The Happy Valley Analog Jurassic Fuzz (with Bias Control) is a fuzz pedal built around a pair of high-gain BC109 transistors, hand-wired and hand-painted. It is an updated version of the earlier Jurassic Fuzz Deluxe, with the new Bias knob added to the original schematic for more sonic possibilities. Pedal of the Day's reviewer described it as "A super 60's & 70's-esque, vintage-style fuzz" and called it "a good fuzz to have"1.
Controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Output | Controls the overall volume of the pedal1 |
| Fuzz | Adds in or subtracts fuzz, with a nice range of tonal properties to span a wide fuzz spectrum1 |
| Bias | Adds a new dimension and makes it able to create some great modern-sounding fuzzes when maxed out1 |
The Bias knob is what separates this version from its predecessor. Pedal of the Day's reviewer, Mike B, wrote that "The new Bias knob really gets things moving, and is a real sit-down-and-mess-around-with control knob, adding a new dimension"1. In his view, "the addition of the Bias knob really opens up the sonic possibilities here, and is not a control that will go unnoticed"1.
How it compares to the earlier Jurassic Fuzz
Happy Valley Analog also made an earlier version of this pedal, the Jurassic Fuzz Deluxe, which the Bias Control version sits alongside in the maker's range. For where this pedal sits among fuzzes generally, see Fuzz Pedals.
Videos
HappyValleyAnalog
Happy Valley Analog
Happy Valley Analog
Questions
Is the Happy Valley Jurassic Fuzz true bypass?
Yes. Pedal of the Day's review of the Bias Control version lists the pedal as True Bypass, so when it is switched off your guitar's signal passes through without going through the fuzz circuit. That is worth knowing if you are planning a pedalboard with long cable runs or many pedals in a row.
What does the Bias knob do on the Jurassic Fuzz?
The Bias knob is the addition that sets this version apart from the earlier Deluxe. Pedal of the Day's reviewer called it a real sit-down-and-mess-around-with control, adding a new dimension and making it possible to create some great modern-sounding fuzzes when maxed out. It is a control that changes the character of the fuzz, not just its volume or amount.
What transistors does the Jurassic Fuzz use?
The Jurassic Fuzz with Bias Control uses a pair of high-gain BC109 transistors, according to Pedal of the Day's review. The BC109 is a classic silicon transistor long associated with vintage-style fuzz circuits.
How is the Bias version different from the earlier Jurassic Fuzz?
The Bias Control version is an updated take on the earlier Jurassic Fuzz Deluxe, which had simpler controls. Happy Valley Analog took the original schematic and beefed it up, adding the Bias knob for more sonic possibilities. The earlier Deluxe was itself reviewed positively, with the reviewer saying it didn't lack the balls that you want a good fuzz to have.
Sources (1)
- Happy Valley Analog Jurassic Fuzz (with Bias Control), Pedal of the Day, 2015-07-06
