Fuzzes + Cold Weather = No fun

[josephpnorman]

I've been in the process of downsizing my rig and just trying to stick to a few really nice pedals. Someone recommended the Addrock Geranium Fuzz and it really sounds fantastic, So I've been getting all the tones I want using the Addrock and my guitar's volume knob. BUT the problem is, last night we had to play a show outside in 30 degree weather, and the fuzz sounded really out of wack. I couldn't even use it. Luckily, I had a Zvex SHO and just cranked that up all the way for a little overdrive, so at least I had something. But is this normal for germanium fuzz pedals to act up in cold weather? If so, could someone please explain why? Thanks a lot, guys.

[charmboy]

Germanium fuzzes are very sensitive to temperature changes. The best way that I know around it, is to have one with a bias mounted externally... ala the Analogman sundial on his sunfaces. Others have it as well, that just happens to be what I use.

[thiscalltoarms]

yup completely normal. germanium fuzzes are tempermental little mean jerks that sound awesome but are hard to use outside.


dude. how did you play outside in 30 degree whether? my hands would freeze up and I'd have NO TONE.

[Taller]

Funny you should mention this - last night a young guy I'm acquainted with who is starting to build and market his own pedals let me demo his fuzz. He'd brought it in from his car - temp outside couldn't have been less than 55 degrees - let it sit at room temperature for at least an hour, and when I finally plugged in and tried to use it, it spat, crackled, and would cut in and out.
He tried to use the temperature excuse, but in my mind I was thinking that back in October, I had played an outdoor gig in 45 degree weather (freaking miserable :puh) and my Beano Boost and Sunface performed flawlessly.
So, needless to say, I wasn't too impressed with his product.
Maybe it's the specific type of Germanium transistor he used, in which case he needs to find one that's more forgiving. We gigging guitar players end up playing in all kinds of goofy situations.

[fr8_trane]

Another way to tame the temp instability of Ge fuzzes is to replace the first transistor with a Si trannie. Si is unaffected by temp and in a FF its the 2nd transistor that is most responsible for the fuzz tone and feel. In most hybrid fuzzes it is usually Si --> Ge and if you choose the right Si (low gain is must) the tone and feel should be identical to full Ge.

[re-animator]

Si is not that much better.

My bc108 fuzzface isn't that great when the temp is cold.

[fr8_trane]

Funny you should mention this - last night a young guy I'm acquainted with who is starting to build and market his own pedals let me demo his fuzz. He'd brought it in from his car - temp outside couldn't have been less than 55 degrees - let it sit at room temperature for at least an hour, and when I finally plugged in and tried to use it, it spat, crackled, and would cut in and out.
He tried to use the temperature excuse, but in my mind I was thinking that back in October, I had played an outdoor gig in 45 degree weather (freaking miserable :puh) and my Beano Boost and Sunface performed flawlessly.
So, needless to say, I wasn't too impressed with his product.
Maybe it's the specific type of Germanium transistor he used, in which case he needs to find one that's more forgiving. We gigging guitar players end up playing in all kinds of goofy situations.

Its not an excuse. Its a physical fact that the way Ge conducts is EXTREMELY heat sensitive. Its the reason that it was abandoned by the electronics industry in favor of the much more stable Si. He probably biased the fuzz at room temp and it sounded great. But a 20 degree difference in temp will absolutely call for that transistor to be rebiased which is why many boutique Ge fuzzes have a bias trim or external pot.

[greg777]

I would try the Das Fuzz Ge fuzz. It has an auto bias feature and I can use it in any temp. Or so I've tried. They really do live up to what they say.

My 2 C

Greg

[telefuzzfreak]

Didn't SRV put his fuzz pedals in the freezer?

[Franklin]

I heard that someone did freeze their fuzzes...

[josephpnorman]

dude. how did you play outside in 30 degree whether? my hands would freeze up and I'd have NO TONE.

Ha it was absolutely miserable. Let's just say that it definitely wasn't my finest performance... but I guess it was a good learning experience