Terminator Fuzz

One for fans of splattery ripsaw fuzz.

Terminator is a 'boutique' take on the classic Shin-Ei FY2 Companion Fuzz (which we also do - check out the related items below). What's different? An extra transistor stage to boost the volume, as the original circuit's output is less than adequate. (Also a feature of our FY2, but who's quibbling?). It also adds a very useful tone section so you can shape the sonic onslaught further.

Voice shifts the midrange and frequency response of the circuit, from shrill and cutting to beefy. Add the Treble control into the mix to tame those punishing top end tones. The two controls are very interactive, so prepare to spend some quality tweaking time and lube up your smile muscles.

We made a small oops on the board, so you need to place a jumper between two of the pot pins to get the tone section up and running. Perhaps the simplest hack ever - check the main pic above.

The kit is supplied with vertical-mount pots which have round shafts, so you'll need set-screw fitting knobs. There's plenty of space going on in the enclosure, so we've added the option for a top-mounted DC socket if you prefer that to the usual side-mount.

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 enclosure. Please choose appropriate knobs.

Inspired by: Terminal Fuzz

Difficulty: Easy

PCB size: 50 x 33mm

Knobs required: 4

Enclosure: 1590B

Direct-Connect compatible (4-way)

Download the INSTRUCTION PDF