Fuzz Face Guitar Pedal

Analysis, redesign and custom PCB implementation of a classic analog fuzz circuit.

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[team]

Engineering a classic circuit, built for progress

This project documents the analysis, redesign, and implementation of a classic Fuzz Face guitar pedal.
The focus is on understanding the original analog circuit, its biasing behavior,and the interaction between discrete components. Based on this analysis, thecircuit was reworked and implemented on a custom PCB to improve reliability,repeatability, and layout quality.
The result is a fully functional prototype that serves as a foundation forfuture modular and customizable extensions.
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Technical Focus


• Circuit analysis & biasing behavior
• Discrete transistor selection and gain staging
• Noise, stability, and layout considerations
• Custom PCB design and grounding strategy

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Project:

Fuzz Face Guitar Pedal

Category:

Analog audio electronics

Supply voltage:

9 V DC

PCB:

Custom design

Status:

Working prototype

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by Luca Biasio

Measurements & Analysis

To verify the circuit behavior, multiple measurements were performed on the assembled prototype.Focus was placed on transistor biasing, signal amplification, waveform clipping, and noise performance.
All measurements were taken on the real hardware to compare theoretical expectations with practical results.

Measurement setup

Measurements were carried out on the assembled PCB using a signal generator, oscilloscope, and electric guitar as input source.The input signal level and supply voltage were kept constant to ensure reproducible results.

Signal amplification & clipping

The oscilloscope measurements show the characteristic asymmetric clipping of the Fuzz Face circuit.
Transistor biasing strongly influences the waveform shape, resulting in different distortion textures and dynamic response.

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