Shin Ei™ Companion™ Fuzz™

This is a replica of the Shin EiTM Companion™ Fuzz FY-2TM referred to as SECF in these documents. This fuzz is rough and nasty, but doesn't seem to sputter at the trail end of longer notes the way some of these 1960's type fuzz units seem to do. The problem of low volume has been addressed in this project by the addition of a boost stage at the tail end of the circuit. We tried the other gain adding mods, as detailed in the SECF Modifications document, but found that they change the overall sound of the unit. The boost keeps all the characteristics of this fuzz intact and gives you plenty of volume. Thanks to Gasper Vozelj for designing and implementing the boost stage. This fuzz has a mid range (scoop) filter stage that really sets it apart from the similar MosriteTM FuzzriteTM. This gives the overall sound of the fuzz added fullness, a good deep bass tone and clear highs, which is unique for a simple Fuzz. We don't know of a source for the original C536F7G transistors. We tried several types of transistors and our findings were that The higher the Hfe of the transistors used, the nastier the fuzz. e.g. the low gain transistors such as 2N2222 seemed give a smoother fuzz than say, high gain 2N5089 transistors. Follow the PDF diagram for parts placement. Please Note: The two 10uF capacitors in the Booster section are labeled incorrectly on the PCB. Follow the parts placement diagram for capacitors C8, C9 and C10. R17 is not used and should be left empty. The two jumpers are not needed if you are using the GGG PCB (they're already built into the top layer of the PCB).

The Kits may have “can” (TO18) transistors for Q1 and Q2. If so, use the diagrams below to determine the pin orientation of the transistors:

Here's an inside view of the unit we built to how it looks when assembled in a 125B enclosure.