The Benson Jeez explores the full range between germanium boost and full-on fuzz
No new interpretation of a historic fuzz circuit here, but Benson’s own starting point for germanium. The Benson Jeez uses two 2N404 transistors and an improved heating system that brings them up to operating temperature in about thirty seconds. This actively stabilizes their temperature, and therefore their performance. The high input impedance makes it less picky about the pedals placed before it, while the low output impedance helps push your signal convincingly further down the chain.
The gain control covers a remarkably wide range. At the bottom, you’ll find a relatively noise-free, broadband clean boost; further up follow treble-booster-like overdrive and vintage distortion. According to Benson, around seven o’clock you’ll reach solid, heavily overdriven Plexi-like tones before the highest range culminates in full germanium fuzz. The circuit also responds to your playing dynamics: playing harder can cause a chord to transition into a longer-sustaining, saturated texture. Tone is positioned before the gain stages, with a relatively flat starting point around twelve o’clock. More treble therefore changes not only the clarity, but also how the transistors distort.
Volume, Tone and Gain keep the controls easy to manage. The input and output stages offer plenty of headroom, with a maximum output signal swing of 16 volts peak-to-peak. This is not a power supply recommendation: the Jeez must only be connected to 9V DC with centre-negative polarity and does not work on a battery. Allow for a power supply capable of delivering 100 mA. The four-colour LED indicates the status of both heating systems; switching between white, yellow, aqua and green is part of the temperature control. A versatile germanium pedal that invites you to discover more than just the maximum gain setting.
