catalinbread Fuzzrite Germanium (Catalinbred) fuzz

Catalinbread Fuzzrite / Fuzzrite Germanium is a fuzz pedal that recreates the ferocious garage fuzz of the past.
Between 1966 and 1968, Mosrite manufactured fuzz pedals in two different circuit versions.
Of these, the version using germanium transistors is by far the rarest, with Ed Sanner, who designed the original pedal, estimating that around 250 were ever shipped.
It was later changed to a silicon transistor version.
Iron Butterfly's In-A-Gada-Da-Vida and Strawberry Alarm Clock's Incence and Peppermints are famously recorded using Mosrite Fuzzrites, especially before the switch to silicon versions.
Catalinbread had the opportunity to use this germanium version freely, and while using it as a benchmark, we recreated this sound by adding more modern modes.
It faithfully reproduces the circuitry of the 60s, producing a splat, raw, and majestic tone.
The Depth control adds gain and brightness, while the Volume knob adjusts the overall volume.
Select Modern mode with the v/m switch to enhance the low end to suit modern rigs.
The gain can also be controlled using the volume control on the guitar, and increasing the depth will produce that dense sound.
Another attractive feature is the beautiful dark and clear tone produced when the depth is lowered. The sound produced when the depth is lowered is different from the sound produced when the depth is raised and the guitar volume is lowered. Although it is a simple pedal with only two knobs, it is a fuzz pedal that can show various expressions depending on your picking, playing style, and settings.
It is also effective when used as a base.
By using a polarity inverter IC, the same NOS PNP germanium semiconductor as the original can be driven by a standard power supply.

● Regarding signal chain placement: As this is a classic fuzz that responds to pick attack and guitar controls, it's best placed at the beginning of your effects chain for the best dynamic response. If this isn't practical, make sure there are no buffers before the pedal, as this can significantly limit the dynamic potential when using guitar controls. If you plan to combine Fuzzrite with other dirt pedals, it's worth experimenting with the order in which you run them, as different orders can dramatically change the results.

The Fuzzrite Germanium is powered by a 9V battery or a standard center negative DC 9V adapter.
Current consumption: 3mA
Controls: volume, depth, v/m