Zonk Machine

From the vendor

NOTE: DOES NOT INCLUDE TRANSISTORS

JHS's (no, not that one, the ORIGINAL one) 60's box of germanium fuzz scuzz.

We'll keep it short. You know what it is.

This fella is notoriously difficult to get right. There's no exact spec for the transistors or magic formula to make it sizzle. Some transistors will sing, some won't. Fact is, we've tried three builds at FDHQ using various different transistors (AC128, AC125, Mullard T1 mystery guys), and all fired up satisfactorily with some tweaking of the bias trimmers, which are absolutely essential. If you see a PCB without them, run.

Because of this lack of certainty we're not offering the kit with a transistor set. There simply aren't enough hours in the day to trial a bunch to ensure they're 100% going to work. We can sell you the rest though, including the voltage inverter to make it play nice on a 'normal' supply.

The kit is supplied with vertical-mount pots which have round shafts, so you'll need set-screw fitting knobs.

If you want the PCB without parts there's a link for that at the bottom of the page.

Partial kit: PCB, all board-mounted components, pots.

Full kit: As above, plus footswitch and appropriate daughterboard/components for your selected bypass type (see Downloads section for details of those), jack sockets, DC socket, battery snap, hook-up wire, LED.

Enclosure (pre-drilled) is available as an option with full kits, and will not take a battery. Knobs are not included.

Inspired by: JHS Zonk Machine

Difficulty: Medium

PCB size: 50 x 31mm

Knobs required: 2

Enclosure: 1590B

Direct Connect compatible (4-way)

Downlod the INSTRUCTION PDF