GuitarPCB releases ColorTone Bass Fuzz v3 with updated parts

September 1, 2022 · 1 sources

GuitarPCB released a 2022 version of its ColorTone Bass Fuzz circuit board, the ColorTone Bass Fuzz v3, in September 2022. The maker lists two changes in the release: D3 now uses a 1N5817 circuit protection diode, and bias trimmer T1 has been adjusted to 20k¹.

The board is a DIY circuit based on the ColorSound Bass Fuzz, with an added gain stage. In the maker's description, with the boost knob fully counterclockwise the circuit is stock, and turning it clockwise adds volume and what the maker calls more articulated fuzz tones¹. The board measures 1.95 by 1.8 inches¹.

Controls are Fuzz (A100k), Tone (B100k), Volume (A100k) and Boost (A100k). The boost potentiometer and an optional T2 trimmer (100k) are in parallel: the maker says builders who want a fixed three-knob pedal install only T2 and set overall volume with it, while those who want an adjustable four-knob pedal install the boost potentiometer and omit T2. Either is meant to be set between 75% and 100% of rotation¹. The circuit uses three 2N5088 transistors and a J113 for Q4; the maker notes that builders choosing a BC546 must flip the transistor orientation¹.

Bias is set with T1. The build notes direct the builder to measure voltage between the drain of Q4 and ground with a DMM and adjust T1 so the J113 drain reads between 4.5V and 6V¹. D1 is a status LED that can be either a bi-color common anode or a standard on/off type¹.

The release document does not give a price. The board falls under the site's fuzz pedals coverage.