Maestro FZ-1A Fuzz

UnclePsychosis

Hi folks

I have a North Effects "The Primitive" which is basically a clone of the Maestro FZ-1A. 

I really like the sound, but its battery only and has no LED. Does anyone know of anyone else who makes a fuzz based on this circuit, or any kits? Poodle pedals don't have one.

Cheers

ICBM

Why not mod it? It's not an original so you shouldn't be ruining the value.

juansolo

They're just nasty dude. Can't say I've ever felt the urge to build one. 

If you want something that does nasty better, get an Ibanez Standard Fuzz clone. JMK does a board for that, and it's all kinds of nasty (in a good way).

UnclePsychosis

I've just discovered that EHX do a "Satisfaction" fuzz which gets pretty close to this sound (although apparently its closer to a Jordan Bosstone than a Maestro). 

ICBM

I'm puzzled why you don't just fit it with the LED and jack. Having looked at pics of them you're not even going to be ruining the graphics .

I notice it appears to be a 1.5V supply but that wouldn't be hard to get around with a resistor and a Zener diode.

Cheaper than a new pedal and less likely to break than an EH.

UnclePsychosis

ICBM said:

I'm puzzled why you don't just fit it with the LED and jack. Having looked at pics of them you're not even going to be ruining the graphics .

I notice it appears to be a 1.5V supply but that wouldn't be hard to get around with a resistor and a Zener diode.

Cheaper than a new pedal and less likely to break than an EH.

I know, but I don't have the parts, or a drill, and I'm not sure I'd be confident in modifying it to go from 9V to 1.5V. 

ICBM

UnclePsychosis said:

I know, but I don't have the parts, or a drill, and I'm not sure I'd be confident in modifying it to go from 9V to 1.5V. 

It's easy - just two components, a 1.5V Zener diode and a resistor. I did actually wonder if you could use the LED itself since a red one has a forward voltage of about 1.5V, but that would mean powering the circuit only when the effect was actually on, which I think would make it pop or thump loudly when switched.

Even if you can't do it yourself it's got to be cheaper to pay someone who can than buying a different pedal, and you can be sure of getting the same sound.