Captain Coconut 2 Owner's Manual

FuzzCard

Looking back at the FuzzFace, it was actually several different fuzz effects with one name. It was originally produced in the mid 1960’s with germanium PNP transistors. Then, in the late ‘60s and early 70s it was produced with silicon NPN transistors. The frequency response, gain, and make up of the transistors have a big effect on the way a FuzzFace sounds. The germanium PNP version is known for it’s warm, round tone. The silicon NPN version is known for it’s bright, aggressive tone with lots of gain and sustain. In addition, both versions sounded different from unit to unit. This is because the transistors were not matched in any way, so there would be differences in tone that could range from very subtle to extremely noticeable. Add to this the fact that the Fuzzface circuit has been modified for many guitarists, producing even more sounds that could be categorized as “the FuzzFace” sound. Every guitarist who’s into “Fuzz” has an idea of what the ideal fuzz should sound, and feel like. For this reason, and the reasons mentioned above, it’s easy to realize that no single fuzz is going to please every player. To address this, Captain Coconut 2 uses a modular approach to fuzz, the FuzzCard.

The FuzzCard is a plug-in circuit board that contains all of the Fuzz circuitry. This means that the fuzz circuit can be swapped by simply replacing the FuzzCard. Foxrox Electronics is offering different versions of the classic FuzzFace circuit so that everyone can have the fuzz that they prefer.

What follows is a list of the FuzzCards that are currently available for Captain Coconut 2. Add this to the custom Foxrox modifications that make up the FuzzFoot, and you have the most flexible fuzz system ever created.

Original Hybrid PNP-
This is the circuit that’s built into the original Captain Coconut. Unless otherwise specified, this is the default FuzzCard included with Captain Coconut 2. It’s the ultimate version of the classic fuzz circuit. It’s not effected by temperature, has an unusually low noise level, and delivers a very focused, articulate tone. The transistors are set up so that the first one is a medium/ low gain PNP silicon, and the second one is a medium / high gain PNP germanium. This delivers a wide range of sounds, that venture into the territories of both the warm, low gain germanium, and the bright, high gain silicon versions of the classic Fuzz circuit. This version covers the most ground of all the different FuzzCards.

Vintage Germanium PNP
This FuzzCard specializes in warmer, less aggressive “vintage” fuzz tones. The transistors are medium gain, new-old-stock germaniums which are custom matched for the best sounds. This is the FuzzCard to choose if you’re looking for the sound of an early FuzzFace, like the ones that Jimi Hendrix used in 1967/1968 on such recordings as “Monterey Pop” and the “Are you Experienced” album. Through a loud, distorted tube amp, this fuzz is capable of producing some great feedback and sustain without getting too out of control. Since germanium transistors are inherently temperature sensitive, the sound of this FuzzCard can vary with changes in the whether, or room temperature, as is the case with all germanium - based Fuzz Faces, or Fuzz Face clones. The GRIT adjustment can be used to easily compensate for this, also the range of the GRIT control can vary with changes in ambient temperature.

Hot Silicon NPN
This FuzzCard specializes in the hotter, brighter side of Fuzz. The transistors are high gain silicons (BC109C, if available) which are hand picked and custom matched for the best sounds. The sound is more high-endy than other versions and there is no shortage of gain and sustain. At high gain settings, this FuzzCard can get unruly, breaking into oscillation and noise. Under certain conditions it can even pick up radio broadcasts. It can also oscillate when fed by a wah wah pedal. While these might seem like bad things, they are part of what it takes to recreate certain classic Hendrix sounds, including many of the live recordings from 1969 / 1970 such as Woodstock, Band of Gypsies and Isle of White. With the right settings, this fuzz can be tamed, but the out-of-control aspect is what makes it unique. Silicon transistors are not affected by temperature the way that germanium transistors are, so performance remains consistent no matter what whether mother nature throws at you.

Hybrid NPN
This FuzzCard is the product of experimentation. A high gain silicon transistor is matched up with a medium gain germanium. It is very similar to the Original Hybrid PNP FuzzCard, however there is a slightly different voicing due to the NPN germanium transistor. This version of the Fuzz has pleased many hard-to-please players, and is worth considering if you’re looking for something a little different.

Blank FuzzCard
The FuzzCard is also available without any parts installed, so that experimenters can build a fuzz using their own recipe. For more on this and options, contact Foxrox Electronics.

Swapping / installing a FuzzCard
The FuzzCard is made to be modular, but it’s not intended to be plug in and out, over and over again. If you find yourself experimenting a lot, be careful not to bend the pins!

Remove a FuzzCard

1. The FuzzCard, with a 4-40 kep nut holding it down.

2. Turn counter-clockwise. Use needle-nose pliers, or your fingers.

3. Using your fingers, gently rock the FuzzCard back and fourth.

4. Keep rocking it, and apply upward pressure.

5. Remove FuzzCard, being careful not to bend the pins.

6. The FuzzCard is out.

Disconnect power from the unit. Unscrew the eight screws that secure the base to the top of the CC2 enclosure. Turn the unit over and refer to the photos. There’s a 4-40 nut securing the FuzzCard in place. Use a pair of needle nose pliers and turn it counter-clockwise. Carefully rock the board back and fourth with your fingers, applying upward pressure. Lift the board up and away from the connector. Don’t use too much force - the card can pop out and you’ll bend the pins. Use care and it will come to you.

Adjusting the trim pot - getting the best Wah Wah sounds
The FuzzFoot includes a 50K variable resistor at the input of the circuit. This is used to increase the input impedance, which can smooth out the sound of the fuzz by lowering it’s intensity. A major benefit of this is better performance when fed by a wah wah pedal. This is a very common Fuzz Face modification.

To make the setting with a wah wah pedal, dial in the sound you want on the FUZZ and GRIT controls. Kick in the wah wah pedal. With your CC2 opened, and the wah going, sample different settings on the trimmer. You will notice that it extends the low end of the wah’s sweep. Dial in the sound you like. Be aware that adding resistance at the input of the Fuzz has a couple of side effects.
1) You may notice an increased noise level, especially when your guitiar’s volume is turned down all the way.
2) You may also notice that the fuzz looses some of it’s intensity with your guitar’s volume up all the way and the FUZZ control at it’s maximum setting.
Both of these things are unavoidable due to the nature of the circuit.

For those who are serious about WAH:
If you like to have your Wah wah pedal before your Fuzz, and you want to get the widest sweep possible without turning the FuzzCard’s trimmer down, you should check out the FOXROX WAH RETROFIT. This clever little circuit can be added to just about any inductor-based wah wah pedal to restore the wah’s full sweep range when driving low impedance effects, such as Fuzz Faces, or Fuzz Face clones. It also provides the ability to adjust the output volume of your wah pedal, enabling you to cut back the level of a wah that’s too loud, our boost the level of a what that’s not loud enough. Check it out at www.foxroxelectronics.com. It’s inexpensive, easy to install, and very effective.