RO 5-Stage BJT Distortion Circuit PUBLIC

Richter Original 5-Stage BJT Distortion Circuit for Guitar

Richter Original 5-stage discrete BJT distortion circuit for electric guitar, with 2-band passive Baxandall tone-controls and shunt-type Schottky-diode fuzz. Controls Include Input Level, Bass, mid-Center, Treble, Drive, Fuzz enable switch, Fuzz symmetry switches, Fuzz Depth, and master Volume. The 2N3904 were chosen due to having a reputation for producing vintage-style distortion when overdriven, while the Schottky diodes were chosen to provide a germanium-like fuzz, though actually fuzzier than germanium diodes. Frequency Range 24 Hz to 10.5 kHz with all controls at 50%, or 9.5 Hz to 35.4 kHz with all controls at 100%, though the Center control does not affect midrange level (it only shifts the midrange center-frequency between 500 Hz and 1 kHz). Suitable for 6/7/8-string guitar or 4/5/6-string bass. Maximum Gain = +22.8 dBV @ 1 kHz with all controls at 50%, or +46.3 dBV @ 1.6 kHz with all controls at 100%. Note that the Fuzz has miniscule effect on overall gain (<= -0.8 dBV at full depth). The circuit can be used for stomp-box or rackmount projects. The battery can be replaced by a regulated single-polarity DC supply providing +9VDC or +12VDC at >= 40 mA of current. And though simulator verified, treat the circuit as experimental. Thoroughly breadboard test before committing to a soldered build.