Gristleizer PCB

via this auction

Update: group buy at electro-music.com

"This is a PCB to build the famous Gristleizer. Used by the industrial band Throbbing Gristle and many later experimental bands, the Gristleizer is a complex, but simple to build, effect.

It's a filter and a tremolo, controlled by an LFO, or low frequency oscillator. Here are some soundclips to help explain what it sounds like:

Using guitar. First clean, then with the Gristelizer on
Using synths and other effects [video below]

The board is carefully laid out to be easy to build. The part values are all listed on board, and there is an option to board-mount the pots. Included with the board is a wiring diagram for the off-board parts, as well as a bill of materials, and a set of build notes, instructions for tweaking and modding.

This is a bit more complex of a build than a fuzz pedal, so if you have never built any effects before, you may want to start with something a little simpler. Anyone with a little experience building effects should be able to build this fairly quickly and get great results."

Update: To be clear, the following videos are of the Smashing Guitars Gristleizer and not this DIY PCB. Results may vary.

Sold For: US $19.00

King Tut Plays the Gristleizer built by Endangered Audio

YouTube via keepyourkings

"The Gristleizer is born again! Made famous by Throbbing Gristle, raised on high again by Endangered Audio, a small, hand-built pedal company out of Asheville, North Carolina, The Gristleizer is the beastiest effects unit you've ever laid eyes on. Can also be used as a sound generator/synth of sorts, as you will see. For more info, go to: http://tinyurl.com/thegristleizerpres..." Be sure to see this post on the history of the Gristleizer

Update: via Taylor in this electro-music.com thread [linked above]:

"Hi guys, I'm not super-active on this forum, so please let me know if this is not where this belongs. I've designed a PCB for the infamous Gristleizer. This was designed in the 70s by Roy Gwinn and used most famously (and named by/for) the industrial band Throbbing Gristle. The circuit is an LFO with square, triangle, up ramp and down ramp waveforms, and a FET-controlled VCA and VCF. For the guitar guys I explain that more in depth but I assume you synth guys know what all of that is, right? The board is 3.3 x 2.1 inches (approx. 81 x 53 mm) and includes the option to board-mount pots. It includes a charge pump to derive -9v from a +9v supply. This is useful for building this as a tabletop or rack unit that will run off a standard single-sided 9v supply, but for modular use you can of course use your own bipolar supply. The board has been built and verified as working. I'm not positive how to estimate a difficulty rating for synth builders. It is a fairly small circuit, certainly in comparison to the gargantuan PCBs elsewhere on this forum, so it should be a quick and easy build. The board has black soldermask with white silkscreen, and all the parts and pads are labeled clearly on board. The boards are $12. Shipping within the US is $2 for one board and 50 cents for each additional board. Shipping to the UK and Europe is $4 for one board and 50 cents for each additional board. Other countries, contact me for a shipping quote. To order, send the total to taylorlivingston |at| yahoo |dot| com, and please indicate that it's for Gristleizer boards, how many, and your username at this forum. The wiring diagram with bill of materials and notes is here."

Update 12/10/2009: via Smashing Guitars in the comments:

"Hi this is Mark Boyd from Endangered Audio/King Tut/the video you have on your site. While we don't have any issue with you using our video to advertise your PCB, we would like you to make it clear that we a) your version likely sounds different than ours b) our PCB fixes the ticking problem without changing its sound c) our LFO has a wider speed sweep and the bias has a wider range as well. We have just dropped the price of our PCB and are working on a price for a full kit. http://www.smashingguitarsasheville.com That being said, in response to what has just been said in the comments, it sounds as if our PCB is less "modded" than this one as we did not change the LFO or the audio path. Also our version is the only one sanctioned by both Roy Gwinn and Throbbing Gristle. That being said, good luck with your builds! We don't want to cramp the DIY'ing out there in the least, we'd just like to make those important facts clear so the people who are going in for your PCB group buy know what they're getting into. Thanks, Mark any more questions email to endangeredaudio@gmail.com PS: that video isn't the greatest for getting the real sound of the Gristleizer by itself. check out these ones and let us know what you think!"

Gristleizer Stompbox With MicroKorg

YouTube via keepyourkings

"This is the official Gristleizer Stompbox demo from Endangered Audio. Based in Asheville, NC, Endangered Audio recreated an effect unit built by Roy Gwinn in the 70s and popularized by the band Throbbing Gristle. Here, Mark Boyd of King Tut runs the Gristleizer all sorts of ways through, around, and by a MicroKorg synthesizer. The three versions of the Gristleizer now available from Endangered audio include the stompbox, the tabletop, and the pc board. Go to http://smashingguitarsasheville.com/e... to check them out!"

The Gristleizer Guitar & Organ Demo by King Tut


"This is a demo song featuring the Gristleizer. The Gristleizer was designed by a young Roy Gwinn in the early 70s and popularized by the band Throbbing Gristle. This song by King Tut features the Gristleizer in many different ways. The only instruments not being run through the Gristleizer are the drums and bass. The Gristleizer is 100% analog, hand-built, and made in America."

Future Sound Systems Introduces Gristleizer Based Eurorack Modules

via Future Sound Systems

"FSS is proud to announce a new series of Eurorack modules based around The Gristleizer, a coveted effects unit used and adapted by Chris Carter of Throbbing Gristle. Originally based around Roy Gwinn's "Guitar Effects Pedal" design, as published in the July 1975 issue of "Practical Electronics" magazine, The Gristleizer was used throughout Throbbing Gristle's recorded and live catalogue, and is seen as a vital component of their pioneering sound.

Four decades on, after several calls from the Eurorack community, FSS met with Chris Carter and Roy Gwinn to discuss the potential of an updated Gristleizer circuit. From one module came four; the oscillator, filter and VCA sections of the original "Guitar Effects Pedal" circuit have become their own distinct modules, whilst a pre-amplifier inspired by Jonny Reckless' discrete FET-based designs has been added to the line-up. The Gristleizer series, therefore, not only presents the sound of the original effects units, but also additional features which ensure optimum compatibility with modern Eurorack systems and artistic workflows. This has all been made possible through Roy Gwinn's meticulous attention to detail, coupled with Chris Carter's expertise as a pioneering electronic artist.

Further information on each module is available below. FSS is now taking pre-orders for the four individual modules for release and shipping in November 2017.

"TG2 Gristleizer Generator

The Gristleizer Generator has been designed to replicate the original functionality of the Gristleizer's oscillator section, but with many new additions. With a brand new design from Roy Gwinn, the TG2 Generator is far more stable than its predecessor, featuring 1V/Oct tracking amongst other features. However, as with its original, the TG2 spans from low frequency ranges into the audible range, and makes for a killer bass oscillator as well as a fully featured LFO.

The core of the oscillator is based around a shape-variable ramp generator, with similar functionality to that found in the Korg MS Modulation Generators. Here, the Shape control takes the Ramp output from a descending sawtooth, through triangle, to an ascending sawtooth shape. This varying ramp waveform is then input to a wave-folder, which outputs both Fold and Pulse waveforms, based on how the Gain and Offset controls are set. Lastly, the original ramp waveform is fed into a comparator for the Clock output, the pulsewidth of which is variable using the Shape control.

The Gain and Offset of the TG2's wave-folder are both voltage controllable, as well as its Frequency via an attenuated control input and a 1V/Oct control input. The TG2 can also be reset by external sources via the Sync input.

Price: £200.00 + shipping"

CLICK FOR MORE »

From Which the Gristleizer Came

Update: be sure to check out the comments of this post for more, including some comments and links to more info from Chris Carter.

In case you missed the update to this post, BugBrand dropped by the comments with the following:

"I'm just about to meet up with Roy Gwinn (literally in a couple of hours time) who wrote the original article back in the 70s for Practical Electronics magazine (he was 16 when he published it!) from which the Gristleizer came.

If you're interested, Clone Analog Gear have a pdf of the article::

http://rubidium.dyndns.org/cag/pdf/gep.pdf

It was published as the Guitar Effects Pedal."

You can see a video of the Gristleizer here.

Update via kapnkrunk23 in the comments:
"Sorry to everyone for the delay. I know everyone is excited about this. We at the shop are super stoked to be doing this. We have had a pretty awesome response from minimal advertisement. So due to the over whelming emails, We are going to start an email newsletter dedicated to replying to your questions. A few of which are about the CV mods. We are still up in the air, but leaning towards adding them. And as you all were wondering about prices, here it is….

PCB $30
Kit without box $100 (PCB and parts)
Kit with box $220 (PCB, parts, box drilled, no powder coating)
Kit with box and powder coating $250 (same as above with finish, and control labeling)
Pedal version $325 (complete. Will be similar to the PE version only with cool graphics)
Table top version $350(A modern reproduction of the original TG black box)

Kits will not come with instructions. Sorry. But will come with the parts list and layout.
The completed versions will come with a limited lifetime warranty against parts and workman ship. Owner will be responsible for shipping.

Please inquire about custom powder coating or using you own artwork. We will have a website up for the shop as well as a dedicated page with a secure checkout. We will be taking pay pal. We will also take check or money order. Pay Pal order will add 3%. Debit and credit cards can be taken over the phone. Pictures and sounds will be up as soon as we complete the first one. Which will be soon!!!!!

If you have more questions feel free to email us. I hope everyone is as excited about these as we are!!!!! I personally have wanted one for a loooong time. THEE return is soon.

Charles Howes
Smashing Guitars

P.S. I would like to thank Both Chris Carter and Roy Gwinn for supporting, and allowing me to do this."

Updates via Chris Carter:
"My original Gristleizers were based around the PE kit (PCB & components) produced by Phonosonics in the UK in 1977. I've never made any secret of this, and in fact for a while had the PE schematic on my site. However, I added some mods of my own and designed a completely new case and made units for myself, the band and friends, probably about 10 in total. Cosey's still works to this day but mine was unfortunately 'lost' shortly after appearing in a exhibition in London a couple of years ago. I'm going to upload some photos of an original Gristleizer to my site soon and I'm currently in the process of building myself a replacement. See here: http://www.myspace.com/ChemistryLessons"

"OK original Gristelizer photos and additional info now available here: www.throbbing-gristle.com/gristleizer and/or here: myspace.com/chemistrylessons"

Update via kapnkrunk23 in the comments:
"Here is a link to our myspace www.myspace.com/theegristleizer . This weekend I will be driving to Chicago to deliver the first of The Gristleizers to Throbbing Gristle. Which will be the official release. Our website will be up VERY VERY soon. I have to say. This has been a very intense project. Which has been a team effort of Endangered Audio a division of Smashing Guitars in Asheville, NC. The passed month and a half Todd Kelley(owner) has been working super late nights removing quirks, looking at waveshapes, turning things, and adjusting them. Truly the brains of it all.

Everyone will be super pleased. We will be publishing mods for it on the EA/SG website. CV in and out pads are included on the boards. We ran tests using Moogerfoogers, and man was it sweet. Keep an eye out on our myspace, TG's website, and as soon as it is up, The EA/SG website where orders will be taken, through a secure checkout. In the meantime, feel free to email us at smashingguitarsasheville@hotmail.com. Thank you all for waiting. It is now time for THEE GRISTLEIZER!!!"

Update: some pics and notes on the new Gristleizer from vav: "Smashing Guitars/Endangered Audio are indeed making a fully authorized Gristleizer available. At the TG show last night in Chicago at the Logan Square Auditorium , 7 were made available for sale. I picked one up, and TG was kind enough to sign it. I even requested Gen sign it next to the AC input, as it's kind of male but kind of female :P She seemed pleased. Here are the photos, and i'll try and get some demos up soon."
Update: audio via vavmusic:

Gristleizer by vavmusic

"Easy-peasy: Korg ER1 left/mono out to Gristleizer in. Gristleizer out to interface in. Recorded straight into Tracktion with no effects applied. Apologies for any digital clipping, Gristleizer is quite unruly. TG fans will recognize the drum pattern. Start of clip effect is bypassed, then put into VCF mode, manual tweaking of Speed, Depth, waveform type, Bias, Level. Switch is thrown from VCF mode to VCA at 1:08, manual tweaking of all controls again." Update via kapnkrunk23 in the comments: "For Immediate Release Smashing Guitars/Endangered Audio Releases The Gristleizer ASHEVILLE, NC APRIL 27, 2009ó Smashing Guitars has announced the release of the first of their new product line, the Gristleizer. The flagship of the newly formed Endangered Audio (a subsidiary of Smashing Guitars), the Gristleizer is an extremely rare and unique unit. Originally designed by Roy Gwinn in 1976, the Gristleizer is based on a design published in Practical Electronics and sold in kit form by Phonosonics. Chris Carter of the British industrial music and visual arts group Throbbing Gristle modified the kit in 1977, unleashing what is known as the Gristleizer. Lost to time, the unit has been re-designed and produced by Smashing Guitars Owner/Engineer Todd Kelley, with assistance from Charlie Howes. After months of research and consultation with Gwinn and Carter, the audio path has been kept original-- "we've taken what people love about the sounds of the original Gristleizer, and given them much more" says Kelley. The Gristleizer had its initial release at the sold out Throbbing Gristle performance at Logan Square Auditorium in Chicago on April 25, 2009, one of their first performances in the USA in 28 years. Features of the Gristleizer include: table top design; 18VAC power supply with dual 9-volt battery operation option; professionally etched PCB board; LFO controlled VCA and VCF filters with four wave forms; chassis mounted bias control; bypass switch; and LED for speed. Pads have been left on the PCB board for mods, with on-line releases of these mods to be made available by Endangered Audio. The Gristleizer will be available from www.smashingguitarsasheville.com, and from the retail store of Smashing Guitars located at 103 Broadway St. in downtown Asheville, NC. The unit will be made available in small batches and will be announced from both the website and www.myspace.com/thegristleizer. The table top version retails for $374.95, PCB circuit board available for $49.95, with a stomp version available soon. Owned and operated by local musicians and engineers, Smashing Guitars is a full service music shop, repair and building facility servicing Asheville, NC and vicinity since 2002. Endangered Audio is their handmade, in house product line. EA is recreating obscure classics as well as interesting original designs of a number of effects, instrument tube amps, tube hi-fi and pro audio projects. All of this occurs by their own staff on the second floor of their facility, "the lab." Any outsourcing is kept local or within the USA. For more information, press only: Dave Harris, smashingguitarsasheville@hotmail.com General Inquiries: Smashing Guitars 103 Broadway St., Asheville, NC 28801 www.smashingguitarssheville.com www.myspace.com/smashingguitarsasheville www.myspace.com/thegristleizer" flickr group shot by Chris_Carter_

Exploring The Gristleizer Eurorack Module

Published on May 12, 2016 Bimini Road

http://www.endangeredaudioresearch.com/
http://www.biminiroadelectronics.com

"Here are a few clips of The Gristleizer working with some other modules. The Expert Sleepers FH-1 is acting as a bridge for my KMI QuNexus (off screen). The Disting mk3 is the oscillator, which is feeding into the L-1 Tube VCA, which itself is triggered by the gate from the FH-1 (I don't have an envelope module at the moment). The output of the VCA is then fed through the Gristleizer and sent through my Universal Audio Apollo, where a Cooper Time Cube provides the stereo delay. It is also running through the Neve 1073 Preamp plugin, the Studer A800, and the Ampex ATR-102.

0:00 - Output A of the Disting is multed using a Tiptop stackable cable to the Mod input of the Gristleizer in VCF mode. This means that the speed of the scanning Bandpass Filter within the Gristleizer is moving at the same rate as the pitch of the oscillator. Doing this, the Bias, Filter Mix, and Depth Controls all allow you to dial in amazing tones.

0:46 - This is the same setting as above, but the internal triangle wave of The Gristleizer is modulating now. I call this effect a phase ring mod. Although it does not use diodes in a ring configuration to achieve the ring mod effect, the effect of the scanning BPF creates another oscillating tone that, especially when dialed into the tonic or the dominant note of the scale you're using. In this case, I am dialing it in so that it crashes against the pitch of the Disting's oscillator, creating some truly growling tones.

1:46 - Here, I'm adjusting the drive of the VCA to create some feedback overtones in order to highlight the range that the Bias knob sweeps through. The Bias controls the center frequency that the Gristleizer sweeps through. Only with the Endangered Audio Research Gristleizer filter do you get this wide range - the original design was focused way down in the bass range which, for most instruments, was completely unusable. The redesigned filter is dirty enough to be at home within The Gristleizer, but is without a doubt much more musical. In this example, I have patched the Saw LFO output to the Mod input (breaking the normalized connection to the Triangle wave).

2:17 - This is The Gristleizer in VCA mode. Notice towards the end of this clip how much the Bias changes the tone of the input. The added Filter Mix control also doubles as a presence control in VCA mode. The Square LFO is patched into The Gristleizer's Mod input.

2:59 - Another example of the phase ring modulation effect."

Exploring The Gristleizer Eurorack Module - Part 2

Published on May 14, 2016 Bimini Road

http://www.endangeredaudioresearch.com
http://www.biminiroadelectronics.com

"Ableton Live is controlling the oscillator and the L-1 Tube VCA through the iConnectivity Box and the Expert Sleepers FH-1, and I'm scanning through different sounds and modes of The Gristleizer to show what a versatile tone box it is. Few modules can radically alter their input this much!"

Endangered Audio Gristleizer - Throbbing Gristle Synth/Effects Box

via this auction

"The Gristleizer is either an lfo modulated VCA or VCF with adjustable Bias and variable wave-forms for the LFO. This Endangered Audio research effect is officially endorsed by Throbbing Gristle and offers everything from a classic analog tremelo effect to wild CV control throbbing woops from the variable VCF...

Background from the manufactures :
ASHEVILLE, NC APRIL 27, 2009ó Smashing Guitars has announced the release of the first of their new product line, the Gristleizer. The flagship of the newly formed Endangered Audio (a subsidiary of Smashing Guitars), the Gristleizer is an extremely rare and unique unit. Originally designed by Roy Gwinn in 1976, the Gristleizer is based on a design published in Practical Electronics and sold in kit form by Phonosonics. Chris Carter of the British industrial music and visual arts group Throbbing Gristle modified the kit in 1977, unleashing what is known as the Gristleizer. Lost to time, the unit has been re-designed and produced by Smashing Guitars Owner/Engineer Todd Kelley, with assistance from Charlie Howes. After months of research and consultation with Gwinn and Carter, the audio path has been kept original-- "we've taken what people love about the sounds of the original Gristleizer, and given them much more" says Kelley. The Gristleizer had its initial release at the sold out Throbbing Gristle performance at Logan Square Auditorium in Chicago on April 25, 2009, one of their first performances in the USA in 28 years."

Also see:
From Which the Gristleizer Came and Gristleizer PCB, two previous posts with history and videos on the Gristleizer.

The Gristleizer Version 2

via Smashing Guitars

"This is the new Gristleizer Tabletop Version 2. We added CV in and out for the LFO, and CV in for the frequency, and upgraded the knobs and overall look. It's still 100% analog, hand-built goodness from Asheville, North Carolina. Coming soon is a video demo of what this new version can do."

Video featuring the original below.


The Gristleizer Guitar & Organ Demo by King Tut

YouTube via keepyourkings — October 18, 2009 —

"This is a demo song featuring the Gristleizer. The Gristleizer was designed by a young Roy Gwinn in the early 70s and popularized by the band Throbbing Gristle. This song by King Tut features the Gristleizer in many different ways. The only instruments not being run through the Gristleizer are the drums and bass. The Gristleizer is 100% analog, hand-built, and made in America."

Endangered Audio The Gristleizer Tabletop Synth Effects Module

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

Video at the auction posted here. Be sure to see From Which the Gristleizer Came.

"ASHEVILLE, NC APRIL 27, 2009ó Smashing Guitars has announced the release of the first of their new product line, the Gristleizer. The flagship of the newly formed Endangered Audio (a subsidiary of Smashing Guitars), the Gristleizer is an extremely rare and unique unit. Originally designed by Roy Gwinn in 1976, the Gristleizer is based on a design published in Practical Electronics and sold in kit form by Phonosonics. Chris Carter of the British industrial music and visual arts group Throbbing Gristle modified the kit in 1977, unleashing what is known as the Gristleizer. Lost to time, the unit has been re-designed and produced by Smashing Guitars Owner/Engineer Todd Kelley, with assistance from Charlie Howes. After months of research and consultation with Gwinn and Carter, the audio path has been kept original-- "we've taken what people love about the sounds of the original Gristleizer, and given them much more" says Kelley. The Gristleizer had its initial release at the sold out Throbbing Gristle performance at Logan Square Auditorium in Chicago on April 25, 2009, one of their first performances in the USA in 28 years."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Gristleizer

via vav

"Smashing Guitars/Endangered Audio are indeed making a fully authorized Gristleizer available. At the TG show last night in Chicago at the Logan Square Auditorium , 7 were made available for sale. I picked one up, and TG was kind enough to sign it. I even requested Gen sign it next to the AC input, as it's kind of male but kind of female :P She seemed pleased. Here are the photos, and i'll try and get some demos up soon."

If you are new to the Gristleizer, see this post. I added the images and vav's notes as an update to that post as well.

Update: audio via vavmusic:

vavmusic · Gristleizer

"Easy-peasy: Korg ER1 left/mono out to Gristleizer in. Gristleizer out to interface in. Recorded straight into Tracktion with no effects applied. Apologies for any digital clipping, Gristleizer is quite unruly. TG fans will recognize the drum pattern. Start of clip effect is bypassed, then put into VCF mode, manual tweaking of Speed, Depth, waveform type, Bias, Level. Switch is thrown from VCF mode to VCA at 1:08, manual tweaking of all controls again."

The Gristleizer Tabletop v3 Filter Demo

Published on Jan 29, 2016 Endangered Audio Research Video

"This is a demonstration of the new filter for The Gristleizer in version 3 of the Tabletop, of which only 3 assembled units and 7 PCB remains; after which they will be gone forever!

Only 3 Prebuilt Tabletops Remain - SALE - $329:
http://www.endangeredaudioresearch.com/shop/the-gristliezer-tabletop-pre-built/

Only 7 PCBs Remain - $29:
http://www.endangeredaudioresearch.com/shop/the-gristleizer-pcb-only/

The last 3 prebuilt tabletops come with a Filter Mix In/Out switch, as well as Moog-style knobs (like the one featured in the video).

We are also selling off our remaining stock of Gristleizer box faceplates - contact mark@endangeredaudioresearch.com if you would like to reserve one.

If you want a Gristleizer Eurorack module, I’m sorry, but you’re too late! We’ve sold out of them as well, and will be retiring The Gristleizer line for good (though our circuit will arise again in an even newer, updated form and under a new name, TBD).

For those of you who’ve bought a Eurorack module, the filter will sound the same in yours as in this video. Also, you can now find it on Modular Grid!

https://www.modulargrid.net/e/other-unknown-the-gristleizer-v3

And finally, if you sign up for our newsletter, you will get once-a-month email updates that will include special Newsletter-only pricing, raffles, contests, and early-bird reservations - we’re going to make this newsletter one that you actually be *excited* to open. If you ordered a DIY kit, you will definitely want to sign up, as we will be sending out links to download our art and drill templates.

To sign up, follow this link and enter your email address: http://www.eepurl.com/bOHU8T

Our first newsletter will be sent out this Sunday, February 7th. The first issue will be announcing something exciting for Eurorack, as well as a mod to double the delay time of our AD4096 pedal, seen mangling an iOS Funkbox Rhythm King here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iG4DZCD5dEg"

Tube Gristleizer

Update: video here.
Update: check out the update below.

via this auction

Details:

"ONE OF A KIND handmade and modified TUBEGRISTLEIZER. The gristleizer was an effect made famous by throbbing gristle which was played by everyone in TG and can be heard on many throbbing gristle recordings, live performances and is still on their solo recordings. The circuit itself is a fairly loud tremelo(VCA)/squelchy filter(VCF) under control of an lfo. The VCA gives you that dark brooding pulsing sound from a slow steady blast to helicopter fast chopping action. with guitar it can sound bassy or razor sharp and rather piercing, with synths it gives movement and can alter harmonic content. the VCF can scream when in self oscillation mode and turns any boring synth or feedback loop tone into a nice sounding near modular beast!

The LFO on the original gristleizer was slightly different, using a switch to change waveshape, the LFO on this circuit uses a pot to alter wave shape from ultra chopy to sloped triangle.saw shapes. This is the signature sound of industrial music! HEAVY pulsing and throbbing beats or lighting fast chop chop!

In addition to the gristle circuit, the effect also has a HI VOLTAGE (200v+) tube preamp/distortion for completely destroying the sound. the circuit was lo fi at first but now its plain garbage! By turning up the gain for the preamp the sound ranges from light harmonic clipping to a blown speaker blasting away. I take no responsibility for damage to amplifiers or recording equipment.

SPECS:
* tremelo/filter switch
* self oscillation switch
* tube power switch
* LFO shape Control
* LFO speed Control
* LFO Depth
* Oscillation Frequency Knob
* Tube Gain
* Tube Input Level
* 1/4" Mono Input and output
* powered by dual 9v and 120vac

No sound samples at this time but there will be videos on youtube by tomorrow night, showing off self oscillation (not on original gristleizer), with guitar or with a simple squarewave bass tone... just search it."

Update via BugBrand in the comments:
"I'm just about to meet up with Roy Gwinn (literally in a couple of hours time) who wrote the original article back in the 70s for Practical Electronics magazine (he was 16 when he published it!) from which the Gristilizer came.

If you're interested, Clone Analog Gear have a pdf of the article::

http://rubidium.dyndns.org/cag/

http://rubidium.dyndns.org/cag/pdf/gep.pdf

It was published as the Guitar Effects Pedal."

Update via Chris Carter in the comments:
"My original Gristleizers were based around the PE kit (PCB & components) produced by Phonosonics in the UK in 1977. I've never made any secret of this, and in fact for a while had the PE schematic on my site. However, I added some mods of my own and designed a completely new case and made units for myself, the band and friends, probably about 10 in total. Cosey's still works to this day but mine was unfortunately 'lost' shortly after appearing in a exhibition in London a couple of years ago. I'm going to upload some photos of an original Gristleizer to my site soon and I'm currently in the process of building myself a replacement.

original Gristelizer photos and additional info now available here: www.throbbing-gristle.com/gristleizer and/or here: myspace.com/chemistrylessons"

Also see this post including comments.

New Gristleizer

via Smashing Guitars

"PREORDER NOW! LIMITED FIRST RUN OF 30 UNITS!
ACT FAST OR BE LAST!
Projected Ship Date: August 3rd, 2009

For the first time ever, Throbbing Gristle's legendary effects unit, The Gristleizer, is now available in stompbox form. Though the original design is over 30 years old, The Gristleizer had never seen commercial production until the summer of 2009, when Endangered Audio updated and improved the circuit. The pedal version, housed in a high-quality, heavy-duty Hammond 1590DD box, retains all the functionality of the tabletop design with the added convenience of footswitch operation. In essense, The Gristleizer is a synth module that works with any audio signal. The audio path is modulated by an LFO using four selectable waveforms (upslope, downslope, triangle, & square), functioning in one of two paths: VCA (voltage controlled amplifier) or VCF (voltage controlled filter). Ranging from light and sweet tremolo to extreme, raunchy ring mod, The Gristleizer is a 100% analog, hand-assembled unit built to last.

NOTE: YES WE DO SHIP INTERNATIONALLY/INTERGALACTICALLY

The Gristleizer Stompbox Features:
* Versatile Stompbox Operation
* LFO operated by four waveshapes (upslope, downslope, triangle, square)
* VCA/VCF Modes
* Ultra-wide speed sweep (almost 6 seconds per cycle at its slowest!)
* LED Tempo Indicator
* Front-Panel-Mounted Bias Knob
* True Bypass
* Can be used effectively with synthesizers, guitars, basses, vocals, drum machines, brass--you name it!
* 100% Analog Circuitry
* Built-in CV Mod Points
* Heavy Duty Housing"

Gristleizer Tabletop Unit Throbbing Gristle noise pedal

via this auction

"For the first time ever, Throbbing Gristle's legendary effects unit, The Gristleizer, is now available in its classic tabletop form. Though the original design is over 30 years old, The Gristleizer had never seen commercial production until the summer of 2009, when Endangered Audio updated and improved the circuit. The tabletop version is designed to sit within hand's-reach for easy parameter control, e.g. while playing synthesizers. In essense, The Gristleizer is a synth module that works with any audio signal. The audio path is modulated by an LFO using four selectable waveforms (upslope, downslope, triangle, & square), functioning in one of two paths: VCA (voltage controlled amplifier) or VCF (voltage controlled filter). Ranging from light and sweet tremolo to extreme, raunchy ring mod, The Gristleizer is a 100% analog, hand-assembled unit built to last. -I noticed the corner in the back is slightly bent, but that is the way it came out of the box to take the picture-"

Endangered Audio Gristleizer version 1

via this auction

"For the first time ever, Throbbing Gristle's legendary effects unit, The Gristleizer, is now available in its classic tabletop form. Though the original design by Roy Gwinn is over 30 years old, The Gristleizer had never seen commercial production until the summer of 2009, when Endangered Audio updated and improved the circuit. The tabletop version is designed to sit within hand's-reach for easy parameter control, e.g. while playing synthesizers. In essense, The Gristleizer is a synth module that works with any audio signal. The audio path is modulated by an LFO using four selectable waveforms (ramp, reverse ramp, triangle, & square), functioning in one of two paths: VCA (voltage controlled amplifier) or VCF (voltage controlled filter). Ranging from light and sweet tremolo to extreme, raunchy ring mod, The Gristleizer is a 100% analog, hand-assembled unit built to last."

See this post on the history of the Grisleizer.

Chris Carter's Original Gristleizer

If you've been following the Gristleizer posts starting with this clone up for auction, followed by this video and finally this post on the source of the design, pictured is the Gristleizer by Chris Carter of Throbbing Gristle. Title link takes you to more info and shots.

"My original Gristleizer units were based around the Roy Gwinn 'GEP' design published in Practical Electronic and sold in kit form (just the PCB & components) by Phonosonics in the UK in 1977. This LINK takes you to the current location of the schematic (look under Effects\PE Stuff\Guitar Effect). I've really never made any secret of the origins of the Gristleizer and in fact some years ago I briefly had the Phonosonics schematic on my website for all to see. However, I added some mods of my own and designed a completely new case and made units for myself, the band (TG) and friends. Only probably about 10 units in total."

There is more info here as well. Finally, be sure to check out the comments the previous posts linked above for more.

Endangered Audio Brings the Gristleizer to Eurorack

Endangered Audio Research has brought us an updated version of the Gristleizer in eurorack format. For some history on the original Gristleizer used by industrial band Throbbing Gristle back in the 1970s, see this post.

"The Gristleizer version 3 features a completely new filter section, expanded CV points (self-patchable), 3 LFOs, metalphoto faceplate with beautiful retro knobs."

The new module can currently be ordered in three configurations, each with some extra goodies - the first few customers receive:

$60 Off Eurorack Module
Free t-shirt or keychain

50% Off Eurorack Module Kit

$20 off Gristleizer PCB - that's an $8 PCB!

Kits include pages of documentation. High quality, handmade, built in America."

Gristleizer Up for Auction

via this auction

Note this is the one from this previous post with an audio demo.

auction details:
"Up for sale is a fully licensed and authorized Gristleizer built by Smashing Guitars/ Endangered Audio out of Asheville, North Carolina, which was available in limited amounts at select dates during the 2009 Throbbing Gristle tour. This particular unit was purchased the first night they were made available at the first Chicago show last month at the Logan Square Auditorium, and was one of 7someodd made available for sale. I purchased this, along with a snazzy tee shirt, upon arriving at the venue. I cradled and babied it throughout the performance of In The Shadow Of The Sun. In between sets, i took it through the meet and greet/signing line, and Chris, Peter, Gen, & Cosey were all kind enough to sign it as well. I even asked Gen to sign around the AC adapter input, because the jack is kind of male and kind of female :) It went straight into the car for the remainder of the evening's festivities, and upon arriving home, directly into my non-smoking home/studio, where it has been kept in pristine condition, seeing little use except to post an audio demo for the Muff Wiggler synthesizer (and cat) forum (Hi guys!) and http://matrixsynth.blogspot.com/

Why am i selling it? After some long hard thought, i've decided i need to expand my modular synth more than i need a Gristleizer. Additionally, i'm handy with a soldering iron, so i guess i can always build one later and mount it in the modular. Still, the decision to sell this has not come lightly, and i ask whoever buys it, please give it a good home.

Now, about the Gristleizer itself: It's a device that mangles audio. It features a VCA and a VCF (toggle switch between the two modes) with an LFO for modulation. You have knobs for the LFO's Speed, Depth, and 4 different waveforms to select from (Rising Saw, Falling Saw, Triangle, and Square) and a Bias control that...well...i havent really figured out what it does, fully. It certainly overdrives the everliving shit out of whatever you run into it, anyway. It also has a level knob, and 2 switches...one for VCF/VCA, and one for Bypass. The back panel is very simple...one 1/4" in, one 1/4" out, and the AC adapter input. However, when speaking to Charles from Smashing Guitars the night i bought it, the PCB has pads for Control Voltage, so you can modify it to use with your analog synths, and the back panel has plenty of room for mods. I believe it also has adjustable trimpots inside as well, although i have not opened it to poke around...i'll leave that to you. Additionally, you can run this off of batteries as well, HOWEVER, you must NOT plug the AC in with batteries in as well. Get it? Let me repeat. Use EITHER batteries OR AC, NOT BOTH! The AC adapter is included.

And one thing i noticed that is perfectly normal is the LFO's LED stays lit for a moment after you power down."

Throbbing Gristle unique Gristleizer clone

via this auction

"here's the original description from the creator. "ONE OF A KIND handmade and modified TUBEGRISTLEIZER. The gristleizer was an effect made famous by throbbing gristle which was played by everyone in TG and can be heard on many throbbing gristle recordings, live performances and is still on their solo recordings. The circuit itself is a fairly loud tremelo(VCA)/squelchy filter(VCF) under control of an lfo. The VCA gives you that dark brooding pulsing sound from a slow steady blast to helicopter fast chopping action. with guitar it can sound bassy or razor sharp and rather piercing, with synths it gives movement and can alter harmonic content. the VCF can scream when in self oscillation mode and turns any boring synth or feedback loop tone into a nice sounding near modular beast! The LFO on the original gristleizer was slightly different, using a switch to change waveshape, the LFO on this circuit uses a pot to alter wave shape from ultra chopy to sloped triangle.saw shapes. This is the signature sound of industrial music! HEAVY pulsing and throbbing beats or lighting fast chop chop! In addition to the gristle circuit, the effect also has a HI VOLTAGE (200v+) tube preamp/distortion for completely destroying the sound. the circuit was lo fi at first but now its plain garbage! By turning up the gain for the preamp the sound ranges from light harmonic clipping to a blown speaker blasting away. I take no responsibility for damage to amplifiers or recording equipment. SPECS: * tremelo/filter switch * self oscillation switch * tube power switch * LFO shape Control * LFO speed Control * LFO Depth * Oscillation Frequency Knob * Tube Gain * Tube Input Level * 1/4" Mono Input and output * powered by dual 9v and 120vac Here's a link to a video http://matrixsynth.blogspot.com/2007/04/gristleizer.html Please be aware that the original came with some sort of glass bulb contained in the circular housing visible on the front of the unit. This was broken in transit when I bought it, all the glass was cleared from the unit and this does not effect the sound. If purchased in the UK I will provide a 230V adaptor at no extra charge. Please see my other auctions for similar items you might be interested in."

Gristleizer on Gristleizer: Erica Synths Ringmod Edition

Published on Apr 26, 2016 Bimini Road

"This is a tabletop Endangered Audio Gristleizer feeding into an Erica Synths Fusion Series Tube Ringmod with the Eurorack version of the Gristleizer acting as the carrier, with some feedback loops thrown in. With the right settings, you can get tube glitch beats out of this setup - the Tiptop stackable cables seem like a no-brainer for anyone who likes to freely experiment with feedback. This is just 16 minutes of noise I'm making with them - skip around to hear how the sound evolves over time.

http://www.endangeredaudioresearch.com
http://www.ericasynths.lv
http://www.makenoisemusic.com (the 104 hp skiff)"

Not Waving, but Droning (ft. The Gristleizer by Endangered Audio Research)

Published on Apr 29, 2016 Bimini Road

"This is a drone piece using three Eurorack Gristleizers. The one on the left is in VCF mode, while the other two in VCA mode with nothing plugged into their audio inputs are acting like VCOs. These two VCOs are sent through the VCF Gristleizer and into Ableton Live with a little Universal Audio EMT 140 Plate Reverb. The saw wave LFO from the VCF Gristleizer is fed back into the Frequency Mix input of the second VCO Gristleizer."

http://www.endangeredaudioresearch.com/

Endangered Audio Research Gristleizer, desktop with CV in/out

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

See this post for history on the Gristleizer. The demo in the listing was previously posted here. You can find additional demos here, and posts in order of relavence here. Finally you can check the Gristleizer label for all posts in most recent post order.

"Get ready to go THROBBING ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡
EAR Gristleizer, desktop version. Similar to their stompbox model but with the inclusion of CV in and out! Also has input for frequency modulation.

Synth, bass, guitar, vocals: anything you can get up to line level it works with
Putting the freq knob past 2 o'clock gets you into audio rates, you can really throw some crazy LFOs into your synths for FM
Freq and depth knobs work with both audio and CV out
4 waves available: saw, reverse saw, triangle, square
Bias and level control work in tandem to squeeze the signal or open it up
Comes with power supply, 18vAC"

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