Voodoo Fuzz

Project overview

The Voodoo Fuzz is a unique circuit that combines two different selectable fuzz tones and a Plexi amp emulation. The toggle selects between an LM386 (Tight) circuit and a 2N5089 (Big) circuit. These then push a Plexi Drive circuit that gives the Marshall amp emulation, just like many of the masters of the fuzz tone have done through the years.

The board has been laid out for through-hole and SMD J201 (choose either of them). Trimmers to help bias the J201 JFETs had been included over the original layout.

Introduction

Not just another fuzz, the Voodoo Fuzz combines two selectable classic fuzz with the sound of a Plexi-drive stack to give you a massive tone.

Including a fuzz selector switch that could be wired as a standard DPDT toggle or as a stomp switch for more versatility, and select between the Tight Fuzz (LM386) and the Big Fuzz(2N5089).

The “tight” setting gives you big fuzz-like distortion. When flipped to the “big” setting, the Velvet Fuzz delivers a classic fuzz tone with loads of compression. Rolling back your guitar’s volume cleans up the sound for a fat rhythm tone.

If you’re looking for that fuzz-into-a-screaming-stack sound, the iconic tone of guitarists such as David Gilmour, Jimi Hendrix, and many others, then grab our Voodoo Fuzz board and start soldering!

This version includes three trimmers to bias the JFET at the taste or just to place a 15k resistor instead of the trimmers just as the original. It also features pads to use standard through-hole J201 or the more available and reliable SMD version.

Controls

The Pineapple drive has the same controls as most overdrive or distortion effects but including some interesting and useful improvements:

• Volume: This controls the output level of the pedal. It works just like the volume knob on your guitar or your amp. As you raise the FUZZ knob and depending on how you adjust the BRIGHTNESS control and switches, you may need to raise or lower them to have the same output level.
• Fuzz: Controls the amount of fuzz that is heard. As usual, the amount of fuzz achieved and the style of the fuzz depends on where the switch is
• Brightness – This adjusts between a much darker, bassier sound at the fully counterclockwise position to a very high-forward, present sound fully clockwise.
• Big / Tight Switch: The beauty of this pedal is the options you get from this switch. Select which of the two fuzz circuits to place in front of the Plexi section.

For further analysis on this circuit take a look at this thread on Free Stomp Boxes Forum.

For any technical questions regarding this build don’t forget to check out our Facebook Group and our forum at Free Stomp Boxes.

Voodoo Fuzz – Building Docs

Voodoo Fuzz – Drilling Templates