RAD DISTORTION

A distortion unit with two voicing modes. The 'stock' silicon mode is the classic ratty sounding fuzz-distortion from the '80s and '90s. This is achieved by a two-stage distortion of first overdriving the operational amplifier chip into a metallic fuzz, and then compressing the signal using hard-clipping silicon diodes.

In the germanium mode, the op amp fuzz has been removed. Germanium transistors and four germanium diodes are used to achieve a more rounded and organic overdrive-distortion.

There is an internal trimpot to dial the mid/high saturation to suit your pickup and style - only if you feel the need to fiddle. Turning this completely right achieves the 'stock' ratty distortion. Turning this left achieves a more flattened response, better suited for bass.

All of the active signal processing is handled by parts wrapped in either metal or glass. These components are in limited availability, and likely will be subject to change in the future if this project continues.

Special components:

• Metal can operational amplifier IC.
• AC128 germanium transistors.
• Germanium diodes.
• Telefunken black glass silicon diodes.
• Nichicon film capacitors 5% tolerance.
• Panasonic electrolytic capacitors.
• Dale Industrial grade precision metal film resistors (1%, 100 PPM / C).
• 600V Teflon wiring.
• Switchcraft audio sockets, Hammond enclosure, CIC footswitch. Usual stuff.

The Fairchild Korean 308 chips are now exhausted and not available any longer.

For the introduction of the pedal, I am offering an interesting optional mod which gives the top toggle switch a third "boost" position. This mode is without clipping diodes, and can be used either as a clean boost or as a fuzz. If you'd like that option, please select it below.

AUD$229. Free post worldwide. See returns policy .

Toggle switch mod?

Three-way switch. Additional boost mode $229.00 AUD Standard two-way switch $229.00 AUD

Thank you everybody who got in early and bought a unit of the first batch. The first orders I am sending right away. I'll now continue taking orders which should be sent in the first week of June 2020.

CLASS A

Germanium amplifier v2

This is my attempt to make the world's best germanium boost pedal. The range is set for my personal 'sweet spot' for full body. An internal switch can be added to switch between any two range modes.

Components used may vary slightly over time to those shown in the photo due to stock availability.

Internal tone switch options:

Mid / Full range Treble / Mid range Treble / Full range

This circuit (Brown Sound in a Box 2) was by far my favourite distortion back in high school. The cool thing was, if you wanted one, you just have to build one or know somebody who could. The circuit was designed by Ed Guidry, similar to works by Jack Oran and Aron Nelson. Back in the day, it was one of the highest recommended builds on the forums. Many would suggest that this design was the original precursor to many of the "high gain amp" pedals that came out in the 2000's. It's basically a Marshall stack tone faker.

It has a tonne of gain, and a huge clean bottom end to fake a big amp. My build also has improved noise spec. This circuit also responds excellently to rolling back the instrument volume knob.

Distortion is achieved by overdriving Fairchild field effect transistors (FETs), being the closest solid-state relative to vacuum tubes. No diodes are involved for clipping. There are three stacked gain stages. The first two are μAmp stages, which is a classic valve topology developed to achieve high gain performance from tubes. The final is a class a stage.

AUD$199. Free post worldwide. See returns policy.

Here's my take on a muff based fuzz-distortion. This has some unique mods which I believe dramatically improve the tone and playability of the pedal.

There is an internal dip switch for bass friendly mode with an enormous bottom end response.

AUD$220. Free post worldwide. See returns policy.

Returning one day.