THD METAL DISTORTION & HYBRID GERMANIUM FUZZ

Developed from my 'made in Japan' HM-2. This redesign extends beyond the limitations of the original circuit to give additional tonal options, without compromising the classic fundamental tone. By using a dual-gang potentiometer, the DISTORTION knob has been redefined from the sloppy classic one. This is actually a dual-function control, which cascades gain stages together: The first half of the range of the DISTORTION knob controls a full-bodied fuzz. The second half uses black glass diodes to add a further layer of compression and sustain. The signal is processed through germanium diodes in the final compression stage. I found some hefty Soviet germanium pulse diodes (they look like little submarines) which are ideal for this function, and are crucial to achieving the valve-like attack response. N.B. this is unlike the common soft or hard peak clipping diode distortion configuration. The silicon/germanium switch hot-swaps the distorting transistor of the fuzz stage. The germanium mode sounds, dare I say it, closer to "tube-like". These transistors are cherry-picked from my collection. First in, best dressed. A focus switch has been added which makes subtle adjustments to the boominess of the bass. This is most noticeable when the LO+ EQ knob is turned up very high. The chips have been upgraded to high-performance audio amplifiers by JRC (Japanese Radio Company). Japanese audio-grade capacitors have mostly been used throughout. Full-sized 1/4W metal film resistors have been used, all condensed down to fit into a compact 1590BS Hammond enclosure. The classic HM-2 function is achievable while both of the mode switches are in the left position. If you want to 'max out' all of the controls for the Swedish chainsaw tone, then you will need to reduce the VOL control to taste, as it has an increased output level from the classic. This pedal stacks best when placed after other distortion and overdrive pedals.