effects pedals and music production @ fuzz-effect-sounds-and-more.com

Fuzz Face :

The Fuzz Face is one of those iconic effects pedals to have gained legendary status among musicians, collectors, and enthusiasts. Some history : 1966, the Fuzz Face was originally designed and manufactured by Arbiter Electronics. 1968, Arbiter merged with Dallas Music LTD, and so became Dallas-Arbiter. The Fuzz Face circuit remained unchanged, until silicon (BC108) transistors were employed to replace the germanium type in 1969. Note : BC183L transistors were otherwise, used in the earliest examples of this transition period. 1966, the late GREAT Jimi Hendrix employed the Fuzz Face during the recording of his debut album, Are You Experienced. 1967-’70, Hendrix also had custom (non-production) fuzz units made for him by Roger Mayer—primarily, for studio applications. Nonetheless . . photos show Jimi employing the Fuzz Face (“germanium” circuit/ v1, and later, “silicon” circuit/ v2) for his live performances as well.

This blog post showcases the reissue Dallas-Arbiter Fuzz Face (model JHF2, by Dunlop Mfg. Inc.)—as pictured, in aftermarket cosmetics. The musical TONE of this vintage effects pedal is based around 2x germanium (Ge.) NKT275 transistors. Germanium is an organic (carbon) element, which performs well/ sounds better in cooler temperatures; whereas, silicon (Si.) transistors remain unaffected by temperature change. In comparison, germanium provides a softer, smoother, warmer quality with less gain (distortion). Incidentally . . the particular Fuzz Face featured for this blog has aged 20+ years, so its sound has mellowed considerably via component value shift (i.e., numeric values/ tolerances of analog circuit components change over time). Note : Roger Mayer markets a Fuzz Face variant, called the Classic Fuzz, which he initially designed for Jimi Hendrix during 1967. Its circuit is based around 2x germanium AC128 transistors. That said, I’ve recorded an audio demo of an early 1990s Classic fuzz effects pedal (hand-made by Mayer, himself), so my readers can hear the subtle difference between it, and the JHF2 Fuzz Face. Visit my blog : Roger Mayer Classic Fuzz.

Reasons why I enjoy listening to the video soundtrack of my Fuzz Face effects pedal—as presented below :

1.) Other than the Fuzz Face, it’s the swirling, liquid-like sound of the Fulltone Deja ‘Vibe effects pedal—an EXACT boutique reproduction of the legendary Shin-ei Uni-Vibe circuit, which Hendrix also employed (1968 -’70).

2.) The unusual musical TONE of the Dunlop JH-OC1 Octavio—yet, another effect Hendrix relied upon (1967-’70).

3.) Warm sonic spaciousness and depth provided by the MXR M-169 Carbon Copy Analog Delay.

4.) 1970s-era synthesizers (in this instance) helped craft a nostalgic Progressive Rock sound.

5.) Music composition, engineering, and production—which, took months of effort to achieve.

6.) A personal celebration : it’s my 10th YouTube video !

Audio Engineering Techniques :

If interested in how I engineered the soundtrack for my JHF2 Fuzz Face audio demo, please read my blog : Roger Mayer Classic Fuzz—as, similar techniques were employed. Otherwise . . my blog, Audio Engineering Techniques, outlines additional information as well.

In order of sequence/ guitar signal chain :

* Fender ’72 Stratocaster ( reissue )
* Ernie Ball 2223 Super Slinky guitar strings
* Mogami audio cable ( entire signal chain )
* Dunlop JH-OC1 Octavio
* Dunlop JHF2 ( Dallas-Arbiter ) Fuzz Face
* Fulltone Deja ‘Vibe ( “Uni-Vibe” )
* JHS Pulp ‘N Peel Compressor
* MXR Six Band Graphic Equalizer
* TC Electronic Sentry Noise Gate

FX Loop :

* MXR M-169 Carbon Copy Analog Delay

Modeling Processor :

* Line 6 POD HD Pro (v.1)
(personal program preset, based on a ’72 Marshall 50w Super Lead amplifier + ’64 Fender Deluxe Reverb speaker cabinet)

In order of sequence/ bass guitar signal chain :

* Rickenbacker 4003 Bass
* Rickenbacker 95511 Standard bass strings
* Mogami audio cables
* JHS Lime Aid Compressor

Modeling processor :

* Tech 21 SansAmp RBI

In order of sequence/ “drums” signal chain :

* Line 6 JM4 Looper effects pedal (drum loop, only)
* Mogami audio cables
* Origin Effects Cali76 Limiters (2x orig. units/ stereo pair)
* BOSS GEB-7 Equalizers (2x units/ stereo pair)

“Keyboards” :

Vintage analog synthesizer sounds were incorporated into the mix—such as ARP, Moog, and Sequential Circuits—via audio loops (Acid Loops) by Sonic Foundry. Subsequently, I then applied stereophonic panorama (pan) effects to these particular tracks; wherein, sound travels from ear to ear 🙂

Suggested Audio Playback : High-quality professional headphones (i.e., Sony MDR-7506), and a high-quality pro-audio interface are preferred. This way, the listener will hear the intended results of my music production efforts, inherent within the provided video presented below.

NOTE : There may be a delay for the video to download from my YouTube channel. Please, wait !

Epilogue :

I hope that what I’ve provided as an essential overview of my personal recording techniques, has helped inspire you to craft your own unique sound mixes. To the average home studio enthusiast, what’s been mentioned herein, must seem rather involved. As you realize by reading this post, such is NOT merely twiddling knobs on effects pedals. Rather . . such is to show how effects pedals enhance music recordings, along with pro-audio gear.

This Website :

The intention of fuzz-effect-sounds-and-more.com is to provide a reference resource; virtually sharing my gear collection, so that readers are made greater-aware of particularly good-sounding (and, in some instances), potentially collectible effects pedals. Otherwise, to also help those whom might benefit from my recording/ engineering techniques. Ultimately, as I continue to build and design this site, I will gradually introduce additional collection-based content—such as blog posts, image galleries, audio, video, and official manufacturer web links for your convenience. The information provided herein, is based upon biased opinion. Please, do your own research.

Ebooks :

Later . . I will offer for sale Part 1 of a series of self-authored eBooks, in relation to fuzz effects pedals; subsequently, also offering additional volumes regarding other effects types—boost, overdrive, distortion, etc—all via my private, independent collection. Moreover, these tomes of tone will include audio examples, color images, (in most cases) close-up circuit views, and generalized spec. information. Otherwise, said eBooks regarding fuzz effects pedals, will additionally incl. generalized historical information as well. For details, please read this site’s eBook advertisement page.

THANKS for your interest of fuzz-effect-sounds-and-more.com

– Michael.

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