This interesting pedal is Top Gear’s most dynamic, and combines both their Fuzz and Treble Boost circuitry into one versatile effect. Even though the pedal is capable of producing an incredibly large palette from which to choose, it is quite accessible, and sounds really good with any combination of control settings. Earlier Top Gear pedals are likened to concurrent better known fuzz pedals, and often draw inspiration from such simple circuitry, however, this circuit is completely unique to the Fuzz Sustain, and while it is similar to other late-’70s Colorsound and Eurotec models, there are significant differences. UK-made Top Gear pedals are inherently rare, and rarely are they available.
There was a request to trace it and create a layout.
Looks like TL071 will sub for the LM741, which will make it a lot easier to verify ASAP:)
ReplyDeleteThe bottom leg of the top right 10n cap isn't connected to anything.
ReplyDeleteugh. it's one of those days. fixed the layout. the layout got 1 column larger, but as a plus the wiring got neater.
DeleteStill not a go; I get really low output and the boost knob is not well. Volume and tone are functioning correctly but Boost is less dirty as you turn up (even after switching wires). Is the ground of the 10u cap from the diodes supposed to connect to boost 1 or ground?
ReplyDeleteSwap around the top left 4.7K with the 3.9M.
Deletei made the resistor change in the layout.
DeleteSo is this working?
ReplyDeleteIs there a Link to a schematic?
ReplyDeleteTrace thread here
Deletehttp://guitar-fx-layouts.42897.x6.nabble.com/Top-Gear-Fuzz-Sustain-td31845.html
Thanks ciaran! Absolutely helpful.
DeleteBuilt this tonight. Very nearly verified: I think the boost connections are the wrong way round: the wire labelled "boost 1" should go to lug 3 on the pot, and the one labelled "boost 2 & 3" goes to lugs 1 & 2. That makes the boost pot so it increases distortion when turned clockwise. Apart from this it's working nicely.Nice one, Zach, thankyou.
ReplyDeleteMy bad. I labelled the lugs wrong on the schematic. Cheers lads.
DeleteSweet. I'll make the corrections and mark it verified when I get home.
DeleteYou just beat me to it! Double-verified, I guess? I had the same experience with the boost pot. Once I got it working the only thing was that with boost all the way up I got a shrill tone. Used TL071 as a sub, maybe the original sounds better?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWhen i traced this from the gut shot, I come up with Volume 1 as not connected to ground. I see it connecting to the 4k7 coming from 9v+. I could be mistaken though:-)
ReplyDeletelooks like there are 14 cuts, layout says 13, just an fyi :)
ReplyDeleteIf it is of interest, I was the one to share the gut shots so that you could all share and build your own version of this pedal because its ridiculously expensive, and I think everyone should own one.
ReplyDeleteI bought a clone for a friend based on this schematic, as I didn't have the time to build it Myself.
It just sounds like a pedal I have heard before and it doesn't sound like the original, It doesn't do the same thing.
i have a Million pedals, and this pedal is the only Overdrive that I have (Its not a fuzz) that adds room to your sound in the same way reverb does (Its unique)
If you swap it out on your pedal board for a lets say boss OD1 pedal, It freaks you out, because it sounds thin. I used to think I had broken it, but when you eventually adjust, that thinness becomes distance, air in the room and atmosphere.
Recording is instantly classic with no EQ
Its truly unique,
So if anyone wants to take another pot shot at recreating it please let me know, I'll help you in any way I can.