The Ampeg Scrambler SCP-OD is a reissue of the original Ampeg Scrambler, an octave-up fuzz first released in 1969. Guitarist's review for MusicRadar describes it as basically a fuzzbox with a distortion circuit that adds upper octave harmonic content while blending the effected signal against the dry one1. It sits in the octave fuzz family alongside pedals like the Superfuzz, fOXX Tone Machine and Octavia, though each of those circuits generates its octave by its own technique, so they all sound different2.
The original was not a commercial success and is today an exceptionally rare octave-up fuzz pedal12. Premier Guitar's reviewer wrote that "the Scrambler had a truly unique octave fuzz voice" and found it a loyal following among the fuzz cult, aided by its rarity3. Blake Wright and Paolo De Gregorio, writing for Delicious Audio, noted that "The Scrambler's huge upper-octave fuzz sound ran counter to the popular Big Muff-style fatter and thicker amp-like tone" of its era4.
History and reissues
The Scrambler first appeared in 1969 and was not a great commercial success, which is why Ampeg's decision to bring the design back makes sense to players who want that sound1. The SCP-OD covered here is Ampeg's own reissue of the original Scrambler1.
The controls: Balance and Texture
The pedal keeps the original's two-knob layout. The original Scrambler had two knobs, Texture and Blend, which respectively controlled the octave-up level and balanced the straight and effected signals5. On the SCP-OD:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Texture | Changes the type of harmonic distortion; clockwise rotation results in an upper harmonic being added to the sound1 |
| Balance | Adds in a proportion of the effected sound to the straight input signal; turning clockwise goes from a completely dry signal to 100 per cent effect1 |
That balance control is central to the design: rather than replacing your tone with an octave-up fuzz, the Scrambler lets you blend the upper-harmonic content in over the clean signal, which is what gives the pedal its distinctive voice15.
Build, power and bypass
The SCP-OD is built in a vintage-minded way. Guitarist's review describes it as one heavy pedal, solidly constructed from thick diecast metal1.
There is no on/off LED. Ampeg has resisted the temptation to add one, so you go by ear to know whether the effect is engaged1.
Power and switching details:
- Battery: a single nine-volt battery, accessed in old-school style by removing four crosshead screws and the whole bottom plate1
- Adaptor: a jack for a standard 9V adaptor is provided between the input and output jacks1
- Bypass: true bypass, with footswitching described as reassuringly clunky1
What reviewers said
Guitarist's verdict on the sound: "it imparts a raspy, authentic 60s garage vibe but with a full balance of frequencies"1. The review's summary line was "Solid build quality. Great sounds."1
Questions
Is the Ampeg Scrambler SCP-OD true bypass?
Yes. Guitarist's review for MusicRadar describes the Scrambler SCP-OD's footswitching as true bypass, and notes that it feels reassuringly clunky underfoot, in keeping with the pedal's vintage-style construction.
Does the Ampeg Scrambler SCP-OD take a battery?
It does. Power comes from a single nine-volt battery. In old-school style, you get at it by removing four crosshead screws and taking off the whole bottom plate. A jack for a standard 9V adaptor is also provided, sitting between the input and output jacks.
Does the Scrambler SCP-OD have an LED?
No. Guitarist's review notes that Ampeg has resisted the temptation to add an on/off LED, so there is no light to show whether the effect is engaged. Players used to an indicator will need to go by ear.
How do you change the battery in the Scrambler SCP-OD?
Remove the four crosshead screws holding on the bottom plate and take the whole plate off to reach the single nine-volt battery. It is an old-school arrangement compared with a modern drawer-style battery hatch.
Is the Scrambler SCP-OD heavy?
Yes. Guitarist's review calls it one heavy pedal, solidly constructed from thick diecast metal. That build weight is part of the pedal's vintage character, but it is worth bearing in mind for a pedalboard.
Sources (5)
- Ampeg Scrambler SCP-OD review, MusicRadar, 2007-10-31
- Aperture Octave Fuzz / Ampeg® Scrambler, Aion FX, 2021-07-02
- Build Your Own Clone Scrambled Octave Pedal Review, Premier Guitar, 2011-10-20
- Seminal, Vintage Pedals: Ampeg's Scrambler, Delicious Audio, 2016-09-28
- Creepy Fingers Effects Pink Elephant Pedal Review, Premier Guitar, 2010-10-20
