Jam Pedals has announced the highly anticipated return of their acclaimed Octaurus octave fuzz, a pedal celebrated for its gnarly fuzz tones and distinct octave clarity.
Octaurus NOS
For the discerning tone enthusiast, the Octaurus NOS makes a comeback in a sleek black enclosure. This premium version stays true to the original limited edition, boasting the same sought-after New Old Stock (NOS) silicon transistors and germanium diodes that defined its sonic character.
While it sadly forgoes the original’s suede zip-up jacket, the NOS promises the authentic, “golden era” inspired fuzz experience that made the original 2023 run so coveted.
Jam Pedals meticulously designed the Octaurus circuit, drawing inspiration from their favourite vintage units to capture a unique blend of desirable sonic attributes.
Octaurus Standard
Meanwhile, for players less concerned with component provenance, the Octaurus Standard arrives in a vibrant green finish.
This version delivers a remarkably similar sonic palette to its NOS sibling, offering a compelling option for those curious about the power of octave fuzz. Both iterations are designed to be surprisingly versatile, dispelling the notion of octave fuzz as a one-trick pony.
Jam Pedals emphasizes that both the NOS and Standard models provide a clear and defined octave effect while crucially retaining the clarity of the player’s guitar tone, a quality often lost in less refined fuzz circuits.
Controls
Dialling in the perfect sonic assault is made intuitive with three straightforward knobs: Level, Tone, and Gain. Further sonic sculpting is offered through a pair of toggle switches.
One switch allows users to select between asymmetric clipping for a more open and dynamic feel, and symmetric clipping for a tighter and more precise sound.
The second toggle switch offers two distinct voicings: a full-range mode that delivers an assertive, singing fuzz ideal for cutting through a mix, and a mid-scooped option that provides overdrive-like clarity for power chords while maintaining tightness and girth.
Jam Pedals encourages experimentation, even suggesting players “dime it and see what you get,” highlighting that the pedal’s strong octave and rich harmonics truly shine at higher settings.
They also point out the dynamic possibilities of rolling back the guitar’s volume, which can coax a unique quasi-ring modulator tone as the octave becomes more prominent and the gain recedes. Impressively, the clear octave effect remains consistent across all pickup positions.
Key features Jam Pedals strived for in the Octaurus include:
- Clear Apparent Octave: Maintains clarity across all pickup positions.
- Retained Note Body: Keeps notes full and rich across the guitar’s entire register.
- Volume Roll-Back Magic: Achieves a ring-mod effect without sacrificing double stops or fundamental intervals.
- Power-Chord Definition: Provides overdrive-like clarity for open power chords while preserving tightness and girth with a scooped voicing.
- Full Range Voicing: Offers a singing fuzz quality that soars in the mix.
- Symmetrical Clipping: For tightness and precise definition.
- Asymmetrical Clipping: Delivers a looser, more dynamic feel.
A 9V battery or a standard pedalboard power supply can power both pedals.
Jam Pedals underscores their ambition with the Octaurus: “With the Octaurus, our aim was to create an octafuzz that goes beyond being just another genre-specific one-trick pony. We wanted a versatile powerhouse that inspires creative exploration and delivers in a wide range of musical applications.”
Pricing & Availability
The Octaurus NOS is available now in limited quantities, priced at £289/$339. The more accessible Octaurus Standard is priced at £219/$259.
More Information
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