The Plush Jersey Thunder is a gain boost and EQ pedal from Fuchs Audio, designed for bass. It was announced in December 2010 as a new addition to the company's Plush FX line, with a manufacturer suggested retail price of $199.99, and the company debuted it at the NAMM show the following month1. The pedal keeps things simple: two knobs and a three-position switch, built to add clarity and modern tones to basses with passive electronics1.
What it does
The Jersey Thunder is not a dirt pedal. Premier Guitar's reviewer put it plainly: "The pedal isn't designed to turn your bass tone into a roaring, fire-breathing demon. Its purpose is to bring out the frequencies that make a bass stand out"2. That places it alongside other boost pedals rather than overdrive or distortion designs, and its EQ side connects it to the broader family of equalization pedals.
Plush suggests the pedal is well suited to add clarity and modern tones to basses with passive electronics, which have no onboard preamp of their own1.
The controls
The pedal features just two knobs: a gain control and a variable EQ control1. A three-position switch provides a straight gain boost and two unique bass EQ curves, both adjustable by the EQ knob1. The switch sits on the side of the unit2.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Gain | Sets the amount of gain boost1 |
| EQ | Variable control that adjusts the two bass EQ curves1 |
| 3-way switch | Selects a straight gain boost or one of two bass EQ curves2 |
The two EQ slopes are designed to give extended low end, a recessed lower midrange and high-end pop1. Premier Guitar's reviewer found the Shape control especially effective in practice: "The Shape control was incredibly useful when using the low-end boost EQ slope, allowing me to precisely set just how much punch I wanted without going overboard"2.
Premier Guitar's reviewer noted that each of the three settings was crafted to solve the problems and headaches of audio engineers who deal with electric bass2. The three modes are fixed voicings selected by the side-mounted switch, not user-programmable presets.
Build and housing
The unit is housed in a solid aluminum case and offers true bypass1. Premier Guitar's reviewer described it as sporting a striking, purple powder-coated finish2.
Videos
Premier Guitar
Questions
Is the Fuchs Plush Jersey Thunder made for bass only?
The Jersey Thunder was designed for bass. No Treble described it as a gain boost and EQ pedal designed for bass, and Premier Guitar's reviewer noted that its three settings were crafted to solve the problems of audio engineers who deal with electric bass. The pedal is not designed to add grind or dirt; its purpose is to bring out the frequencies that make a bass stand out in a mix.
Is the Plush Jersey Thunder true bypass?
Yes. According to No Treble's announcement, the unit is housed in a solid aluminum case and offers true bypass, so the pedal can be removed from the signal path when switched off.
What do the two EQ curves on the Plush Jersey Thunder do?
The three-position switch provides a straight gain boost plus two unique bass EQ curves, both adjustable by the EQ knob. The slopes are designed to give extended low end, a recessed lower midrange and high-end pop. Premier Guitar's reviewer found the Shape control incredibly useful with the low-end boost EQ slope, allowing precise setting of punch without going overboard.
Is the Plush Jersey Thunder suited to passive basses?
Yes. Plush suggests that the pedal is well suited to add clarity and modern tones to basses with passive electronics, which typically lack the onboard preamp and EQ of active instruments.
What is the Plush FX line from Fuchs Audio?
The Plush FX line is a range of pedals from Fuchs Audio. The Jersey Thunder was announced in December 2010 as a new pedal joining that line, and the company debuted it at the NAMM show the following month.
Sources (2)
- Gear Watch: Plush Jersey Thunder Pedal Sneak Preview, No Treble, 2010-12-17
- Fuchs Plush FX Jersey Thunder Pedal Review, Premier Guitar, 2011-10-18
