KingTone upgrades miniFUZZ to V2 with silicon/germanium switch

July 1, 2023 · 2 sources

KingTone has upgraded its miniFUZZ fuzz pedal to V2, a version that combines the circuits and options of the earlier miniFUZZ Si and miniFUZZ Ge. Delicious Audio reported the change on July 17, 2023, describing the pedal as "recently upgraded to V2"¹. KingTone lists the V2 in a limited edition red finish at $299.99, marked out of stock².

The V2 adds a Type knob that selects between silicon and germanium, which Delicious Audio notes means buyers no longer have to choose one version over the other as with V1¹. KingTone says the pedal "combines the tones and options of both the miniFUZZ Si and the miniFUZZ Ge, giving you the option to switch between the distinctive tones of silicon or germanium"². The current build uses BC183 silicon transistors paired with an MP10b, which KingTone describes as tonally "identical" to the miniFUZZ Ge transistors and extremely temperature tolerant².

A red bias LED sits above the fuzz knob and lights when the bias level is ideal, a level Delicious Audio notes can shift with conditions such as temperature¹. KingTone calls the indicator patent pending². The internal switches of the earlier version have moved to side panel DIP switches, with two added, according to Delicious Audio¹:

The three-way toggle of V1 remains, offering Fat/Full, Zonk and Vintage voicings²¹. Delicious Audio describes them as smooth muff-type sounds, hairy bender-style tones and a mid-focused tone reminiscent of the Fuzz Face, respectively¹. KingTone also lists a bias control knob, a fuzz control, top mounted jacks, true bypass, a switchable buffer, a four-position tone switch and a battery simulator for DC power².

The enclosure is CNC 6061 anodized aluminum, measuring 4.7 by 2.8 inches, and the pedal runs on a 9V battery or standard center negative 9V DC². KingTone lists a weight of 1 lb².