Benson Amps Germanium Fuzz (Fuzz Benson)

Germanium Fuzz is a germanium fuzz with "thermal bias control".
It uses two germanium transistors, 2N527 and 2N404, and is designed using 1960s fuzz circuit theory to maximize their capabilities.It also features a unique "thermal bias control" function.


● "Thermal Bias Control" function brings out the best sound. Germanium transistors are very delicate, and the bias between capacitors changes depending on the capacitor temperature. When you turn on the power to this unit, the heater gently and automatically warms the capacitors to the appropriate temperature. This ensures the best performance regardless of the outside temperature. Since it needs to wait until the appropriate temperature is reached, it takes 2 to 3 minutes after turning on the power before you can start using it.

After powering on, the LED will light up orange. This indicates that the unit is "warming up," and the heater will turn off, the gain of the transistor will be increased to the specified value, and the bias will be adjusted to the correct voltage. When the unit reaches the appropriate temperature, the heater will turn off, the LED will turn green, and the unit is ready to go.
The LED may fluctuate between orange and green during operation, but this is not a malfunction. The heater will operate as needed to keep the circuit at the appropriate temperature.
This device is designed to function normally at a temperature of approximately 37.8°C. Testing showed that the internal temperature of a white case was approximately 7°C lower than that of a black case when exposed to direct sunlight, so we were so particular about temperature that we chose white as the color of the case.


● IMPEDANCE control and Class A buffer
The IMPEDANCE knob controls the input impedance. At low settings, you can get a tight sound, like turning down the guitar's volume, even at high gain settings. However, a low impedance setting can adversely affect the sound when a buffer or other effect is connected before it. That's why we added a Class A buffer to the input stage. This buffer uses a passive pickup simulator circuit, similar to that of Jack Orman (the guitarist who created the world's first compact effects pedal), using audio transistors as the induction coil, resistors, and capacitors.
This buffer eliminates problems that arise when connecting to other effects, and makes it possible to connect things that were previously impossible, such as connecting a booster before it.

● GAIN RANGE This unit can produce a wide range of sounds, from clean boost and overdrive to aggressive fuzz with rich octave overtones. The combination of GAIN and IMPEDANCE allows for limitless sound variations. In particular, the unique IMPEDANCE control eliminates the problem of not being able to hear the fuzz sound unless you turn up the gain.

● Power Supply Notes: Use a 9V DC (center negative) power supply such as the BOSS PSA-100. BR> Never connect a power supply other than 9V, as this may cause damage.
- The current consumption is 100mA or less even when the heater is operating, but do not use a power adapter that supplies significantly less than 100mA.
The heater threshold may malfunction, causing the LED to go out of control or an oscillating noise.
- It does not support battery operation.


● Caution regarding internal trim: Never touch the trim inside (on the circuit board). If it is used with a value other than that marked at the time of shipment, it will not be covered by the warranty.