Please help with Fuzz Face problems

[gareth]

Hi guys, I am in desperate need of your help, I am trying to build a fuzz face for myself and one for my Dad for Christmas and I'm under pressure!

I originally installed the components onto a matrix board and connected the pots etc to the board but not in a box, it was loose. The circuit was the basic PNP Germ AC128. I got output through the fuzz but only at about 10% of the uneffected signal from the guitar. I obviously realised that I may have done something wrong and bought a prototype board, recreated the circuit but with NPN silicon transistors and I still have the same problem, an output at about 10%!

I bought all the components from various electronics suppliers in the uk. I have used tantalum bead capacitors carbon resistors and a number of different types of transistors. all the circuit wiring has been double and triple checked with the correct polarity of all components for both the negative and psitive ground circuits. Does anyone have any idea why the thing is not working. Either I have done something stupid or could it be the tantalum beads??

I thank all of you in advance for your assistance!

[loudthud]

I suggest you find a schematic online, copy it to your computer, then take voltage readings at each transistor lead and edit them into the schematic and post it here.

[Amp Kat]

Maybe this will help


http://www.geofex.com/fxtech.htm

Then go to technology of fuzz face. Sounds like you may have your pots wired backwards.

[gareth]

Thanks Loudthud,

I shall do this over the weekend and attach a pdf of the schematic on monday. I do believe that I have the correct voltages at the each of the transistors legs.

Cheers,

Gareth

[gareth]

Thanks for your offers of help people, I had a play around yesterday and the thing roared into life, my god what a sound, loving the germanium!