The JimiLee Fuzz is a fuzz pedal from Flying Mo-Jo, released as the first pedal in the company's effects line. It is a PNP three-transistor fuzz in the style of the original 1960s British fuzz-tone, and Flying Mo-Jo says the transistors are hand selected for tone, gain and leakage to achieve that classic fuzz sound. The pedal was announced in two versions: a $195.00 PCB version and a $300.00 limited edition, hand-wired classic single sided etched circuit board version1.
Circuit and sound
The JimiLee is built as a hand selected PNP three-transistor fuzz, which the maker describes as "like the original"1. The circuit lineage is the Tone Bender sound of the original 1960s British fuzz-tone, and Flying Mo-Jo's announcement put it this way:
"we are confident your appetite for the Tone Bender sound will be satisfied and you will wave the Union Jack high"1
The maker considers the MkI to be the most elusive fuzz tone to dial in, and positions the JimiLee as delivering that classic fuzz sound through its transistor selection1. For players new to fuzz, a PNP three-transistor design is the arrangement associated with the earliest British fuzz pedals, and hand selection of transistors is a way of sorting for the tone, gain and leakage characteristics a given circuit needs1.
Versions and price
The JimiLee Fuzz was announced in two versions1:
| Version | Price | Construction |
|---|---|---|
| PCB version | $195.00 | Standard printed circuit board |
| Limited edition | $300.00 | Hand-wired, classic single sided etched circuit board |
The limited edition is a hand-wired build on a classic single sided etched circuit board, and it was announced as a limited run1.
Power and switching
The pedal is powered by an industry standard center negative 9V DC plug, thanks to an internal power inverter1. The inverter is what lets a standard center negative supply run the PNP circuit, so the JimiLee takes the same power supply as most pedals on a board. Switching is a true bypass on/off switch1.
Artwork
The pedal features original art from Alan Aldridge, described in the announcement as the "Father of Rock n' Roll Art", taken from the JimiLee guitar1.
Videos
FLYING MO-JO
FLYING MO-JO
Questions
Is the Flying Mo-Jo JimiLee Fuzz true bypass?
Yes. The JimiLee Fuzz has a true bypass on/off switch, according to the announcement of the pedal. That means the pedal's circuit is removed from the signal path entirely when it is switched off, so your guitar's signal reaches the amplifier unaltered until you engage the fuzz.
What power supply does the JimiLee Fuzz need?
The JimiLee Fuzz runs on an industry standard center negative 9V DC plug. Because the circuit is a PNP design, the pedal uses an internal power inverter to make that standard supply work, so a normal center negative pedal power supply is all it needs.
How much does the JimiLee Fuzz cost?
At its 2016 announcement, the JimiLee Fuzz was listed at $195.00 for the PCB version and $300.00 for the limited edition hand-wired version with a classic single sided etched circuit board.
Who made the artwork on the JimiLee Fuzz?
The pedal features original art from Alan Aldridge, described in the announcement as the 'Father of Rock n' Roll Art', taken from the JimiLee guitar.
What transistors does the JimiLee Fuzz use?
The JimiLee Fuzz is a PNP three-transistor fuzz, and the transistors are hand selected for tone, gain and leakage, which Flying Mo-Jo says is how the pedal achieves its classic fuzz sound.
Sources (1)
- Flying Mo-Jo Announces the JimiLee Fuzz, Premier Guitar, 2016-11-11