The GUPtech Octofuzzy is a fuzz/octave pedal from the Canadian builder, described by the maker as "a nasty fuzz/octave from the 60's" and built as a Tycobrahe TM inspired design1. It sits in the same family as other fuzz pedals from the maker, alongside the GUPtech Cornichon Fuzz and the GUPtech FOAZZ Gold Rush Edition, and it leans into the octave-fuzz territory that players of octave and pitch pedals look for.
What it does
The Octofuzzy's defining feature is its octave circuit. GUPtech describes it as a "Transformer-generated octave, on by default (octave off switch)", meaning the upper octave is part of the design from the moment the pedal is switched on, and a flip of a switch removes it1. With the octave off, the maker says you can use the pedal as a regular guitar fuzz with more usable volume in that mode1.
With the octave engaged, the range of sounds is broad. In the maker's words, it "allows you to get tones from a distinctive fuzzy sound up to a totally messy ring modulator"1. That spread, from a defined fuzzy voice to an unstable, ring-modulator-like character, is what the Tycobrahe-inspired design is after.
Controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Volume | Output level1 |
| Fuzz (gain) | Amount of fuzz1 |
| Octave switch | Turns the transformer-generated upper octave off, leaving a regular guitar fuzz1 |
Power and bypass
The pedal is true bypass, so its circuit drops out of the signal path when off1. Power comes from a DC output with negative center, which GUPtech says is compatible with a standard 9V adaptor1. The maker's page lists the price as £104.00 GBP1.
The maker's page specifies a DC output with negative center. Match your supply's polarity before connecting it.
Questions
Can you turn the octave off on the GUPtech Octofuzzy?
Yes. The upper octave is generated by a transformer and is on by default, but a switch turns it off. With the octave switched out, the Octofuzzy works as a regular guitar fuzz, which the maker says gives you more usable volume in that mode.
Is the GUPtech Octofuzzy true bypass?
Yes. GUPtech describes the Octofuzzy as a true bypass design, so the pedal's circuit is taken out of the signal path entirely when it is off.
What polarity does the Octofuzzy power supply need?
The Octofuzzy uses a DC output with negative center, and GUPtech says it is compatible with a standard 9V adaptor. Check the polarity of your supply before plugging in, since a wrong-polarity connector can damage a pedal.
What does the Octofuzzy sound like with the octave on?
The maker describes a wide range: with the octave engaged you can get tones from a distinctive fuzzy sound up to what GUPtech calls a totally messy ring modulator, depending on how the pedal is set.
What size enclosure does the Octofuzzy use?
It is built in a powder coated die cast 125B aluminum enclosure measuring 122 x 66.98 x 39.64mm, or 4.8 x 2.64 x 1.58 inches.
Sources (1)
- Octofuzzy, GUPtech
