Garbage Face Manual

[Saintlade]

I finally got hold of this beauty, though being the cheapskate that I am, I picked it up 2nd hand and it came with none of the goodies. Any chance anyone has a digital copy of the booklet or scans I could have? I believe Chad of this parish was involved in writing the booklet who I'm also a big fan of.

[fuzzjunkie]

I don’t have this pedal, but it’s just a Big Muff with 2 volume controls, isn’t it? Then there’s a Germanium boost.

It’s based off J Mascis’ favorite Big Muff and how he uses gain stages.

He sets everything up for his optimal tone at max volume for his lead tone, then uses another pedal to cut the volume down for his rhythm tone. That way he can have the same fuzzy rhythm and lead tone, and he’s just changing the volume levels.

Having a fuzzy rhythm tone and then trying to boost it can change the tone and causes head room issues because the amp will compress more and the apparent volume difference will be less, so J accentuates instead of boosting. He’s avoiding a common problem with boosting a Big Muff and getting lost in the mix.

The 2 volume controls simulates what he’s been doing with 2 pedals.

The Germanium boost is probably something like a Rangemaster, but I don’t know for certain. A Rangemaster is a treble booster, but it actually boosts upper mids, so it would effectively counteract the mid-scoop that a Big Muff has and help it cut through a mix better. If that’s true, then J is probably using more for that than a volume boost. A Rangemaster isn’t really a clean boost either and will add some distortion to the signal.

[fuzzjunkie]

I didn’t find a manual looking around but based off the image I think you can deduce a few things:

1. Volume 1 is the setting that cuts the max volume if you’re mimicking J’s setup.
2. Volume 2 is the max volume setting.
3. The Germanium boost is a Rangemaster style booster. There’s a switch for Full and Treble, which is a popular Rangemaster mod that allows more bass to come through in Full mode. Treble would be the typical Rangemaster sound.
4. The fuzz circuit is a Big Muff. Set that how you like.
5. The Big Muff and Rangemaster can be used independently or combined.

[Saintlade]

Hi FuzzJunkie,

thanks for the info. I was more interested in the manual as I think it has a bit more history and detailed info on the pedals it's based on, and heard mention of the J Mascis setting in a video.

[Unicorn Warrior]

Fuzz junkie is the man. He helped me dial in some Eventide delay and reverb pedals back in the day. While I no longer have those pedals, I pretty much know how to manipulate those sounds from all the pedals I’ve had since.

I’ve always been intrigued by these garbage face pedals based on the aesthetics alone.

[cpeck]

I did write that manual! It’s cool — J gave me a few tidbits I hadn’t seen anywhere else. I moved recently and have a bunch of stuff in storage, but I’ll see if I can find it.

Amazing pedal, too. I was at J’s house right around the start of the project. It was cool to be a part of it.

[Saintlade]

Fuzz junkie is the man. He helped me dial in some Eventide delay and reverb pedals back in the day. While I no longer have those pedals, I pretty much know how to manipulate those sounds from all the pedals I’ve had since.

I’ve always been intrigued by these garbage face pedals based on the aesthetics alone.

Not doubting FuzzJunkies credentials, I must admit I'm very much an amateur and just enjoy making big noise. Picked this pedal up as much for the sounds as that I'm a big Mascis fanboy to be honest.

[Saintlade]

I did write that manual! It’s cool — J gave me a few tidbits I hadn’t seen anywhere else. I moved recently and have a bunch of stuff in storage, but I’ll see if I can find it.

Amazing pedal, too. I was at J’s house right around the start of the project. It was cool to be a part of it.

Awesome, didn't realise you were part of the project as well as writing the manual! J's place looks like an Aladdin's cave of gear from photos.

Hope the move goes well and look forward to listening to the new record when it lands. Thanks.