ARIA: Super Fuzz Sustainer

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The Aria Super Fuzz Sustainer is a variant on the Big Muff, probably based on the Elk Sustainar as it shares the same values mostly (based on a Triangle BMP).   The tone stack is a bit different, and it’s clearly missing a recovery stage at the end, not unlike a Colorsound Supa Tone Bender.  Unusual to see the 6n8 … Read more

SHIN-EI: FY-2 Fuzz (Germanium Version)

SHIN EI FY 2 ge vero layout f16b8a87f012

This is the Shin-Ei Companion Fuzz’s lesser-known, but earlier incarnation – which is confusingly also called a FY-2.  It’s closer to a fuzz face than a fuzzrite, and there’s no notch filter on the output.More info on DIY Stomboxes via this thread.   It is said to be quite a monster fuzz…   SHIN-EI FY-2 GERMANIUM FUZZ – … Read more

Fuzz Machine: Unbranded Ibanez Standard Fuzz

Fuzz Machine rear aaf3ebea66e2

The Fuzz Machine is clearly an unbranded Ibanez No 59 Standard Fuzz. I occasionally buy a few parts from a retired guy with a shed full of vintage electronics and components, mostly valves and radio gear.  A while back, he mentioned that there were a couple of pedals buried somewhere in the shed.   I was … Read more

IBANEZ: Overdrive OD-850

IBANEZ Overdrive OD850 Vero Layout 39b228b37964

The Ibanez Overdrive OD-850 is an early Japanese Big Muff variation, almost a straight clone if it wasn’t for the usual tone stack.  It’s also known as the Maxon D&S OD-801 – either way, both classic guitar effects from Japan. The tone stack fixes the bass response to some degree, providing a more even sweep across the range.   … Read more

UNIVOX: Super Fuzz, Notch Filter Mod

UNIVOX Super Fuzz Notch Mod Vero Layout e449b4c14bdb

This is a handy little mod for the Univox Super Fuzz – especially for those who always leave the tone switch on the notch setting.   Instead of a tone switch, there’s a pot from the 100n capacitor to ground in the bridged-t notch filter, so the amount of notch can be dialled in.  If you really want … Read more

ACE TONE: Fuzz Master FM-2

ACE TONE FM 2 Fuzz Master vero layout bb778e3aff60

One more for the vintage Japanese Fuzz collection   The Ace Tone FM-2 Fuzz Master – a variation on the venerable Super Fuzz. It’s a little different as the “Expander” control is missing (bypassed), which is the same as running it full-tilt all the time.  It also uses silicon diodes instead of germanium and has a strange … Read more

SHIN-EI: Companion Fuzz FY-2, Point to Point Layout

Shin Ei Companion Fuzz 2766c4bb2595

One of the early Japanese fuzz pedals to mark it’s mark with the classic notch filter – the Shin-Ei Companion Fuzz FY-2.    The fuzz control is more about texture rather than the amount of fuzz present.  They’re notorious for being a little low in level, which is why I have included the second option with the … Read more

ELK: Super Fuzz Sustainar

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Another variation on the Big Muff, the Elk Super Fuzz Sustainar from the early seventies – one of the earliest Japanese copies known.  The Elk Super Fuzz Sustainar originally used PNP transistors, which is completely unnecessary now, given the availability of good NPN transistors.  The tone section is slightly different from a regular Big Muff, and retains more high-end across … Read more