The Fredric Effects Do The Weasel Stomp! MKII is a filter and harmonic expander pedal with a built-in fuzz. It is a clone of the original Systech Harmonic Energizer, an oddball 70s filter unit favored by Frank Zappa, and the maker says it is capable of all the original HE sounds. On top of that, the MKII adds a fuzz circuit closely modeled on the 70s IC Muff Fuzz, with its own foot switch1. If you are new to this corner of effects, see the site's Filter Pedals and Fuzz Pedals pages for the wider picture.
Where it came from
The Systech Harmonic Energizer was, in Fredric Effects' words, "an extremely interesting oddball filter/harmonic expander type pedal favoured by Frank Zappa"1. Godlyke Distributing, which handled the original, notes that its most notable advocate was guitar legend Frank Zappa, who used the Systech for many of his throaty, mid-boosted guitar tones2. Godlyke describes the sound as great for harnessing those soaring Boston/Michael Schenker guitar tones, or for Zappa-style sounds3. Premier Guitar, reviewing a pedal inspired by the same circuit, referred to "the vintage Systech Harmonic Energizer and the modern boutique pedals it inspired"4.
The Weasel Stomp! MKII follows a first version of Fredric Effects' Systech Harmonic Energizer-based pedals; the maker says that after its success, they came back with a new and improved version1.
Controls
The MKII's additions are all about control. Fredric Effects says the pedal adds mini-pots to adjust the opamp gain and fuzz volume, and that cranking the opamp gain produces the characteristic "barking" filter sound1. A new master volume control means you can get this sound at any volume1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Opamp gain mini-pot | Adjusts the opamp gain; cranking it produces the characteristic "barking" filter sound1 |
| Fuzz volume mini-pot | Sets the level of the fuzz circuit1 |
| Master volume | Lets you get the sound at any volume1 |
| Fuzz foot switch | Switches the fuzz circuit in and out separately1 |
Expression pedal
The expression input works with expression pedals with 50k pots, with 0 to 50k resistance from ring to tip. Fredric Effects states that the pedal works best with the Behringer FCV100 expression/volume pedal, used with a standard mono patch lead1. For more on compatible controllers, see Expression Pedals.
Build
Do The Weasel Stomp! pedals feature custom artwork by Stacey Hine, professionally screenprinted onto powdercoated enclosures1.
Videos
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Questions
What is the Systech Harmonic Energizer?
The Systech Harmonic Energizer is a vintage 70s filter and harmonic expander pedal, described by Premier Guitar as a vintage unit that inspired modern boutique pedals. Godlyke Distributing, which sold the original, says it is great for soaring Boston and Michael Schenker guitar tones, and notes that its most notable advocate was Frank Zappa, who used the Systech for many of his throaty, mid-boosted guitar tones.
What expression pedal works with the Do The Weasel Stomp! MKII?
Fredric Effects says the expression input works with expression pedals with 50k pots, with 0 to 50k resistance from ring to tip. The maker states the pedal works best with the Behringer FCV100 expression/volume pedal, used with a standard mono patch lead.
What makes the barking filter sound on the Weasel Stomp?
The MKII adds a mini-pot to adjust the opamp gain. According to Fredric Effects, cranking the opamp gain produces the characteristic barking filter sound. The pedal is otherwise capable of all the original Harmonic Energizer sounds.
Does the Weasel Stomp! MKII have a master volume?
Yes. Fredric Effects says the MKII adds a new master volume control, so you can get the sound at any volume.
Can the fuzz be switched off separately?
Yes. The pedal has its own foot switch for the fuzz circuit, so the filter and fuzz can be engaged separately. The fuzz itself is closely modelled on the 70s IC Muff Fuzz, and its level is set with a dedicated fuzz volume mini-pot.
Sources (4)
- Systech Harmonic Energizer modified and improved by Fredric Effects as 'Do The Weasel Stomp', Fredric Effects
- TRISKELION® 2.0, Godlyke Distributing, Inc.
- SYSTECH Harmonic Energizer (B-STOCK), Godlyke Distributing, Inc.
- ToneConcepts The Distillery Review, Premier Guitar, 2013-09-29