The Benson Germanium Fuzz is influenced by classic '60s fuzz topology, using a pair of meticulously-matched 2N527 transistors. However, Benson has added some clever updates to the circuit which ingeniously avoid the notorious negatives associated with vintage Ge fuzzes, while keeping all of the beloved germanium tones intact.
Automatic Thermal Bias Technology – Optimal Fuzz Sounds at All Times!
One crucial update is a warming circuit that keeps the transistors at optimum working temperature, no matter the external environment. When the LED is orange, the circuit is warming up. When it goes green, the ideal temperature has been achieved and the warmer automatically turns off. It's normal for this LED to toggle back and forth between orange and green as it does its work to keep the transistors operating at the perfect temperature.
Built-In Buffer & Pickup Simulator
Further improvements include buffer and pickup simulator circuits to cure the often nasty interaction between Ge fuzzes and other buffered pedals that sit before them in the chain. After the pickup sim, an impedance control has been added — allowing you to get that "guitar volume rolled back" sound without touching the guitar volume at all. Turn the impedance counter-clockwise for more hair, gain, and output, or clockwise for a tight, sparkling drive!
The Benson Germanium Fuzz is an amazing all-around dirt pedal, generating everything from warm boost and overdrive sounds, to traditional fuzz and burly distortion tones. It's a classic-sounding fuzz with practical, modern-day enhancements — a worthy addition to any pedalboard.
Specifications
- Jacks: Input, Output (Top-Mounted)
- Controls: Volume, Gain, Impedance
- Bypass: Buffered
- Voltage: 9V
- Current Draw: 70mA
- Made in Portland, Oregon
