The FuzzHugger Custom Combo 2-in-1 Absynthe is an oscillating fuzz pedal that carries two full, independent Absynthe fuzz circuits in a single enclosure. FuzzHugger describes the Absynthe sound as sizzling overdriven fuzz, with hints of octave, adjusting from thick to splattery, and the oscillation footswitch adds runaway oscillation, glitch, self-arpeggio, filtery tones, and octave-down sounds on demand1.
Two Absynths in one box
This is not a standard catalog model. FuzzHugger lists it as a custom build prototype1. The idea is the same as the maker's other custom 2-in-1 builds, such as the Custom 2-in-1 Algal Bloom + Algal Bloom and the Custom 2-in-1 Algal Bloom + Doom Bloom: two complete pedals sharing one enclosure, each with its own footswitch so they can be used separately or stacked1.
Because the two circuits are independent, each Absynthe keeps its own settings. One can be dialed thick and the other splattery, and both can run at once. FuzzHugger notes one quirk: the controls of the two Absynths are mirror-imaged, which the maker says might or might not mess with your brain1.
The oscillation footswitch
The Absynthe's defining feature is its oscillation switch. FuzzHugger's own description: "Step on the oscillation foot switch for runaway oscillation madness, glitch, self-arpeggio, filtery tones, and octave do"1. In practice it is a momentary-style second function beside the fuzz on/off switches, letting you kick the circuit into self-oscillation for a passage and step off to return to the base fuzz tone.
"Sizzling overdriven fuzz, with hints of octave, adjusts from thick to splattery."
The pedal carries four footswitches in all, one on and one oscillation switch per Absynthe. The middle two sit close together: FuzzHugger gives their center-to-center distance as 1.5 inches1, worth knowing if you play with narrow shoes or tap dancing arrangements.
Power and practical notes
The Custom Combo runs on a 9 to 18V DC center-negative adapter only, with no battery option1. A daisy chain shared with other pedals may not be reliable with a dual-circuit fuzz, and there is no battery fallback.
The Deluxe Clear Finish enclosure is the finish FuzzHugger lists for this build1.
If you want the same oscillating fuzz idea in a single-circuit pedal, the standalone Absynthe oscillating fuzz is the standard version, and the maker's wider fuzz range includes the Doom Bloom, Algal Bloom, and Double Doom. For the broader category, see Fuzz Pedals1.
Questions
What does the oscillation footswitch do on the Absynthe?
Stepping on the oscillation footswitch pushes the Absynthe into runaway oscillation madness, glitch, self-arpeggio, filtery tones, and octave-down sounds, according to FuzzHugger. It is a second footswitch beside the fuzz's own on/off switch, so you can hold the oscillation for a fill or a passage and release it to return to the base fuzz sound without touching your knobs.
Can I run both Absynths in the Custom Combo at the same time?
Yes. The Custom Combo is built around two full, independent Absynthe fuzz circuits in one enclosure, so each side can be switched on or off on its own and both can run together. FuzzHugger notes that the controls of the two Absynths are mirror-imaged, which the maker admits might or might not mess with your brain when you set them.
What kind of power supply does the Custom Combo Absynthe need?
It runs on a 9 to 18 volt DC center-negative adapter only. There is no battery option, so plan on a dedicated adapter output or an isolated supply rather than a battery. The 9 to 18 volt range means it can sit on a supply set at 9V or be run at a higher voltage within that range.
Is the FuzzHugger Custom Combo Absynthe still available?
It is described as a custom build prototype, so availability depends on the maker building more. The standard single Absynthe remains a separate pedal in the FuzzHugger range.
Sources (1)
- FuzzHugger Custom Combo 2-in-1 Absynthe oscillating fuzz, Deluxe Clear Finish, FuzzHugger Effects
