The Wireless Germanium Fuzz is a fuzz pedal from Bad Penny FX that follows the Tone Bender MkIII circuit structure, a classic three-transistor fuzz layout. Pedal of the Day describes it as bringing a warm and classic sound into the fold, which is the character germanium transistors are known for.1
Circuit and transistors
The pedal is built on the Tone Bender MkIII circuit structure, which Pedal of the Day calls a classic unit.1
At its heart are three NOS, PNP, NKT275 equivalent germanium transistors, selected for their gain structure. NOS means new old stock: period-correct parts made decades ago that have never been used. PNP germanium is the traditional transistor type for this style of fuzz.1
Because germanium parts vary from unit to unit, the transistors are balanced by ear with internal trim potentiometers. The builder listens and adjusts the internal trims so the three stages work together, rather than relying on measurements alone.1
Controls
The control section is straightforward:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Fuzz | Sets the amount of fuzz |
| Tone | Shapes the treble character |
| Master (Volume) | Sets the output level |
Fuzz, Tone and Master (Volume) make up the beef of the control section, according to Pedal of the Day.1
Build and hardware
The pedal comes in the classic Bad Penny FX English Ash Hardwood and aluminum case, a construction approach that sets it apart from the usual painted metal boxes. Inputs and outputs use Neutrik mono jacksockets, and the pedal uses high quality foot and finger switches.1
"these things are built like tanks, and look just beautiful in person"
What reviewers said
Pedal of the Day's 2021 review is the main published account of the pedal. The reviewer described it as bringing a warm and classic sound into the fold, praised the transistor selection and by-ear matching, and summed up the build quality in the quotation above.1
Videos
Pedal of the Day
Questions
Which Tone Bender is the Bad Penny FX Wireless Germanium Fuzz based on?
Pedal of the Day describes it as a classic unit that follows the Tone Bender MkIII circuit structure. That three-transistor layout is the framework for the pedal, and Bad Penny FX fills it with new-old-stock germanium transistors selected for their gain structure rather than any other part type.
What transistors does the Bad Penny Wireless Germanium Fuzz use?
It uses three NOS, PNP, NKT275 equivalent germanium transistors, selected for their gain structure, according to Pedal of the Day. Germanium parts like these are the traditional choice for warm, classic-sounding fuzz circuits.
What is the Bad Penny Wireless Germanium Fuzz enclosure made of?
The pedal comes in the classic Bad Penny FX English Ash Hardwood and aluminum case. Pedal of the Day's reviewer noted that Bad Penny FX pedals are built like tanks and look beautiful in person.
How are the transistors matched in the Wireless Germanium Fuzz?
The three germanium transistors are balanced by ear with internal trim potentiometers. That means the builder listens to the circuit and adjusts internal trims rather than relying only on measured gain figures, aiming for a balanced fuzz response.
Sources (1)
- Bad Penny FX Wireless Germanium Fuzz, Pedal of the Day, 2021-06-01
