The Dirty Haggard Audio DH-2 Death Fuzz is a hand-built fuzz pedal announced in December 2018 as the debut product from Portland, Oregon-based Dirty Haggard Audio. Its circuit is based on the Shin-ei Companion FY-2, an early 1970s silicon transistor fuzz, and Dirty Haggard describes the result as an "over-the-top gated fuzz" with a virtually silent noise floor12.
Controls
The DH-2 keeps a simple three-knob layout3:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Gain | Sets the amount of fuzz3 |
| Volume | Sets the output level3 |
| Filter | A unique control which focuses on low-mids and highs1 |
Alongside the knobs, a switchable noise gate is the pedal's other main feature1. Guitar.com notes that keeping the noise gate off "lends a vintage feel to the fuzz effect," so the switch offers a choice between a cleaned-up gated voice and the original circuit's behavior3.
Where the circuit came from
The Shin-ei Companion FY-2 that the Death Fuzz is based on was an early 1970s silicon transistor fuzz2. Builder reports on the original circuit describe it as "sluggish on output level and the overall sound is quite thin and nasal" in stock form, which is part of why the FY-2 has been a candidate for modification among builders4. The DH-2 takes that circuit as its starting point and adds the filter control and noise gate on top1.
"Sporting a circuit based on the coveted Sevnties Shin-ei Companion FY-2, Dirty Haggard touts the new unit as an 'over-the-top gated fuzz.'"
For background on the original pedal, see the Shin-Ei FY-2 Companion Fuzz page.
What reviewers said
Coverage at the pedal's announcement was generally favorable about the changes Dirty Haggard made to the FY-2 formula. gearnews.com's reviewer wrote, "However, the refinements to the DH-2 Death Fuzz have certainly improved the circuit quite a bit"52.
Availability and price
At its December 2018 announcement, the DH-2 was reported as hand-built and available for $1551. It was the company's debut pedal3.
Videos
Dirty Haggard Audio
Dirty Haggard Audio
The High Gain
Questions
What is the Dirty Haggard Death Fuzz based on?
The DH-2 Death Fuzz uses a circuit based on the Shin-ei Companion FY-2, an early 1970s silicon transistor fuzz. The original FY-2 was known for a thin, nasal voice and low output, and the Death Fuzz keeps that circuit as its starting point while adding refinements such as a filter control and a switchable noise gate.
Does the Death Fuzz have a noise gate?
Yes. The DH-2 includes a switchable noise gate. With the gate engaged, the pedal is described as an over-the-top gated fuzz with a virtually silent noise floor. Guitar.com notes that keeping the noise gate off lends a vintage feel to the fuzz effect, so the switch lets players choose between the two characters.
What does the filter control do on the Death Fuzz?
The filter control is described by Guitar World as a unique control which focuses on low-mids and highs. Along with the gain and volume knobs, it shapes the tone of the fuzz rather than simply rolling off treble, letting players adjust where the pedal sits in a mix.
Is the Death Fuzz hand-built?
Yes. Guitar World reported at the pedal's December 2018 announcement that the DH-2 is hand-built, and it was the debut pedal from boutique maker Dirty Haggard Audio.
Sources (5)
- Dirty Haggard Audio Announces the DH-2 Death Fuzz, Guitar World, 2018-12-18
- Constellation Vintage Fuzz / Shin-ei Companion FY-2, Aion FX, 2019-11-25
- Dirty Haggard Audio introduces the DH-2 Death Fuzz, Guitar.com, 2018-12-17
- Guitar FX Layouts: Shin-Ei FY-2 Companion Fuzz with mods, Guitar FX Layouts (tagboardeffects.blogspot.com), 2024-01-10
- Dirty Haggard Audio DH-2 Death Fuzz: An improved Shin-ei Companion FY-2?, gearnews.com, 2018-12-14
