Doom on a Dime_ Temu Fuzz Pedal Review
Alright, let’s crack this thing open and see what kind of sorcery is packed inside this new version.
What we’ve got here is a surface-mount layout—SMD components all the way.
But the real surprise?
This circuit looks eerily familiar… it’s based on the legendary fOXX Tone Machine.
Originally released in 1971, the Tone Machine was a fuzz monster—thick, aggressive, and with a gnarly octave-up mode. It was discontinued in the late '70s.
No frills, no fancy enclosure, just raw fuzz power.
For under 10€, this is kind of insane.
You won’t find vintage carbon comp resistors or big old caps here—it’s all modern SMD with 4 2N5172 transistors. But if it nails the tone, who cares?
Not only does this pedal mimic the fOXX Tone Machine’s layout, but it goes further—packing four 2N5172 transistors. That’s more gain, more bite, and potentially more fuzz. It’s like a Tone Machine on steroids.
About the 2N5172
Silicon NPN transistor, known for low noise and high gain.
Common in vintage fuzz circuits like the Big Muff.
Adds tight response and aggressive clipping—perfect for doom and sludge.
Gain Comparison: 2N3565 vs 2N5172
| Transistor | Typical Gain (hFE) | Noise Level | Tone Character | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2N3565 | ~200–300 | Low | Smooth, vintage fuzz | Harmonic Percolator, DIY fuzzes |
| 2N5172 | ~400–500 | Very Low | High-gain, aggressive fuzz | Big Muff clones, modern fuzz builds |
What This Means for Fuzz
2N3565: Medium gain, great for vintage-style fuzz with a bit of texture. Can produce slight octave effects in older units.
2N5172: Higher gain, tighter response, and more saturation. Ideal for doom, sludge, and stacked fuzz tones.
Let’s plug it in and see if it roars.
I plugged in a standard guitar—no active pickups, no fancy mods—and dialed in some heavy tones. And you know what? This little fuzz box delivers.
It’s not going to compete with a hand-crafted boutique fuzz that costs more. You won’t get the same nuanced texture. But for what it is—a 10€ pedal from Temu—it holds its own.
The gain is hot, the fuzz is thick, and it’s more than capable of summoning doom-laden riffs and sludgy walls of sound. If you’re just dipping your toes into heavy fuzz territory, this is a surprisingly fun place to start.
What about the hiss?
With a 9 volt battery or a dedicated power supply the hiss disappears.
This pedal is very quiet.
Why the Hiss Disappears
Many fuzz circuits amplify everything—including power noise.
Switching from a noisy supply to a battery removes ripple and interference.
Especially noticeable in high-gain circuits or when stacking pedals.
Final Thoughts
The Real Fuzz Journey
Fuzz isn’t just a sound—it’s a ritual. You start with a cheap pedal, maybe from Temu or a pawn shop, and you chase that first buzz. Then you crack it open, trace the circuit, swap a cap, maybe burn your fingers soldering.
You learn that tone isn’t in the price tag—it’s in the transistor, the power supply, the way it reacts to your hands.
Boutique pedals are beautiful, no doubt. They’re crafted visions of fuzz perfection. But the real journey? It’s building your own. It’s hearing your riffs through a circuit you made. It’s the hiss that disappears when you switch to a battery. It’s the moment you realize one transistor can sound more alive than a whole pedalboard.
If you want to taste the light, this pedal gives you a glimpse. But if you’re chasing the real adventure—the kind that rattles your soul and melts amps —then build your own.
That’s where the spirit of diy lives. In the solder burns, the weird wiring choices, the hand-picked transistors. That’s where fuzz stops being a sound and becomes a philosophy.
That’s fuzz.
Welcome to the real fuzz journey.
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