3 FUZZ BOXES
FUZZ BOX FOR ELECTRIC GUITARS
    This circuit has been well tried by many musicians and has proved very successful. Q1 and Q2 form a voltage amplifier which has sufficient gain to be ‘overdriven’ by a relatively low input, such as an electric guitar. The result is that the output from Q2 is a ‘Squared-Off’ version of the input, giving the required fuzz sound.
    RV1 adjusts the amount of negative feedback inserted into the circuit by C2, and thus the amount of squaring of the signal. The purpose of R3 and R4 is to lower the output voltage to a suitable level, which is then adjusted as required with the volume control VR2.
GUITAR FUZZ
    The 741 normally has a gain of 20,000. but the circuit is so designed that the IC’s gain is 2,700,000 which then distorts the output. This distortion gives the fuzz effect. The two diodes clip the output to drop the level, also lowered by the potential divider. This circuit also sustains the notes, due to clipping, giving a totally new sound.
FUZZ BOX

    A quick look at a commercial one will show that fuzz-boxes are grossly overpriced for what they are. This general principle is that the input is split, and one part of it is distorted, then the two signals are mixed, variably, providing variable “fuzz”. But why not cut costs again by simply varying the distortion of a one- transistor stage.
    None of the components are particularly critical in value or quality, as
distortion is the sole object!!
The transistor could be BC 107-8-9, 2N2926, etc. A PP3 battery completes the “fuzz-box” which fits easily into a small plastic box with two jack sockets for the input and output and an on-off switch. The unit could be made easier to operate by reducing the value of the “fuzz” control and adding two series resistors.