Univox Superfuzz, probably NSFW

[genXslacker]

Build Rating

4.00 star(s)

In the time-honored tradition of naming fuzz pedals after lady parts, I present this Superfuzz circuit for your consideration.



For decades I didn't think I was much of a fuzz guy. After trying Josh Scott's advice to run fuzz into either an amp that's breaking up or an OD that's simulating it, I am coming around.

That said, I built this pedal a while back the way I build most fuzzes — "knowing" I won't like it much. So I used a lot of cheaper (but still audited for tolerance) parts when I had them in stock and didn't take as much care lining up components on the board before and while soldering. I regretted that when I plugged it in to a Lightspeed OD and a Champ. I wouldn't say that I love it, but I definitely like it a lot.

If I build another, I'll take my time and bring out the WIMAs. I'll also solder the transistors to the board. I wasn't certain that the 2N5551's would do the thing, but they definitely do.

Fast build, no hiccups other than having to die grind a section of the lid lip to make room for the electrolytic on the right edge of the board. My fault for rushing through component selection.

Aion FX legacy board, because 1590B. Side jacks for @comradehoser.

 

[Synchrony Pedalworks]

So, like Syphillis, fuzz is making a come back for you?

All jokes aside, great build. Clean and sharp.

 

[Harry Klippton]

GISM reference spotted?

 

[Guardians of the analog]

Turned out great. I built all the fuzz some years back and came to accept I prefer amp drive. But I will agree that an amp breaking up is the way to get it to work better.

 

[genXslacker]

GISM reference spotted?

I came up with it independently, but I shouldn't be surprised somebody else got there first.

I'm going to have to check that out.

 

[genXslacker]

Turned out great. I built all the fuzz some years back and came to accept I prefer amp drive. But I will agree that an amp breaking up is the way to get it to work better.

Yeah, fuzz isn't going to be replacing my overdrives any time soon. I'm an overdrive guy through and through. Like a lot of us I suspect, I'd just crank my amps if I didn't have family and neighbors... and hated hearing in my old(er) age.

 

[Guardians of the analog]

Yeah, fuzz isn't going to be replacing my overdrives any time soon. I'm an overdrive guy through and through. Like a lot of us I suspect, I'd just crank my amps if I didn't have family and neighbors... and hated hearing in my old(er) age.

This is why I have a 20 watt amp with a great master volume. Also, having a captor/cam m+ really helps. Overdrive is just a boost for me

 

[genXslacker]

GISM reference spotted?

Man, I was totally on board till the singing started. I've never been able to get into the forced/faux-demonic voice thing.

Even so, that reference was an excellent pull. Well done.

 

[genXslacker]

This is why I have a 20 watt amp with a great master volume. Also, having a captor/cam m+ really helps. Overdrive is just a boost for me

I really ought to get an attenuator of some sort. I have a few great old Fenders that never make it past 2.

I modded my SF Champ five or six years ago to have a master volume. I convinced myself that I liked it at the time, but it doesn't really do the thing. I'm eventually going to undo it. As much as I love the old Fender amps, all of their glory, for me anyway, is getting those power tubes to break up.

 

[OD is Glorious]

I am clutching my pearls

 

[grapeSoda]

I’m surprised you missed the opportunity to replace the “P” in “CLIP” with a “T”. I mean, it would be thematically consistent.

 

[bluedmc777]

How about fuzzy drives like the Danelectro Nichols ‘66 (Cadmium Fuzz). I think I got the name right. Just heard one the other night and had to order a board.

 

[andare]

GISM reference spotted?

Yes what is that singing?!

 

[andare]

This is one of the most extreme fuzzes. If you play a Fuzz Face, it has beautiful cleans and OD tones in it, all accessible with the volume knob on the guitar.
But I agree that true tube overdrive is something else.
I have a 30w Princeton-like amp with master volume so I can enjoy preamp tube OD In my bedroom. I've never experienced power tube overdrive. It's impossible to crank amps even in bars.

 

[pricklyrobot]

Man, I was totally on board till the singing started. I've never been able to get into the forced/faux-demonic voice thing.

Except in this case, if you read up on Sakevi Yokoyama (the singer), you realize that there’s a better than average chance he’s an actual demon

 

[genXslacker]

I’m surprised you missed the opportunity to replace the “P” in “CLIP” with a “T”. I mean, it would be thematically consistent.

Ha! I have teenaged children. While we're not a prudish family, I can only explain away so much as humor. At some point, Dad would stop looking like he has a weird sense of humor and start looking like a pervert. It's bad enough to be saddled with the inescapable knowledge that one's parents had sex.

How about fuzzy drives like the Danelectro Nichols ‘66 (Cadmium Fuzz). I think I got the name right. Just heard one the other night and had to order a board.

I'll have to revisit the demos. In general, I do like fuzzes that can be rolled back to drive levels. The Benson Germanium Fuzz comes to mind... pity they discontinued it.

I've never experienced power tube overdrive. It's impossible to crank amps even in bars.

Back in the '90s, we had a practice space in a warehouse in an industrial park. The warehouse was vacant by 5:00 p.m., and by 6:00 we were pretty much the only people in the whole park. It was glorious.

Except in this case, if you read up on Sakevi Yokoyama (the singer), you realize that there’s a better than average chance he’s an actual demon

If he could sing like Jack Butler played guitar, I could look past that.