JHS Pedals has just announced their new Legends of Fuzz range of pedals based on four historic fuzz pedals.
The pedals revive four vintage circuits and make them accessible in a high-quality, durable format.
JHS’ new Legends of Fuzz faithfully recreates four iconic fuzz pedals in a high-quality, durable format, making them accessible for guitarists.
The first in the Legends of Fuzz range is the Bender:1973, London, based on the 1973 version of the iconic Tonebender Fuzz pedal which first started with the 1962 Maestro Fuzz. The Maestro came to be widely used by bands of the British Invasion — most notably on the intro riff of The Rolling Stones’ “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”.
JHS writes that the Bender is based on Josh Scott’s favourite version of the Tonebender from 1973, and makes the “finicky” pedal more reliable. “If you love the fuzz sounds of Led Zeppelin, Jeff Beck, The Beatles, Mick Ronson (David Bowie), and My Bloody Valentine, then the Bender is for you.”
Meanwhile, the Crimson:1992, Russia is based on the first Russian-made Big Muff, created after Electro Harmonix filed bankruptcy in the 80s. As Mike Matthews no longer owned the trademark to the Big Muff, the new version was called the Red Army Overdrive by Sovtek.
JHS writes that the 1992 model is possibly the rarest Big Muff circuit ever and provides sounds reminiscent of Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr., and Smashing Pumpkins. It also has a mid-boost toggle to help it cut through a live mix.
Third in the range is the Smiley:1969, London, based on the original Fuzz Face that was put to best use by Jimi Hendrix. JHS writes that it will also offer tones heard on records by Eric Clapton.
Finally, the Supreme:1972, Japan is based on the Super Fuzz, once known as the Shin-Ei (and before that as the Honey Baby Crying Effect). The Supreme is a pretty gnarly sounding fuzz with an octave sound that can be controlled via the “Expand” knob. A tone button also allows you to switch between a mid-scooped, tamer octave sound and a gnarlier octave sound with more mids.
Josh Scott is an addict for vintage gear and has been faithfully recreating classic circuits in his Kansas studio. The new Legends of Fuzz range is no exception, and JHS’ demo below proves it.
While you’re here, check out our feature video on creating the ultimate pedalboard:
