The Big Game Pedals FY-2 Fuzz is a fuzz effects pedal from Big Game Pedals, built as a modified version of the vintage Shin-ei FY-2 Companion Fuzz. Pedal of the Day describes the original circuit as "a modded germanium fuzz," and Big Game Pedals' version adds a Shift control and a bass switch to that design1. It runs on 2N1306 germanium transistors, which the reviewer notes "are more stable than many germanium transistors"1.
What it does and how it is controlled
The FY-2 Fuzz keeps the layout of the original Shin-ei Companion circuit and adds Big Game Pedals' own modifications. The controls work like this1:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Fuzz | Adjusts the amount of dirt the fuzz produces1 |
| Shift | Big Game Pedals' mod: gets the classic scooped fuzz tone, but also a more mid-focused sound1 |
| Volume | Controls the pedal's overall output volume1 |
| Bass switch | Part of the modded feature set, alongside the Shift control1 |
The Shift control matters because of how the underlying circuit works. On the original Shin-ei FY-2, Aion FX explains that "the fuzz control of the FY-2 is an odd setup that shifts the balance between the two transistor stages rather than directly controlling gain," changing harmonics and texture rather than intensity3. A control that reshapes the tone rather than simply adding gain is unusual, and the Shift control on the Big Game Pedals version gives the player a way to steer that character between scooped and mid-forward voicings.
For players digging into the original circuit, the DIY community has documented transistor substitutions in the Shin-ei layout: Guitar FX Layouts notes builders have used 2N3904, 2SC828, 2N2222 and 2N5088 transistors in the layout4. The Big Game Pedals pedal itself ships with 2N1306 germanium transistors1.
Availability and the Shin-ei connection
Pedal of the Day flagged the FY-2 as hard to find even in 2017, noting that "The lineup for Big Game Pedals' effects keeps on changing" and describing these as rare fuzzes1. Shin-ei, the maker of the original Companion FY-2, has since announced a "NEW FY-2 SHIN-EI COMPANION FUZZ BOX REPRODUCTION," a separate current product from the Big Game Pedals version5.
"A great fuzz with a clean look and dirty sounds, the FY-2 will play nicely with the rest of your board, and stand out on its own as well."
If you are comparing fuzzes, the Fuzz Pedals page covers the wider field, including other germanium and vintage-derived designs.
Videos
Big Game Pedals
Pedal of the Day
Questions
Is the Big Game Pedals FY-2 a germanium fuzz?
Yes. Pedal of the Day describes the FY-2 as a modded germanium fuzz, and the pedal uses 2N1306 germanium transistors, which the reviewer notes are more stable than many germanium transistors. It is a modified take on the vintage Shin-ei Companion FY-2 circuit rather than a straight copy.
What does the Shift control do on the FY-2?
The Shift control is one of Big Game Pedals' modifications. It lets you get the classic scooped fuzz tone of the original circuit, but also a more mid-focused sound. On the original Shin-ei design, the fuzz control shifts the balance between the two transistor stages rather than directly controlling gain, changing harmonics and texture rather than intensity.
What transistors does the FY-2 Fuzz use?
The Big Game Pedals FY-2 Fuzz uses 2N1306 germanium transistors. Pedal of the Day notes these are more stable than many germanium transistors, a common concern with germanium-based fuzz circuits.
What does the bass switch on the FY-2 do?
The bass switch is one of the modifications Big Game Pedals added to the original Shin-ei FY-2 circuit, alongside the Shift control. The review does not detail its exact operation beyond listing it as part of the pedal's modded feature set.
Is the Big Game Pedals FY-2 still in production?
Pedal of the Day described the FY-2 as rare in 2017, noting that Big Game Pedals' lineup keeps changing and recommending that players grab one if it pops up. Shin-ei has since announced a reproduction of its own Companion FY-2 Fuzz Box, which is a separate product.
Sources (5)
- Big Game Pedals FY-2 Fuzz Pedal, Pedal of the Day, 2017-10-23
- Big Game Pedals FY-2 Fuzz, Pedal of the Day, 2017-10-22
- Constellation Vintage Fuzz / Shin-ei Companion FY-2, Aion FX, 2019-11-25
- Guitar FX Layouts: Shin-Ei FY-2 Companion Fuzz with mods, Guitar FX Layouts (tagboardeffects.blogspot.com), 2014-03-25
- Shin-ei Companion FY-2 Fuzz Box, Shin-ei
