PI π FUZZ: GREEN / BLACK RUSSIAN (90s)

7/23 UPDATED VERSION:

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.

•The defining characteristics of the GREEN RUSSIAN are its extended low end (which makes it killer for bass and Baritone tunings) as well as it being more of a "transistor distortion" than a "normal" fuzz. All of this is carefully maintained and so much more.
This version is iconic in countless heavy bands since the 90s.

•KT3102E transistors in the green and BC549C in the black.

•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.

•The main difference between my Green and Black Russian PI fuzzes is the amount of available gain. The black being much higher gain (Goes deeper into "fuzz" where as the Green is more of a high gain "distortion").

•All the important things are as exact as possible, the proper emitter and collector values and diodes that are as close to the original as possible and instead of the usual WIMA caps I went with the big green mylar film caps for the nf values to get even closer to the original tone and ceramic disk for the pf. They actually sounded more accurate!

•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 GREEN RUSSIAN is in a military green powder coated enclosure that has been carved and the graphics blackened with OR/MAT or "Big Boss" knobs.

•The BLACK RUSSIAN is in a black powder coated enclosure with "Big Boss" knobs only.

•"CHERNOBYL" edition uses the "CIVIL WAR" values and comes with OR/MAT knobs and black hardware.

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

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.