The Daredevil Daisho is an octave fuzz pedal from Daredevil Pedals. Its octave circuit sits stacked before the fuzz, which the maker says gives you the most the effect has to offer, and a depth knob fattens up the bottom end as you turn it clockwise, bringing the tone back to full fuzz power. It is true bypass and runs on a 9V negative ground external DC source, with a list price of $189.00 USD.12
The Daisho is listed as sold out on Daredevil Pedals' product page as of October 2026.1
What it does
Daredevil describes the Daisho as "2 great circuits in one pedal, Fuzz & Octave". The two circuits are independent, so each side can be used on its own or together. With the octave circuit engaged, the maker describes "High end harmonic tones that stir up Hendrix-like sustain and singing sweet bite", and Delicious Audio's write-up says "Double stops turn into swirling, gnashing sonic feq-out."12
The signal order matters here: Daredevil says "The Octave above circuit is stacked before the fuzz giving you the most the effect has to offer." In other words, the octave runs into the fuzz rather than after it, which is how the pedal reaches its fullest octave-fuzz character.1
The controls
| Control | Side | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | Fuzz | Output level2 |
| Gain | Fuzz | Amount of fuzz2 |
| Depth | Fuzz | Tone stack that boosts or attenuates the low end2 |
| Noise gate | Gate | Increased clockwise, cutting background hiss between playing1 |
The Depth knob is the fuzz side's low-end control. Turned counterclockwise, Daredevil says it is "vintage and bright with enough texture to cut through"; turned clockwise, "the bottom fatten[s] up, bringing your tone right back to modern fuzz power."1
The noise gate is optional and adjustable: turning it clockwise cuts the background hiss in between playing. Delicious Audio adds that it "can be bypassed... when gain or volume is rolled back", so the gate does not have to be in the path at lower settings.12
Background and reception
Delicious Audio, writing at the pedal's July 2018 release, described it as "Designed for maximum dynamic fuzz and octave control", the result of Chicago's Daredevil Pedals teaming up with "legendary guitarist Earl Slick".2
Owners on Daredevil's own review page have singled out the low end. One review reads: "Amazing pedal, love the tweakable low end."3
Daredevil has since collaborated on other fuzz designs, including the Daredevil Cry Baby Fuzz Wah with Jim Dunlop and the Ten Tone Anniversary Fuzz marking the maker's tenth anniversary.
Videos
Reverb
R.J. Ronquillo
Chicago Music Exchange
Questions
What does Daisho mean?
Daredevil Pedals says the Daisho name translates to "double edged sword", a nod to the pedal's two circuits in one box. The maker suggests both sides dial in well together, which is where the name comes from on the product page.
Is the Daredevil Daisho true bypass?
Yes. Daredevil Pedals lists the Daisho as true bypass on its product page, and notes that it runs on a 9V negative ground external DC source rather than a battery.
Does the Daisho have a noise gate?
Yes, it has an optional noise gate. The gate control is increased by turning it clockwise, cutting out background hiss between phrases. Delicious Audio notes it can be bypassed when the gain or volume is rolled back.
What power does the Daredevil Daisho use?
The Daisho runs on a 9V negative ground external DC source, according to Daredevil Pedals. No battery option is mentioned on the maker's product page.
Does the octave come before or after the fuzz in the Daisho?
The octave comes first. Daredevil describes the octave circuit as stacked before the fuzz, which the maker says gives you the most the effect has to offer.
Is the Daisho still available?
No. The Daisho is listed as sold out on the Daredevil Pedals product page as of October 2026.
Sources (3)
- DAISHO - Earl Slick Fuzz Octave - Daredevil website, Daredevil Pedals
- Daredevil Pedals Daish? Earl Slick Signature Octave Fuzz, Delicious Audio, 2018-07-02
- Reviews 1, Daredevil Pedals
