Photon Fuzz Diodes

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone, can any one tell me what D1 and D2 do in this circuit.

I’m going to change some diodes and transistor up to see what I can come up with.
Do both D1 and D2 clip?

thanks in advance

[Cybercow]

Simmental – no. D1 and and D2 are NOT clipping diodes. D2 is the part of the power supply section and helps with reverse polarity protection. D1 (on the out-side of Q1) is a 9.1v Zener and clamps (limits) the positive portion of the AC signal output to 9.1v max and tends to warp the output signal waveform to ad some interesting harmonics to the fuzz. (At least, that’s how I see it.)

It’s advisable to NOT experiment with D2.

[Anonymous]

Ok thanks…..so if I wanted to do something with D1, can I swap some different diodes to see how it effects the sound?

[Cybercow]

Simmental – sure. Retaining the polarity is important tho.

[Anonymous]

Thanks @cybercow

[Author]

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