Build Your Own: Percolator

Everything you need to build a point to point Harmonic Percolator.

In the early 70's an eccentric Wisconsin engineer would design a fuzz that would become a cult classic. The Harmonic Percolator. This circuit provides a unique and highly textured fuzz tone. The single ended design clips asymmetrically and imparts the Percolator with a sound unlike any contemporary vintage fuzz. The Percolator excels at everything from high gain fuzz sounds and ripping textures to subtle coloration and clean-up when rolling back the guitar volume.

No expense spared in selecting parts for this build. The 50's military style eyelet layout and quality components will ensure this circuit will be blowing out your eardrums for years to come! The build document for this kit includes a parts list, detailed layout diagrams, and step by step instructions with pictures. There is also a supplemental overview of popular boutique modifications, vintage variations of the original, and circuit analysis for those who wish to take a deeper dive and explore the inner workings of these classic circuits.

Included in kit:

- Instructions to build a true to spec Harmonic Percolator fuzz circuit

- New old stock germanium transistors / diodes (currently shipping with 1967 Mullard transistors and Mullard germanium diodes). Sorted for gain / leakage and tuned with an amp to sound true to the original.

- Metallized polyester film capacitors

- Pre-drilled, printed graphic enclosure (military grey stock; options available)

- High tolerance carbon film resistors

- Alpha brand potentiometers (harmonics, balance)

- Vintage style jacks

- Heavy duty foot switch (rated 30,000+ cycles)

- Eyelet board

- 9V power jack (standard center negative 2.1mm)

- LED and bezel

- Moog repro knobs

The build doc for this kit includes a parts list, detailed layout diagrams, and instructions with pictures. There is also supplemental material with an overview of circuit fundamentals, popular boutique modifications, vintage variations of the original, and circuit analysis for those who wish to learn more about these classic circuits.