Which fuZZ pedal will help me get an Eric Johnson type lead tone??

[jalguitarman]

Want to get a lead tone similar to E.J.. Whats the fuZZ to get??
Tanks as always.

 

[11 Gauge]

Silicon Fuzz Face with lower gain transistors (I'd avoid RI's and probably get a clone made by someone other than Dunlop).

Eric's tones seem to be a bit more in step with Hendrix's BoG stuff, which was silicon fuzz - not germanium.

Two things that Eric's FF's seem to have that differ from stock are BC183 or 2N222 transistors and a 100K output pot. There may be other things, and his latest pedals may have different transistors. Since they are silicon, they aren't as critical IMO, as long as the gain is low - nothing like the MPSA18's in the Dunlop JH2 (horrible, IMO). The different output pot will make a FF a bit brighter, but I wouldn't constitute it as a deal breaker. Silicon FF's are already bright!

IMO, higher gain transistors will make a silicon FF sound like something other than one. Just do a bit of googling to learn more about what transistors clone builders currently offer.

Also, fairly recent experimentation seems to have revealed that 2N2369/PN2369 (MPS2369 transistors from Radio Shack if they have them), will give you a tone about halfway between the Hendrix/Johnson silicon one and the original germanium FF, which will give some additional flexibility (better "cleanup"). But you will lose a bit of the snarl and bite that the "proper" silicon transistors will provide. They are very low gain - almost the same as "good" germanium transistors.

Why am I giving all of this info about transistors? Because that is about 85% (some would argue more) of what gives a FF it's sound, so the transistors are very important. Any good clone builder will highlight this almost immediately. Good luck!

 

[pistolsteve]

Lovepedal 200 Lbs. of Tone I think does a good job of emulating Eric Johnson. Not sure they make 'em anymore, but I'm sure you can find one used if you do some searching.

 

[mojoming]

(link removed)

 

[jalguitarman]

I have considered a sunface pedal. I also wish they still made a fulltone 69. I would try that one as I bet it would get me close. I would also love to have an adaptor that simulates an almost dead batterey. I know that i notice a difference in my jazz bass w/ active electronics when I use a standard battery vs a heavy duty battery. With a standard battery the tone is smoother, better in my opinion. I am hoping in trying to get Eric Johnsons tone I discover my own tone. I do know a standard od/distortion wont get the job done for me.
Thanks guys.

 

[shades]

A Fulltone 69 will get the tone. The germanium components have a mind and life of their own like few other stomp boxes. Use regular 9 volt batteries as they work better than an alkaline.Save your nickels & dimes, the 69 is worth every dollar when you find one. I lucked onto one at my favorite music store in the used pedal case and grabbed it right away. Ebay sellers get kind of nuts with used Fulltone gear but you'll find a deal from time to time.

 

[schenkadere]

Jetter Gain Stage Blue...that's what it was designed for.

(link removed)

 

[mojoming]

I have considered a sunface pedal. I also wish they still made a fulltone 69. I would try that one as I bet it would get me close.

Those use germanium transistors. Eric's signature tone is from his use of silicon Fuzz Faces.

I would also love to have an adaptor that simulates an almost dead batterey.

That Das Fuzz has that feature built in.

 

[metulmykul]

I came across this on another forum...
I believe this to be EJ's tech sorting through Fuzz Faces

image removed

A tweaked FF woukd be a good starting point.

 

[jalguitarman]

Thanks for the help everyone. I truly appreciate it!! Ithink I will try the dallas fuzzface si.

 

[stan]

this is new Mad Professor Golden Cello

and reports saying EJ in a box,

http://www.premierguitar.com/Magazi...fessor_Introduces_the_Golden_Cello_Pedal.aspx

 

[ludashoeless]

I came across this on another forum...
I believe this to be EJ's tech sorting through Fuzz Faces

image removed

A tweaked FF woukd be a good starting point.

thats awesome

 

[WaylonFan76]

This one, I'm guessing ?!?!? (link removed)

 

[smoss469]

This one, I'm guessing ?!?!? (link removed)

This thread was almost 2 1/2 years old when it was bumped up today... LOOOONG before the EJ FF was released

 

[WaylonFan76]

Dang it ! Didn't check the date... Doggone zombies...

 

[WaylonFan76]

..

 

[telepath]

Fuzz .. just wont ever diiiieeeee

 

[twangjeff]

Sounding like Eric Johnson comes from the practice room not the pedalboard.

 

[smoss469]

..

In a few years Christopher Lee will look like that again... this time without makeup.

 

[smoss469]

Sounding like Eric Johnson comes from the practice room not the pedalboard.

Being able to play like Eric Johnson comes from the practice room. Sounding like Eric Johnson comes from being Eric Johnson.