Fat Fuckin Bass- germanium bass/guitar enhancerizer.

the v6 version is here, this version rearranges the stages and slightly fine tunes them, with additional lower noise potential engineering.

Originally designed with inspiration from the Wren and Cuff Phat Phuk B, this is a bass tuned overdrive that features a JFET buffer into a germanium gain stage. The latest versions have morphed into its own thing.

I would like to emphasize, this is not solely a bass pedal. I use it on guitar as a wonderful always on preamp.

It is designed for any instrument that could use a germanium flavored, flexible preamp/boost/saturation stage.

The audio circuit is made with premium, through hole components.

what category of effect does this fit into?

preamp/boost- the mildest form of gain. typically, the least coloring (means does not change the inherent tonal qualities and frequency output of your guitar itself).

Good for pushing amps into natural breakup, or using as a volume boost, or to enhance the little nuances of the guitar that get otherwise hidden.

how would I describe the feel, texture, and sound?

"THAT" warm germanium tone that people are always raving about.

Because it uses a germanium transistor for its gain, it suits perfectly for bass- as germanium transistors have a natural smoothness, and dynamic compression that silicon is far too linear and high gain to achieve.

It is tuned to be a full spectrum boost- meaning that it allows in all frequencies, and will not choke the low end of a bass guitar like many guitar boosts can.

This circuit is not like an op amp boost that gets massive volume before it starts clipping- this pedal can cleanly boost volume and has room to do so, but after 12 o clock on the bias knob, the edges of the signal start to warm up and slightly saturate. Also changes from amp to amp.

what kind of player would like this stompbox?

Bass players have been really, loving this pedal. It is one of my best sellers- but also guitarists have been enjoying it as well. This is not so much a genre specific pedal. Anyone can use for any audio preamp purpose.

This is a very general purpose, swiss army knife tool of a pedal. It can be used as a post gain volume boost, a pre gain extra stage of saturation, a standalone clean boost/enhancer that makes the tone really POP, or even as a post gain stage sort of compression wall, to limit the amplitude of all pedals before it.

features/mods

bias- works as a gain/texture knob. Can get from clean, mild boost, all the way to decent warmth and mild grit.

Please note, that since this directly controls the DC bias to the transistor, it does make a scratchy noise when turned (no noise when set) that is just the nature of its operation.

V3-V6 mode toggle- The addition of the drive (stock jfet buffer into germanium gain stage) or fuzz (extra, very loud silicon boost stage, that drives the germanium into heavy saturation) allows for 2 varying levels of amplitude, texture, and feel.

The audio circuit is made with premium, through hole components.

true bypass, relay based switching. soft touch, abuse resistant and dead easy to replace foot switch.

compact, top jack enclosure. about 5 inches tall, and 2.7 inches wide, this effect can fit on any board with ease.

9v, center negative operation. around 50ma current draw.

VARIANT NOTES

the bog has a mechanical bypass switch with a thick and sturdy click.

V5( all newest ones are V5 unless stated)- yes. version 5. v4 was never released but it was designed. now we are here. This version features less noise, and the ability to use up to 12v. (18v is not compatible sadly because germanium transistors are often only rated up to 12v.)

BUILT TO ORDER (will offer at a later date)

custom color- message me via instagram (@twilightmidnightelectro) or email (twilightaudioelectronics@gmail.com) for a percolator build in a custom paintjob of your choice.

To get an idea of what is possible, look at my past/archive works, current live listings, and my instagram gallery. Feel free to send inspiration or your own ideas as well.

Please note that many finishes are unique and the style can be replicated, but not the exact result. 3-10 business days to complete and ship generally.

raw aluminum- comes in a very lightly sand polished, raw aluminum finish enclosure.

3-7 business days to complete and ship generally.