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Fuzz Pedal
by randofo on May 27, 2011 Table of Contents Fuzz Pedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intro: Fuzz Pedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 1: Go get stuff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 2: Mark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 3: Drill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 4: Solder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 5: Wires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 6: Audio wires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 7: Install . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 8: Wire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 9: Attach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 10: Cut brackets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 11: Put in the pots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2 2 3 4 5 6 6 7 8 8 8 9

Step 12: More wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Step 13: Power switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Step 14: Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Step 15: Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Step 16: Case closed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Step 17: Knobs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Step 18: Plug and play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

http://www.instructables.com/id/Fuzz-Pedal/

Author:randofo

Randy Sarafan loves you! I am the author of the book '62 Projects to Make with a Dead Computer' and Community Manager here at Instructables. I'm always sharing tons of awesome projects. Subscribing to me = fun and excitement!

Intro: Fuzz Pedal

Once you have your guitar and learned how to play in time with a metronome, the only thing left to do is rock out. However, as you might have noticed, no matter how hard you rock, it just does not sound right. That is because you are missing something. As many guitarists will tell you, the secret to rocking out is actually fuzz. Before you can do any serious rocking out, you are going to need to build a fuzz pedal. Fortunately, making your own fuzz pedal is a lot easier than it may sound.

Step 1: Go get stuff

You will need: - (x2) 2N3904 NPN Small Signal Transistor (Model: 2N3904 | Catalog #: 276-2016) - (x2) 100K Ohm 1/4-Watt Carbon Film Resistor (Model: 271-1347 | Catalog #: 271-1347) - (x2) 10K Ohm 1/4-Watt Carbon Film Resistor (Model: 271-1335 | Catalog #: 271-1335) - 22 uF Electrolytic Capacitor (Model: 272-1026 | Catalog #: 272-1026) - 0.1F 50V Hi-Q Ceramic Disc Capacitor (Model: 272-135 | Catalog #: 272-135) - 0.01F 500V 20% Hi-Q Ceramic Disc Capacitor (Model: 272-131 | Catalog #: 272-131) - 10K-Ohm Horizontal-Style Trimmer (Model: 271-282 | Catalog #: 271-282) - 5K-Ohm Linear Taper Potentiometers (Model: 271-1714 | Catalog #: 271-1714) - 100K-Ohm Audio-Taper Potentiometer (Model: 271-1722 | Catalog #: 271-1722) - Multipurpose PC Board with 417 Holes (Model: 276-150 | Catalog #: 276-150) - SPST Flatted Metal Lever Toggle Switch (Model: 275-634 | Catalog #: 275-634) - 1/4" Mono Panel-Mount Audio Jack (Model: 274-255 | Catalog #: 274-255) - Hexagonal Control Knob (Model: 274-407 | Catalog #: 274-407) - Fully Insulated 9V Battery Snap Connectors (Model: 270-325 | Catalog #: 270-325) - Enercell Alkaline 9 Volt Battery (Model: 23-853 | Catalog #: 23-853) - DPDT specialty stomp switch - Sturdy metal project box

http://www.instructables.com/id/Fuzz-Pedal/

Step 2: Mark
On the top surface of your project box, measure in one inch from one of the shorter edges. Next, make two marks that are 1/3 and 2/3 of the way between the edges of the shorter distance. These will be for the potentiometers Measure in one inch from the opposite side of the front of the case. Make another mark that is 1/2 way between the two edges. This hole is for the stomp switch. On the side of the case make two marks for audio jacks where you would like, so long as they won't interfere with any of the other parts that will be installed. Following the same logic as the audio jack marks, make one last mark for a toggle power switch.

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Step 3: Drill
Drill the two holes for the potentiometers with a 9/32" drill bit. Drill a 1/8" pilot hole for the stomp switch and then widen it to 1/2". Drill two 3/8" holes for the audio jack. Finally, drill a 1/4" hole for the power switch.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Fuzz-Pedal/

Step 4: Solder
Build the circuit as specified in the schematic. For now, don't worry about attaching the potentiometers, stomp switch, audio jack or power switch to the circuit. These will be wired in later, after they have been installed in the case.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Fuzz-Pedal/

Step 5: Wires
Attach a black wire to the center pin of the 10K potentiometer and a red wire to the pin on the right. Attach a black wire to the left pin on the 100K potentiometer and red wires to the two other pins.

Step 6: Audio wires

Attach a black wire to the ground lug on each of the audio jacks. Attach red wires to the signal lugs on each of the jacks.

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Step 7: Install
Install the audio jacks and the DPDT stomp switch into the metal case.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Fuzz-Pedal/

Step 8: Wire
Solder each of the red audio wires to one of the center lugs on the DPDT switch. While you're at it, solder together one set of outer pins.

Step 9: Attach
Attach the potentiometers to the circuit board as specified in the schematic. Keep in mind that one of the potentiometer wires will be later attached to the DPDT switch.

Step 10: Cut brackets

Cut out two brackets using the template file attached to this step. They both should be cut out of non-conductive material. I cut out the larger base bracket out of a thin cork mat and the smaller potentiometer bracket out of 1/8" rubber.

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Step 11: Put in the pots

Line up the rubber bracket with the holes in the case and install the potentiometers into the case.

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Step 12: More wiring

Wire the remaining potentiometer wire in line with the audio-out jack's wire on the DPDT switch. Connect a wire from the remaining DPDT terminal lug to the audio-in point on the circuit board.

Step 13: Power switch

Connect the red wire from the 9V battery connector to the center terminal of the power switch. Connect another red wire to either of the switch's outer terminals.

Step 14: Switch

Install the power switch into the case. Wire the black wire from the 9V clip to ground on the circuit board and the free red wire from the switch to +9V on the circuit board.

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Step 15: Power

Plug in the 9V battery.

Step 16: Case closed

Install the large insulator panel between the circuit board and the bottom plate of the casing. Screw the case shut.

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Step 17: Knobs

Attach your knobs onto the potentiometers.

Step 18: Plug and play

Plug your guitar to audio-in and your amp to audio-out. Then, rock out.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Fuzz-Pedal/

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The Fuzz of 1000 Faces by randofo

DIY Rat Clone Distortion Guitar Effect Pedal - The Dead RAT by silverHalo

Create Your Own Guitar Effects Pedal by themakeclass

Make an easy guitar distortion pedal (STEP BY STEP!) by mikehayworth

DIY Guitar Pedal Board (Effects Pedal Briefcase) by SyllogismRXS

Comments
15 comments Add Comment

BusyHands says:

Jul 14, 2011. 9:01 AM REPLY Nicely done instructable. An audio project could really use a sound example or a video demonstrating how the box works, though!

andreq says:
I've done something similar some years ago, cloning a DOD 250 overdrive pedal. Here's a website with a lot of information about Effect Pedal and other guitar related gadget for DIYer. http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/projects The nice thing is that most of the projects are fully open source and contain a PCB transfer layout ready to go.

Jul 14, 2011. 6:15 AM REPLY

jakdedert says:

Jul 10, 2011. 12:08 AM REPLY Nice, simple circuit...but what does it do? I know what fuzz is, of course, but how does it sound; or do I have to build it to find out? Also, can you detail the functions of each pot in the circuit? I don't see anything in the video or instructions about the actual operation of the unit.

randofo says:
One on the left is gain and the one on the right is volume. The trim pot inside is for fine tuning. I'll post a video soon.

Jul 10, 2011. 8:25 AM REPLY

denry12 says:

Jul 9, 2011. 1:36 AM REPLY Very nice instructable. I just wanted to complain about the on/off switch. Probably a matter of taste, but factory made pedals (and mine :D) use stereo input jack for power switching. If mono jack is connected to input, pedal is powered up. http://beavisaudio.com/techpages/StompboxWiring/StompboxWiring96.gif Just thought that maybe I could educate someone ;)

casabonita69 says:
is there a way to make the stomp switch both the switch for power and fuzz?

Jul 8, 2011. 10:03 PM REPLY

thewizard42 says:

Jul 8, 2011. 11:39 AM REPLY You can completely bypass using a power switch with a stereo 1/4in jack for the input, using the part the jack for the ring to open and close a connection to ground when you plug in the cable. Jul 8, 2011. 4:01 AM REPLY How do you take such beautiful pictures!My pictures background is always messed up!Please tell me how do you get such awsome pics! Thanks!

vishalapar says:

randofo says:
http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Photography-Backdrop/

Jul 8, 2011. 7:01 AM REPLY

http://www.instructables.com/id/Fuzz-Pedal/

vishalapar says:
That helped a lot !Thanks!!!

Jul 8, 2011. 11:03 AM REPLY

Electronics Man says:

just put what ever you are going to take a picture of on a big piece of white paper or posterboard. It works great :)

Jul 8, 2011. 6:01 AM REPLY

vishalapar says:
Ah! Ok! Ill try that from next time!

Jul 8, 2011. 6:19 AM REPLY

Schmidtn says:

Jul 8, 2011. 9:59 AM REPLY Another nice write up. Is there a video of what the pedal sounds like? Fuzz comes in a lot of flavors. Also, have you tried replacing your DPDT stomp switch with a 3PDT foot switch so you can add an LED on/off indicator? Those come in super handy and aren't too hard to wire up. Looks like a great write up, just wish I knew what it'll sound like before I build it.

Matt Carl says:

Where did you find the metal project box? i

Jul 4, 2011. 10:53 AM REPLY

randofo says:
http://www.smallbearelec.com/home.html

Jul 7, 2011. 5:52 PM REPLY

http://www.instructables.com/id/Fuzz-Pedal/