Engorged Gherkin Fuzz

This was going to be called the Ultra-mega Overly Engorged Gherkin, but that's a bit of a mouthful.

This is based on Mk II of a very popular, highly tweakable Big Muff™ derivative. One problem with the original is a couple of silly little 6mm pot shafts for a couple of the controls, making precise adjustment a pain. Second problem is another two of the controls are internal trimmers. Not much of a control.... So we've been thinking outside the box and put everything outside the box.

Seven - yes, seven! - controls on a Big Muff™. None of them are superficial either. As well as your normal Volume, Sustain and Filter we have:

• Clip - blends between two different sets of clipping diodes on the second gain stage, which has a very noticeable outcome on the nature of the fuzz
• Voice - adjusts the intensity of the scoop control, from mild to major mids cut.
• Scoop - hey, we're in Big Muff™ land - you know what this does.
• Crunch - adjusts how much clipping goes on in the third gain stage, doing exactly what it says - adding a crunch element to the smooth fuzz.

All in all, well worth the extra pedalboard estate for the 1590BB box this kit requires.

Kit is supplied with the MPQ3904 quad BJT chip (while stocks last) found in the original unit, but you can use four transistors instead if you prefer.

The kit is supplied with vertical-mount pots which have round shafts, so you'll need set-screw fitting knobs. Tightest pot spacing is 20mm.

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: Swollen Pickle

Difficulty: Medium

PCB size: 80 x 40mm

Knobs required: 7

Enclosure: 1590BB

Direct Connect compatible (4-way)

Download the INSTRUCTION PDF