The Hello Sailor Effects Monmouth Octave Fuzz is a hybrid germanium and silicon octave fuzz from UK builder Hello Sailor Effects. It combines germanium and silicon transistors in what Guitar Pedal X described as "a very simple Hybrid, 3-Transistor circuit"1.
Sound and controls
The Monmouth has two controls, Volume and Gain2. Karlsson's review describes a pedal that responds dynamically across that range: the pedal "still clean up beautifully via your guitar volume knob - totally clean to scream territory"1. On the overall voicing, he wrote that "the Monmouth is totally perfectly balanced and beautifully and precisely poised"1.
In Guitar Pedal X's end-of-year roundup of 2024 fuzz pedals, Karlsson's verdict on the circuit was warm: "Joe really got the Transistor blend perfect on this one - delivers beautiful octave fuzz textures." He described it as a beautifully calibrated hybrid upper octave fuzz with massive amounts of volume and gain2.
Editions and prices
The Monmouth has been offered in more than one enclosure:
| Edition | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mini editions | typically £200 | shown at Brighton Guitar Show and FX Pedal Expo, July 20241 |
| Larger editions | up to £280 | more elaborate finishes1 |
| Listed price, December 2024 | £200 / $250 | as given in Guitar Pedal X's 2024 fuzz roundup2 |
The larger editions carry what Karlsson described as "a beautiful antique and relic'd salmon pink paintjob - covered in a tastefully crackled lacquer, and with Brass app[ointments]" including brass knobs, LED surround and footswitch washer1.
At the time of the July 2024 review, Karlsson noted there were "none in stock currently following the recent Brighton event", with more expected soon1. Hello Sailor Effects builds in small batches, so availability moves quickly.
Where it sits in the range
The Monmouth is one of several hybrid-transistor fuzzes in the Hello Sailor Effects catalog. The builder's Abbey Road Hybrid Fuzz appeared in Karlsson's 2023 comparison of germanium and silicon hybrid fuzzes, and the Voodoo Sailor Octave Fuzz shares the octave fuzz brief. For a different take on gain from the same builder, the ShipWreck Fuzzstortion combines fuzz and distortion. For the wider field, see the site's pages on Fuzz Pedals and Octave & Pitch Pedals.
Questions
Which transistors are in the Hello Sailor Effects Monmouth?
The Monmouth uses a hybrid three-transistor circuit with a germanium NKT72U together with two silicon transistors, a 2N3904 and an MPSA13. Guitar Pedal X's Stefan Karlsson described it as a simple hybrid three-transistor circuit and credited designer Joe Halliday with getting the transistor blend right, delivering what he called beautiful octave fuzz textures.
Who designed the Monmouth Octave Fuzz?
The Monmouth Octave Fuzz was designed by Joe Halliday of Hello Sailor Effects. Guitar Pedal X reported on the circuit in July 2024 as Joe Halliday's latest design, shown in a Mini Edition at the Brighton Guitar Show and FX Pedal Expo.
Does the Monmouth clean up with the guitar's volume knob?
Yes. Guitar Pedal X's review found the Monmouth cleans up beautifully via the guitar's volume knob, running from totally clean to what the reviewer called scream territory. That dynamic response is a hallmark of the hybrid germanium and silicon design.
How much does the Monmouth Octave Fuzz cost?
As of December 2024, Guitar Pedal X listed the Monmouth Octave Fuzz at £200 or $250. The Mini editions typically retail for £200, while larger editions go for up to £280 according to the July 2024 review.
What is the difference between the Mini and larger Monmouth editions?
The circuit is the same octave fuzz design in both. The difference is the enclosure and the price: the Mini editions typically retail for £200, while Guitar Pedal X reported that larger editions go for up to £280. The larger editions carry more elaborate painted and relic'd finishes.
Sources (2)
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2024-07-24
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2024-12-18
