Fusion Fuzz

Sibling to the Moon Unit Fuzz.

This fella has much the same circuit topology, but tweaks a few values and throws a germanium stage into the mix. The upshot is a creamy smooth, less harsh Ge feel while retaining all the touch response of angrier brother.

As well as the obvious Volume and Fuzz pots this box also gives you:

• Body - how much bass you're pushing into the circuit - has a huge bearing on the nature of the fuzz rather than just the frequency range. Note: on the original this control works in reverse and is called 'Tighten', but since this board was designed for the Moon Unit we're stuck with the opposite. If you really want to keep it as the original you can wire up pins 1 and 3 to the opposite pads, but it'll be a bit faffy.
• Brite - as it says, brighten up the tone. Huge range from dark and murky to brilliant. This is labelled 'Presence' on the original.
• PRE - choose how much gain you want the first fuzzy transistor to have, which has a knock-on effect on the rest of the circuit. AKA 'Mid Boost' on the original.

The kit is supplied with vertical-mount pots which have round shafts, so you'll need set-screw fitting knobs. Spacing is tight (17.5mm apart), so you'll need small knobs.

Note: The PCB layout has been slightly revised compared to the images in the document. The BOM is identical.

If you want the PCB without parts there's a link for that at the bottom of the page.

Partial kit: PCB, all board-mounted components, pots.

Full kit: As above, plus footswitch and appropriate daughterboard/components for your selected bypass type (see Downloads section for details of those), jack sockets, DC socket, battery snap, hook-up wire, LED.

Enclosure (pre-drilled) is available as an option with full kits, and will not take a battery. Knobs are not included.

Builds are only available with full kits including enclosures. Please choose appropriate knobs.

Inspired by: Hybrid Fuzz Driver

Difficulty: Medium

PCB size: 50 x 36mm

Knobs required: 5

Enclosure: 1590B

Direct Connect compatible (4-way)

Download the INSTRUCTION PDF