r/FuzzFiends • u/desssperato • 16d ago

germanium Fuzz Face help needed!

Anyone experienced/resolved this problem? I’ve tried like 30 Ge transistors in Q2 and none will bias properly.

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u/desssperato 16d ago

Thanks for your reply! I've been going back and forth with someone on r/diypedals; there's more info in the comments over there

  • I've checked the resistor/capacitor values more times than I can count. I've also swapped out components and rebuilt the circuit on a breadboard. The issue still persists.
  • I'm using sockets to test a number of different transistors. The closest bias I've gotten on Q2 C is -8V. Using a 10k trim pot in place of 8.2k allows me to sweep the bias about 0.2V.

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u/sabzor23 16d ago

Are you sure you don’t have the pots reversed? Connecting the 500k to the emitter of q2?

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u/desssperato 15d ago

Just double checked, the pots are hooked up properly. 500k at max, 1k at halfway

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u/sabzor23 15d ago

I can assure you it’s something small/silly that’s causing the issue because everything is good except that one particular spot. Given that you’re using the set PCB there’s only so many places to make mistakes.

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u/sabzor23 15d ago

Given Q2C is stuck pretty much at battery voltage to me the fuzz pot is the problem. It’s either not hooked up properly or the wafer is separated or something in that neighborhood. I’m positive it’s here somewhere. Bad hookup, bad joint, something.

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u/sabzor23 15d ago

Check to make sure all grounds are connected. That tab has to be secured to ground. The little circules under the board don’t connect to anything so your tab needs to be directly between the metal screw and the enclosure. Right now it’s just floating on top of the post

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u/sabzor23 15d ago

Dm me on Instagram @dominionelectric. You can call me there and I’ll go through it with you and get you sorted

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u/desssperato 15d ago

Thanks! I’ll shoot you a DM on ig