1. Overview
2. Initial thoughts
3. Video Overview
4. Samples
5. Picture Gallery
6. Construction and cosmetic concerns
7. Conclusion
8. View All

From the maker:

description:
Rhythmically self-oscillating chip-based sicko fuzz

controls:

* Authors Note: Nothing will capture the essense of this pedal/company/person better than the demo video he produced for this pedal.

Initial thoughts:

I’ve owned this pedal for awhile, and my initial thoughts before buying it are still fresh in my mind. What the hell is that, and how can I get one? Now time has tempered me somewhat, but I still wonder if there will be a day when I truly tame this little beastie. I’ve struggled with getting this review out the door, because it just doesn’t fit well into the neat little fuzz review package I’ve created. This is a pedal best learned and explored, so pour out a glass of bourbon, plug in your instrument and begin to explore.

Video Overview

Overview Video:

Samples

Positions for Testing (in o’clocks):

1. Volume:12 Tone:3 Gain:9 Starve:9
2. Volume:3 Tone:7 Gain:9 Starve:1
3. Volume:2 Tone:7 Gain:9 Starve:7

Note: Headphones or good speakers required. Bass samples!

P Bass

Position	Sample
1	1
2
3
1	2
2
3
1	3
2
3
	Mix

Active J

Position	Sample
3	1
	2
	3

Fretless

Position	Sample
3	1
	2
	3

Short 5

Position	Sample
3	1
	1.5
	2
	3

Picture Gallery

Construction and cosmetic concerns:

The “shake test” presents some wiggling and rattling, and looking inside the circuit is free-floating, wrapped in tape, and connected via loose wiring. The soldiering is solid, and I can’t help but wonder looking at the scale of the box if a smaller enclosure might have been in order, I asked Aen (the maker of dwarfcraft devices) about it and he said:

Ease/speed of construction, and ease of use. If I tried to cram 4 knobs into a MXR sized box, it would be a nightmare to control. OKay, so it is a nightmare to control anyway… but at least you don’t bump knobs

The particular version I have doesn’t have a nine volt connector (current ones do), and after speaking with Aen, he indicates the the version that I have (RAC) was a way for him to keep things straight ‘R’etail ‘AC’ only, but that’s the only difference in the circuit.

Side layout of jacks with a top power connector is my preferred configuration, so nothing for me to bitch about there. Standard botiquey knobs/switches/bypass hardware.

The bare metal enclosure is painted (stained?, marker? blood?) with black writing and has a quaint charge to it, but I prefer the newer enclosures which provides labels for the knobs and an interesting lesson in spine anatomy.

Conclusion:

I love this box. It has provided me with countless hours of exploration, and has inspired me in numerous ways by forcing me to think outside the box. It is possible to dial in ‘regular’ sounds, and while they can be great, I don’t think they (or any simple sound sample) capture the beauty of the pedal. There are a lot of different fuzzes, whirs, and chirps available, but getting back to them can prove to be a bit daunting as the box responds a little different to each device I attach to it.

The free floating circuit is a little bit of a concern to me, but I doubt it will ever break down mechanically.

A gifted noise musician is going to find ways to manipulate this pedal that will make rainbows and dead unicorns shoot out of it, but for me it’s always going to be like an 8 second bull ride, dangerous and out of control. I wouldn’t have it any other way!

As always, if you have any questions, leave a comment or let me know

Note: A rating of 5 = average and should considered a ‘good’ basic score