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 version.
What we’ve got here is a surface-mount layout—SMD components all the way.
It’s definitely not a Big Muff clone.
Think of it as a lo-fi cousin of the Tone Machine—less refined, more brutal, and perfect for garage psych or synth abuse.
Originally released in 1971, the Tone Machine was a fuzz with a gnarly octave-up mode. It was discontinued in the late '70s.
Just raw fuzz.
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.
(For a more vintage sound you can swap the transistor easily, and that’s one of the best ways to shape the character of the fuzz.)
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.