ZVex Wooly Mammoth alternative or clone?

[silky smoove]

I'm currently looking for a fuzz pedal and based purely on the ZVex demo video (which is a bit too brief on bass) and the more extensive video from BassFuzz.com, I think the ZVex Wooly Mammoth is the pedal that most closely matches the fuzz tone I hear in my head.

That said, I use fuzz pretty minimally in my various projects and as such can't really justify the rather steep price tag of a new Wooly Mammoth. I'd gladly buy used, but these don't seem to come up very often here on TB.

With those things in mind, are there any lower cost alternatives that get in the same tonal ballpark as the ZVex Wooly Mammoth?

What about clones? Is anyone building a solid Wooly Mammoth clone at a lower price?

 

[moose23]

You could get a Zvex Mastotron, I'm sure someone here could build you a clone either.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[dune2k]

google.com will answer it.
there are clone boards, vero and perfboard layouts, ...

 

[silky smoove]

I'm a little shaky on going the clone route as it seems a bit unethical given that this is a pedal currently in production.... but.... Money talks....

What about alternatives? Are there any pedals that come close to the WM vibe? I tried the Mastotron and it seemed quite a bit different than the WM.

Is the WM based on an older circuit? For example, it seems like a lot of pedals are based on a Fuzz Face circuit. Does the WM have a predecessor circuit?

 

[Eric!]

Hairy Elephant is a popular clone of a Mammoth

 

[Bongolation]

I'm a little shaky on going the clone route as it seems a bit unethical given that this is a pedal currently in production.

It's merely an unpatentable, derivative tweak on previous work. The circuit is in the public domain. It belongs to everyone to do with as they wish, hopefully with the result that it's eventually available to more people at a better price. That's the intention and the beauty of US patent law.

End of story.

Considering Zvex's prices for what's in the little project box, I would hardly think "ethics" is an issue for them.

 

[moose23]

What he said.

 

[Happynoj]

Hairy Elephant is a popular clone of a Mammoth

Where can you get them from?

 

[kugelspot]

Is the WM based on an older circuit? For example, it seems like a lot of pedals are based on a Fuzz Face circuit. Does the WM have a predecessor circuit?

I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that its (VERY!) loosely based on the Fuzz Face. It doesn't sound much like the FF though, so if that's even true I guess it doesn't help you much

 

[Taylor Livingston]

The WM is most definitely a slightly tweaked Fuzz Face. It just replaces some resistors with pots and adds a simple tone control on the end.

 

[Happynoj]

The WM is most definitely a slightly tweaked Fuzz Face. It just replaces some resistors with pots and adds a simple tone control on the end.

You make it sound so simple! On a scale of 1-10, how easy would it be for a complete pedal-building n00b to put together?

 

[DerHoggz]

You make it sound so simple! On a scale of 1-10, how easy would it be for a complete pedal-building n00b to put together?

Gut shot, not mine.

Invalid Link Removed

Schem:
http://analogguru.100free.com/193/schematics/Zvex_WoollyMammoth.gif

 

[Happynoj]

Gut shot, not mine.

Invalid Link Removed

Schem:
http://analogguru.100free.com/193/schematics/Zvex_WoollyMammoth.gif

That schematic is like another language to me, but thanks!

 

[warwick.hoy]

Gut shot, not mine.

Invalid Link Removed

Schem:
http://analogguru.100free.com/193/schematics/Zvex_WoollyMammoth.gif

This photo (???) is not showing up for me.

To the OP,...I lurked your profile and couldn't tell if you were running active or passive basses. The WM is not known to be active friendly.

I've never owned or messed with a WM and I'm not sure if they are similar sounding fuzzes but if it's that pinched/saw wave synth style fuzz sound you are looking for the OLC Chunky Cheese might be worth a look.

 

[DerHoggz]

That schematic is like another language to me, but thanks!

How familiar are you with electronics?

 

[Happynoj]

How familiar are you with electronics?

I know how to plug something into the wall and turn it on.

 

[DerHoggz]

I know how to plug something into the wall and turn it on.

http://www.kpsec.freeuk.com/symbol.htm

http://www.aaroncake.net/electronics/solder.htm

 

[ItsMichaelYeah]

It's merely an unpatentable, derivative tweak on previous work. The circuit is in the public domain. It belongs to everyone to do with as they wish, hopefully with the result that it's eventually available to more people at a better price. That's the intention and the beauty of US patent law.

End of story.

Considering Zvex's prices for what's in the little project box, I would hardly think "ethics" is an issue for them.

+1!

 

[ItsMichaelYeah]

My Zvex WM sounded nothing like the Video. Got rid of it quick and got a Musket. So happy with it.

 

[Taylor Livingston]

Gut shot, not mine.

Invalid Link Removed

Do you know whose that is? Is it at FSB? I only ask because I've been trying to find a source for those Alpha pot covers and was unsuccessful.