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DIY: Germanium Fuzz Face
Everything you need to build your own germanium Fuzz Face
No expense spared in selecting parts for this build. Each transistor set is tested for gain / leakage and auditioned with a breadboard and amplifier to ensure authentic response and character.
Built around the same eyelet board construction and premium components used in our custom pedals, these kits are designed to deliver both an exceptional fuzz and a rewarding build experience.
Every kit includes a detailed build document featuring clear diagrams, step-by-step instructions, and build photos, along with direct support if questions come up during the build. For builders looking to go deeper, the documentation includes a supplemental section covering circuit analysis, circuit history, and a range of classic mods inspired by vintage and boutique variants like the Cesar Diaz Square Face and MK1.5 Tone Bender.
INCLUDED
New old stock germanium transistors
Pre-drilled / powder coated enclosure
Vintage film capacitors and carbon resistors
Alpha potentiometers
Vintage style amp jacks
Eyelet board
FK brand foot switch
LED and bezel
Knobs
Standard 9V power jack (internal battery version available by request)
Instructions to build the 1966 germanium Fuzz Face with external bias control (provided in PDF format via email)
TRANSISTOR OPTIONS
All transistor options are new old stock germanium transistors dating from the early 1960’s to the late 70’s. Hybrid options are chosen so each transistor / model is placed where it performs best in the circuit.
1970s Soviet UFO / Mullard CV — a mismatched pair of 70’s new old stock germanium transistors: a Soviet UFO in Q1 and a UK-made Mullard CV in Q2. Medium gain with a warm character and strong cleanup. An all around solid option.
1974 Texas Instruments / Mullard CV — A hybrid pairing of two vintage classic mil spec germanium transistors. Medium gain with a smooth, balanced voice and exceptional cleanup. The most balanced and versatile of the three options.
New Market NKT / 1974 Texas Instruments — Built around a close cousin of the NKT275 transistors used in the earliest production Fuzz Faces. These early 1960s New Market germaniums are prized for their touch sensitivity and harmonic complexity, paired with a higher-gain mil spec Texas Instruments transistor in the Q2 position for added sustain and depth. The most vintage in voice of the options listed.
Everything you need to build your own germanium Fuzz Face
No expense spared in selecting parts for this build. Each transistor set is tested for gain / leakage and auditioned with a breadboard and amplifier to ensure authentic response and character.
Built around the same eyelet board construction and premium components used in our custom pedals, these kits are designed to deliver both an exceptional fuzz and a rewarding build experience.
Every kit includes a detailed build document featuring clear diagrams, step-by-step instructions, and build photos, along with direct support if questions come up during the build. For builders looking to go deeper, the documentation includes a supplemental section covering circuit analysis, circuit history, and a range of classic mods inspired by vintage and boutique variants like the Cesar Diaz Square Face and MK1.5 Tone Bender.
INCLUDED
New old stock germanium transistors
Pre-drilled / powder coated enclosure
Vintage film capacitors and carbon resistors
Alpha potentiometers
Vintage style amp jacks
Eyelet board
FK brand foot switch
LED and bezel
Knobs
Standard 9V power jack (internal battery version available by request)
Instructions to build the 1966 germanium Fuzz Face with external bias control (provided in PDF format via email)
TRANSISTOR OPTIONS
All transistor options are new old stock germanium transistors dating from the early 1960’s to the late 70’s. Hybrid options are chosen so each transistor / model is placed where it performs best in the circuit.
1970s Soviet UFO / Mullard CV — a mismatched pair of 70’s new old stock germanium transistors: a Soviet UFO in Q1 and a UK-made Mullard CV in Q2. Medium gain with a warm character and strong cleanup. An all around solid option.
1974 Texas Instruments / Mullard CV — A hybrid pairing of two vintage classic mil spec germanium transistors. Medium gain with a smooth, balanced voice and exceptional cleanup. The most balanced and versatile of the three options.
New Market NKT / 1974 Texas Instruments — Built around a close cousin of the NKT275 transistors used in the earliest production Fuzz Faces. These early 1960s New Market germaniums are prized for their touch sensitivity and harmonic complexity, paired with a higher-gain mil spec Texas Instruments transistor in the Q2 position for added sustain and depth. The most vintage in voice of the options listed.