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| Now here's something I'll bet you didn't know existed. I sure didn't! I've really liked the Fi-Sonic amps I've come across (including the 2 x 12 combo and 5-watt Class A combo in stock at present), but never realised there was a home-grown Aussie 'Fuzz Blender' also to come out of Phil Dreoni's workshop in Marrickville, Sydney, where Fi-Sonics were all handmade. The circuit uses three transistors (probably Germanium, but I have yet to determine anything at all about the circuit) and all discrete components, and is powered by a 9-volt battery. I've only been able to give it a very quick test, as the battery I had to hand was far from fresh, and the unit displayed some weird characteristics, which I have yet to determine if they indicate a fault with the unit, or simply a flat battery. Essentially, there appears to be a 'noise gate' in the circuit which cuts in quite early, meaning that quite a high signal (a single-coil flat out only just suffices, where a humbucker seems to have little problem) is required to 'open' the gate. But when I can get it to work (I used my Cargill Telecaster, which has active EMGs), the result is a lot of fun - pure '60s/'70s FUZZ! I almost felt that my hair was suddenly in an Afro style (assuming I still had enough hair!), and my guitar strap had all those leather 'streamers' hanging from it. I doubt I'll sell this, as I paid way too much for it in the first instance, simply to get my hands on such a rare beast, but you're very welcome to view it. And grin if you like! Yeah Man! A visitor to the website, Gordon, contacted me with the following very interesting information, which I'm sure you'll also be interested to read - "Some background information on the Fi Sonic Fuzz. I first used one in late 1965. They were only on the market for a few short months. The first version was really radical in that it was made to be hooked up between an amp and speakers. Played havoc with all those early transistor amps with no protection." Thanks Gordon! And just in from Damien, is the following information which I am sure has hit a bullseye! He pointed out that the Fi-Sonic Fuzz "follows a Maestro FZ1 circuit. it was a popular fuzz circuit that was copied and used by different companies. when i looked at the photos on your website, the three transistors and the values of the resistors reminded me of a fz1 if you look at your pics, going left to right of the resistors you can read clearly are 56K 10K 10K 1.5K 10K 1M 100K plus there is a 22 something resistor off a pot and another obscured. there are two polarized capacitors, and two green cap capacitors. if you look at the schematic below you will see the same or at least similar values and components."
(copyright Phillip Bryant - used with thanks) Many thanks Damien - I think that's given me the information and impetus to get this rare beast working as it should, and having some fun with it! not for sale
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