The Hudson Electronics Soul Bomb is a dual fuzz and boost pedal: two germanium circuits in one box, with the Soul side a two transistor fuzz and the Bomb side a germanium boost. Hudson describes it as taking "a classic germanium two transistor fuzz and cascades it in to our Gospel Bomb germanium boost"1. The pedal is no longer available, according to the maker's own product listings2.
Two circuits in one box
The Soul Bomb's two sides can be used independently or stacked. Hudson says "You can run the fuzz or the boost independently or using the Soul in conjunction with the Bomb will create fuzz tones"1. That makes it flexible on a board: the Bomb can work alone as a boost into an amp, the Soul as a standalone fuzz, or the two together for fuller fuzz tones.
| Side | Circuit | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Soul | Germanium two transistor fuzz | Medium gain fuzz tones that clean up with the guitar's volume control1 |
| Bomb | Germanium boost, tweaked Rangemaster | Kicks the front end of an amp into high gear1 |
| Both together | Cascaded fuzz into boost | Fuller fuzz tones1 |
The Soul side: a germanium two transistor fuzz
Hudson describes the Soul as "a fuzzy mix-up of the Italain made 'Bender' and the infamous Fuzz Face"1, blending two classic fuzz designs. The maker says the Soul side "can deliver medium gain fuzz tones as well as cleaning up superbly with a twist of the volume control on your guitar"1, so it responds to guitar volume like the vintage fuzzes it draws on.
The Soul's attack knob shapes the character of the fuzz. With the attack knob at full tilt, Hudson describes the result as "a warm fuzz with more than a hint of rasp and cut"1.
The Bomb side: a tweaked Rangemaster boost
The Bomb side is "a tweaked version of the classic 'Rangemaster' germanium boost"1, the vintage British boost circuit. Hudson describes it as a pedal that "will kick the front end of your amp into high gear"1.
"Pairs great with vintage British amp models, Tweed & Blackface amps and pretty much any small combo from the 50s and early 60s."
In practice that gives the Bomb a clear list of amp pairings, according to the maker1:
- Vintage British amp models1
- Tweed amps1
- Blackface amps1
- Pretty much any small combo from the 50s and early 60s1
The Soul Bomb is discontinued: Hudson Electronics lists it as no longer available2. Players interested in Hudson's germanium designs may want to look at related pedals such as the Hudson Electronics Full Range Bomb, the Hudson Electronics Buzzard or the Hudson Electronics Soul Face, or browse the Fuzz Pedals and Boost Pedals type pages.
Questions
Can the Soul Bomb's fuzz and boost be used separately?
Yes. Hudson Electronics says you can run the fuzz or the boost independently, or use the Soul in conjunction with the Bomb to create fuzz tones. The two circuits are cascaded inside the pedal, so the boost can push the fuzz or stand on its own as a clean-ish germanium boost into your amp.
Is the Hudson Electronics Soul Bomb still made?
No. Hudson Electronics lists the Soul Bomb as no longer available on its own product pages, so the pedal is discontinued. Anyone looking for it second hand should expect limited availability, since Hudson builds its pedals in small hand wired runs.
Does the Soul Bomb use germanium transistors?
Yes, on both sides. The maker describes the Soul as a classic germanium two transistor fuzz and the Bomb as a germanium boost, so the whole pedal runs on germanium parts rather than silicon.
What is the Bomb side of the Soul Bomb based on?
The Bomb side is a tweaked version of the classic Rangemaster germanium boost, the vintage British circuit known for pushing a tube amp's front end. Hudson describes it as a pedal that will kick the front end of your amp into high gear.
What does the attack knob do?
The attack knob on the Soul side shapes the rasp and cut of the fuzz. With the attack knob at full tilt, Hudson describes the result as a warm fuzz with more than a hint of rasp and cut.
Sources (2)
- SOUL BOMB, Hudson Electronics UK
- OVERDRIVE 999, Hudson Electronics UK
