiple combinations of diodes and transistors and am tried a 10uf and 4.7uf input cap. Should I try a larger cap?  It just seems the circuit isn't getting enough power at the front end since it works great if boosted by 10-15db of volume.

[D$]

Bazz fuss was the first circuit I ever built. I ordered all of the parts and spent a full weekend breadboarding it and I could not get it working. Turns out I had a bad battery connector. Fixed that and it created some serious fuzz! I dont want to sound like captain obvious but check your power supply.

[rocket88]

it's funny, but the obvious isn't always obvious. 99% of problems are caused by grounding issues, unwanted solder bridges, poor solder joint, and improperly inserted active components (transistor/IC's). it's always the first things to check if a circuit isn't working right.

side note, if you check those things and you don't get it working post some good pics of the board (top & bottom), and the wiring. this will really help see if there's a visual issue with the build.