PI π FUZZ: GERMANIUM

I’m not usually big on doing direct "clones" or pedals that are commonly cloned but with how well the green Russian PI fuzz turned out I thought “why not make the other versions?”

While we're at it, what if the had the mids available to change the minds of the many guitarists who feel like they just disappear in a mix when they kick on a BM fuzz? Basically, a version for both BM PI π FUZZ collectors AND those who wrote them off long ago.

With every version, the best transistor is carefully selected and measured for the best “HFE” (or gain) for each stage and tone for that circuit. Whenever possible the original transistors will be used but if there is a better alternative, thats what will be used.

All the important things are as exact as possible, the proper emitter and collector values, diodes that are as close to the original as possible but I’ve used WIMA film caps for the nf values and silver mica for the pf values as I do in my other designs.

The major change is adding a mid boost/scoop control. so not only can you achieve flat/unity mids, you can even boost mids above unity

•THE GERMANIUM is a fusion of the best qualities of the TRIANGLE & RAMS HEAD designs using germanium NPN transistors for the clipping stages. This is only really a fuzz if it’s boosted say with something like a VOLUME IV rangemaster (of reality)
It’s true nature is a raw organic transistor overdrive and distortion with the blooming harmonics of the RAMS HEAD and crunchy, articulate bite of the TRIANGLE.

I didn’t reinvent the wheel with this one but it is as close to perfected as can be.

I’ll be doing the GERMANIUM PI π FUZZ in blackened or "leather crackled" aluminum with MOOG style knobs.

Controls are (top left to bottom right)
M=Mid
T=Tone
V=Volume
🔱=Gain

Videos are available on Instagram @blackhawkamps

All Blackhawk fuzz pedals can be placed anywhere in your guitar chain. You never have to worry about buffers or active pickups getting in the way of your tone.

All BLACKHAWK pedals and preamps are true bypass and standard “one spot style” 9v, Negative tip, 2.1mm barrel.

Please allow 1-2 weeks build time as every BLACKHAWK pedal is made by hand for YOU.