The Solaris Germanium Fuzz is a modified version of the classic Dallas-Arbiter Fuzz Face circuit from 1966. It offers several on-board modifications and a voltage inverter for added flexibility.

One of the main features of the Solaris is the addition of three new knobs and a switch. The Input attenuation control allows you to adjust the gain by attenuating the input signal, similar to using the volume control on a guitar. The Body control filters the amount of bass that is fed into the circuit, giving you control over the overall tone. The Contour control allows you to tweak the midrange emphasis, shaping the sound to your liking.

The Solaris also features a charge pump, which allows for -9V operation from a normal +9V supply. This can be useful if you want to achieve a different sound or if you have other pedals that require a negative voltage.

In the 125B version of the Solaris, there is a switchable pickup simulator at the input. The Fuzz Face circuit was originally designed to connect directly to an electric guitar, and it can lose some of its character if fed a low-impedance signal. The pickup simulator solves this problem by converting the source signal into a higher impedance that the circuit prefers. This feature was invented by Jack Orman of AMZ and has been used in commercial versions of the Fuzz Face.

It’s important to note that while the pickup simulator allows the circuit to retain its tonal character, it may not provide the same level of interactivity with the guitar’s tone and volume controls as if the pedal was connected directly to the guitar. Therefore, it is recommended to use the pickup simulator only if you want to place the Solaris in a position other than first in your signal chain.

If you prefer a simpler version of the Solaris without the extra modifications, you can consider the Proteus project, which is a stripped-down version of the Solaris.

Overall, the Solaris Germanium Fuzz offers a deluxe adaptation of the classic Fuzz Face circuit with added controls and a voltage inverter, providing you with extra flexibility and tonal options.

Summary created by AI from the original source.