Himmelstrutz

Himmelstrutz Logotype

FETTO, The History

BIRTH

FETTO was born when the young Swedish inventor, Joakim Hedeby, developed it in 1988. Then the project went like asleep for 16.5 years, him too, which was the only way to mature, to be able to grow! This means even if FETTO was asleep for many years it was never forgotten or dead: what to get Something Extra might take time…

THE CONTINUING SAGA

In 2004 the project woke up again and the first public FETTO was released and since then it’s been all time awake and made in quite a few versions. This page is to explain the differences between the different models and its causes.

YEARS GO BY

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FETTO 9.0 (Mar 2004-Mar 2005)

Our first available/released FETTO was baptised FETTO 9.0. You think It's strange to name it 9.0 instead of 1.0? Not so strange really, as the reason was we made quite a few prototypes—1.0 - 8.0—and FETTO 9.0 was the first released (available to the public) version. These days FETTO Version 9 is available as  FETTO Nord 70+ or FETTO Junior 70.

CUSTOM SHOP!

A few different 9.0’s were made out of wishes from guys who wanted personalised layouts (the look/prints). Even if they looked quite different they all had the same inner-winner content (electronics) and sounded pretty much identical.

In the very beginning FETTO 9.0 had small, screw mounted hard plastic knobs on potentiometers with a 4 mm shaft. Though these kind of knobs tended to crack by time… Now and then we still have a CUSTOM SHOP

… they were later changed to the ones still used today: High quality rubber knobs mounted on potentiometers with 6 mm split shaft. 

Most of the 9.0’s had a “screen print” made on a laser printed film. This was later changed to real screen print with great help from our friends at LJ Screen, Sweden.

REAL SCREEN PRINT!

One unique thing with FETTO, except for its sound and build quality, has always been the inner tweak-ability. This to make it possible to match different guitars, amps and tastes.

Inside FETTO 9.0 we could find five jumpers*, four DIP-switches and one trimmer (pictures below). 

* small switch, often used in computers etc.

FETTO 9.0
FETTO 9.0 PCB

In 2004 (FETTO 9.0) we thought FETTO had what is called “True Bypass” but were soon corrected that this our definition was incorrect! Thanks goes to Andreas Möller at Stinkfoot Electronics for his educational True Bypass information.

Even if FETTO 9.0 didn't have “true” bypass (and was/is not possible to modify) it soon became what we call popular.

FETTO 10.0 (Apr. 2005-May 2006)

Because of the embarrassing mistake with the bypass in 9.0, it was soon updated to 10.0. This one had True Bypass and the same sound engine as 9.0. 

One “Mid Cut/Boost” jumper and one “Input Level” trimmer was added. This trimmer was soon cancelled because it was actually never needed, just more confusing. So the difference between 9.0 and most of the 10.0’s is the Mid jumper and the bypass circuitry.

10.0 was equipped with 6 jumpers, 4 DIP switches and 1-2 trimmers (below).

FETTO 10.0
FETTO 10.0 PCB

FETTO 11.0 (May 2006-Jun 2006)

Wishes about the tone control came in—“the tone control in FETTO 9-10 does too much, please make it do less!”

As musicians have sensitive senses—ears, fingers & eyes—we now came to learn the tone control needed an update, yeah! A few additional updates were performed as well.

FETTO 11.0 had more bass than earlier versions. So one “Low End” jumper was replaced with a “Character” jumper, the “Output Level/Treble Cut” jumper was replaced with an output stage buffer. All this together made a big difference sound wise, mostly because of the new, fantastic “less is more” tone control.

The screen print also changed: The picture of the fat evil woman and the poor little kind man in Mickey Mouse underwear was replaced with a stupid ostrich.

The tone control was renamed to “Cut” and the AC adapter print changed to “5-18V” instead of “5-24V”. This is a better span for all FETTO’s even if most of them #can handle up to 24 volts.

11.0 was equipped with 5 jumpers, 4 DIP switches and 1 trimmer (below).

#=These early FETTO versions will most likely never sound good at 24 volts.

FETTO 11.0
FETTO 11.0 PCB

FETTO 11.1 (Jun 2006-Oct 2007)

FETTO 11.1 (=9.0 and 10.0 inseminated)—which in 2009 was transformed to FETTO Nord 70 which in 2012 became FETTO Nord 70 Plus was equipped with a few extra facilities. The “classic” tone control was back, as it was a stupid mistake to modify it in 11.0, which by accident actually was more optimised for bass than for guitars. So if you’re bass player and need a musical sounding overdrive/distortion pedal, keep at least one eye open for a used FETTO 11.0

The “Output Buffer” (not to be associated with with bypass buffers) from 11.0 was replaced with the old “Output Level/Treble Cut” function. In this version it was a trimmer instead of this jumper and this way it was possible to tweak the output impedance/response of FETTO. The “Character” jumper from 11.0 was still included (named Voice) and the screen print was almost identical with 11.0, but on most copies of 11.1 the tone control was named “Presence”.

FETTO 11.1 came with 6 jumpers, 4 DIP switches and 2 trimmers (below).

FETTO 11.1
FETTO 11.1 PCB

FETTO 12.0 (Oct 2007-Apr 2009)

When FETTO Deluxe (later replaced by FETTO MAXIMUS) was released (Apr. 2007) the original FETTO got jealous and also wanted a family name! Because of this, FETTO version 12.0 was baptised “FETTO Standard”. All earlier FETTO’s were named “FETTO” plus a version number, for example “FETTO 11.1”.

The early versions of FETTO (9.0-11.1) had single layered PCB’s (printed circuit boards) while FETTO Standard (12.0) came with a multi layer PCB—just like all current products—with through holes and well designed ground plane(s) to make it even more durable and to eliminate the risk of interferences. Why do single sided PCB’s even exist then? Well, single sided PCB's without through holes are less expensive and the service is a lot easier. Catch 22? No, as multi layer boards with through holes will not need any “service”—the through holes to connect all the copper layers makes the soldering very durable!

FETTO Standard – in 2023 available as FETTO Junior!

Internal adjustments

To make it easier for the user, the internal jumpers and switches was replaced by 4 trimmers, to still be able to tweak the sound if needed. You could still do about the same, but in an easier way. The trimmers was to adjust:

1. Lowdrive/Bass (bass/overdrive)
2. Gain (global gain)
3. Mid (mid frequencies)
4. Treble Cut (if the amp is too bright)

From serial #1287 (March 2009) the type of serial numbers changed, (to #087) and the Treble Cut trimmer was cancelled by obvious reasons. 

NOTE: The type of serial numbers for the Himmelstrutz products has through the years changed many times, and this will probably continue as long as we make our products. The reasons for this is not important and of course impossible to explain.

User Layout

The In/Out jacks were moved downwards, closer to the true bypass switch, and the AC-adapter was moved upwards. This layout makes the routing for the AC adapter more appropriate—as the power supply, in a perfect world, comes routed from the north. This way Fetto’s internal signal path will be even more optimal compared to earlier models.

Version Information

A few units at this time had an external toggle switch added to adjust gain levels/sound character. Switches etc. may be added also on chosen units/models in the future, because it’s important for the development—which in this case later on developed into model FETTO Custom.

FETTO Deluxe** was later replaced by FETTO C-Luxe **—which much later got replaced/updated to the current FETTO Maximus nd the Miss Nutcracker** Dec. 2007 and further was later replaced by the current Mr. Nutcracker.

The Himmelstrutz pedals may come in different colours in the future, so you better ask about the current colour/finish if you care about the small details, which you probably do as you’re here now reading this Page Of History.

From January 2009 most Himmelstrutz’ pedals have been powder coated in “Stockholm White” with a grey/silver silk screen and, good enough, no one knows what the future may bring!

** = not available from us post November 2011

FETTO 12.0
FETTO 12.0 PCB

FETTO Standard, 13.0 (Apr. 2009-)

Since here a few more, or actually a whole lot of models have been developed and made, which in June 2021 still are 100% handmade by the same guy in Sweden who started it in 2004… For more info, check an interview with him in 2011…

FETTO Deluxe

Fetto Deluxe Specs

FETTO Deluxe is evil in a pleasant way and very tube-like. This has been said before many times at this website and also by other pedal makers but with FETTO Deluxe you will be surprised how easy it is to get great, punchy distortion—at any volume.

CHARACTER

Perfect string separation, all the way from smooth overdrive to heavy distortion. Never lose the character of your instrument or amplifier. Designed to match the volume control on your guitar perfectly. Most pedals sounds just like a pedal. Not the case with any of the FETTO’s which sound like an extension of your amplifier. Have you heard this before? Well, this time it's true!

CONTROLS

Drive—overdrive/distortion control
Tone—tone control
Lowdrive—Bass control
Core—Uncompression/Power control—like comparing tube amps from 20 watts w. tube rectifier to 180 watts w. diode rectifier
Volume—as loud as you'll ever need!
Mid—mid character (toggle)
GIMME—true bypass switching
MORE—Boost (needs GIMME to be activated)

DETAILS

▪ All original and handmade Himmelstrutz design. Further development of FETTO Standard**
▪ Mechanical (true) bypass switching, ON indicated with a blue LED
MORE foot switch which gives more of what you have from the GIMME (Drive) function: More Drive and More Volume, suitable as a lead boost. The MORE function (orange LED on) can not be used independently, the GIMME has to be activated as well
External control knobs: Drive, Tone, Lowdrive, Core, Volume
External switches: Mid
▪ A few Internal Gain and Volume trimmers
Power Consumption: 9 V DC/3 mA (= rich battery life). Battery included.
▪ AC Adapter (Optional): 9 V DC, center-pin negative (Straight plug, BOSS Standard connection, regulated power supply)
Dimensions: (L/W/H): 120,0/94,3/55,0 mm (4,72/3,70/2,16 In)
Weight: 400 grams (0,88 lbs)
Colour, finish: Mostly Silver/Grey + (1 unit in Gold and 1 unit in White)

** = not available from us post January 2009—replaced by Sister FETTO Maximus!

FETTO Deluxe – replaced by FETTO Maximus...

From 2009 and forward a lot more has happened which would be too much to write & read here. Please check out the current website to see what’s available for your ears and eyes these days!