Carcass Fuzz
Based on: Amount of parts: Enclosure type:
DOD Carcosa Fuzz Average, total 52 components 125b
Effect type: Technology: Get your board at:
Versatile fuzz Silicon transistors Carcass Fuzz
Build difficult: Power consumption: Get your kit at:
Average 9V Das Musikding (Europe)
Project overview:
This fuzz machine inspired by DOD´s Carcosa Fuzz produces a plethora of vintage and modern silicon
waves able to shake you and your audience to the core of your bones.
Carcass Fuzz by PCB Guitar Mania 1
Document version 1.0v, 25th April 2021
Index
1. Project overview 6. Build Notes
2. Index, Introduction & Controls 7. Schematic
3. Bills of Materials, BOM 8. Wiring Diagram
4. Shopping Lists 9. Drill Template
5. Components Recommendations 10. Licensing and Usage
Introduction
The Carcass Fuzz and the pedal in which is inspired, have their roots on silicon transistor-based fuzz
pedals from the 70s, especially the circuitry of the Maestro FZ-1S. But make no mistake; our board is
much more than a typical standard two- or three-knob vintage fuzzbox.
Two modes toggle adapt the pedal to practically any amp and player. The first one allows you a more
traditionalist approach: Pair with an already dirty amp and experience smooth classic-rock leads and
overdriven chord crunch to all-out fuzz mayhem waves that will get you shaken to the bones. The second
mode is designed for a high-headroom clean amp, enhancing low-mid punch and adding complex
harmonics for a fuller voice even when natural amp clipping isn't present. Pair this one with a dirty amp
at your own risk!
Before (gain) and After (bias) controls provide an impressive range of fuzz tones. But, before you get
overwhelmed, you can start with both controls in the middle for a traditional fuzz tone, then raise the
gain and peel back the bias and watch your notes melt into a puddle before you.
With tons of output, the Carcass can be used as a clean or crunchy boost before you begin getting into
the domain of fuzz. The pedal has a natural voicing strong in presence to cut through a band mix, with
plenty more available in that area by turning the Hi-Cut knob clockwise.
These are some of the several features this pedal offers, but there are many more to discover. And this is
where you enter the scene.
Controls
• After
• Before
• HI cut
• Output
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Bill of materials
Resistors C10 100n
Part Value C11 100n
R1 510k C12 680p
R2 1k C14 100n
R3 1m
R4 1m
Electrolytics Capacitors
R5 100k
Part Value
R6 1k
C13 100u
R7 1m
R8 47k
R9 9k1 Potentiometers
R10 1m Part Value
R11 100k AFTER 100k C
R12 220k BEFORE 100k B
R13 220k HICUT 5k A
R14 220k OUTPUT 100k A
R15 100k
R16 220k
Transistors
R17 1k
Part Value
R18 1m
Q1 2N5089
R19 100k
Q2 2N5089
R20 1k
Q3 2N5089
R21 1m
Q4 2N5089
R22 100k
Q5 2N5089
R23 470k
R24 4k7
Switches
Part Value
Capacitors
SW1 SPDT ON/ON
Part Value
C1 100n
C2 100n Diods
C5 100n Part Value
C6 10n D0 1n5817
C7 10n D1 bat41
C8 100n D2 bat41
C9 220n LED 3mm Red Led
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Shopping list
Resistors Potentiometers
Qty Value Parts Qty Value Parts
5 100k R5, R11, R15, R19, R22 1 100k A OUTPUT
4 1k R2, R6, R17, R20 1 100k B BEFORE
6 1m R3, R4, R7, R10, R18, R21 1 100k C AFTER
4 220k R12, R13, R14, R16 1 5k A HICUT
1 470k R23
1 47k R8
Transistors
1 4k7 R24
Qty Value Parts
1 510k R1
5 2N5089 Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, Q5
1 9k1 R9
Switches
Capacitors
Qty Value Parts
Qty Value Parts
1 SPDT ON/ON SW1
9 100n C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C8, C10,
C11, C14
2 10n C6, C7 Diods
1 220n C9 Qty Value Parts
1 680p C12 1 1n5817 D0
2 bat41 D1, D2
Electrolytics Capacitors 1 3mm Red Led LED
Qty Value Parts
1 100u C13
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Schematic
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Components Recommendations
As many people like to experiment with some pedals with higher voltage, always ensure
your electrolytic capacitors' max tolerance is over 25v.
This board has been tested using Film box capacitors for most of the values over 1nf and ceramics discs
for those under 1nf. However, high-quality components such as Wima's Capacitors and Panasonic's
electrolytics can deliver a better performance.
All the resistors used for testing this project are 1/4W Metal Film.
The BOM and Shopping list are exclusive regarding this project. It doesn't include all the hardware like
the 3PDT bypass switch, audio/dc jacks, enclosure, etc.
Build Notes
If this is one of your first projects, I recommend you to take a look at our Pedal Building Guide.
For a successful and tidy build, it’s recommended the following order:
1. Resistors & diodes
2. Capacitors, starting with the smaller ones and the ceramic ones.
3. Electrolytic capacitors (always check the polarity)
4. Transistors
5. Wires
6. Potentiometers and switches
7. Off-board wiring
Wiring Diagram
All our projects include a free 3PDT Board to make the wiring easier and tidier. Also, all of our PCBs
feature the status LED on board.
The pad named “Ctrl” or “LED” is the one that controls the status of the led; wire it to the “LED” pad on
the 3PDT board or in the control slug of your 3PDT.
This board has been designed to match our EZ 3PDT PCB; check it here to access our Pedal Wiring
Guide.
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Drill Template
This Project has been planned to fit into a 125b enclosure type.
Check the Attached “Drilling templates” to drill the box properly. The files are on Scale 1:1, ready to print
on an A4 page.
Licensing and Usage
We really appreciate your trust and support in buying this PCB, as well as your will to dive into the DIY
electronics world. For us, that's why you can make this project work properly and enjoy not only the
building process but also experiment and play with it on your rig.
We try to reply to every question we receive on our email or our social media. Still, we try to encourage all
our customers to join our PCB Guitar Mania – Builders Group on Facebook to post all your doubts,
issues, suggestions, or requests, share your builds, and have some feedback from other fellow builders
and us!
We tested all our projects following this same guide on their standard configurations. Although, not all of
the variations and mods have necessarily been checked. These are suggestions based on the schematic
analysis and the experiences and opinions of others. Feel free to share with us your views and
recommendations regarding the mods your personal experimentation.
These boards may be used for commercial endeavors in any quantity unless expressly noted. No
attribution is necessary, though accreditation or a link back is always much appreciated.
If you are a builder planning to make your own run of pedals, we also offer the service of custom-made
boards with your brand and logo, design according to your specifications.
The only usage restrictions are that, first, you cannot resell the PCB as part of a kit without prior
arrangement with us, and second, you cannot scratch off the silkscreen or other way of trying to hide our
logos and the source of the PCBs. Like it's written above, if you want to have your designs with your
brand and logo, we could undoubtedly reach an agreement.
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay in tune with the latest projects!
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