The JAM Pedals "Relic" Fuzz Phrase Si is a silicon fuzz pedal built around BC107 transistors, designed as a follow-on to the company's germanium Fuzz Phrase Ltd. JAM describes it as capturing the rich harmonic profile and dynamics of that germanium predecessor, with long sustain across the register and what the maker calls "clean-ability" rivaling the best vintage germanium fuzz circuits1. Bill Frisell is listed by JAM as a player using the pedal1.
The "Relic" designation refers to the pedal's finish: each one carries custom artwork that is hand-painted, and JAM states plainly that no two are alike1.
"Every custom artwork pedal is a one-of-a-kind hand-painted piece. The pedal you receive will differ in detail from the p..."
Controls
The top panel is simple, in the manner of most fuzzes: two knobs and an internal trimmer1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Gain | Sets the amount of gain1 |
| Level | Adjusts output volume, while also allowing for versatile tonal shaping1 |
| Internal trimmer | Sets transistor bias, factory-set at 4.5V1 |
The Level knob doing double duty as a tonal control is worth noting: JAM suggests it shapes the character of the fuzz as well as its volume, so it is worth sweeping with the Gain setting rather than treating it purely as a master output1.
The internal trimmer sets the transistor bias and is factory-set at 4.5V. It is not a top-panel control, and JAM gives no guidance on the product page for adjusting it, so most players can leave it where the factory put it.
Power
The Fuzz Phrase Si runs on a 9V battery or a 9V DC adaptor with a tip-negative plug, and draws 3 mA1. That draw is low enough that it sits comfortably on any pedalboard power supply, and the battery option makes it usable without a supply at all.
The Relic artwork editions
The Relic Fuzz Phrase Si is offered in a series of named custom artwork versions, each a hand-painted one-off. The versions JAM lists are1:
Each of these is the same silicon BC107 fuzz circuit underneath; the difference is the painted enclosure. Because every enclosure is painted by hand, the pedal a buyer receives will differ in detail from the product photos1.
How it relates to the germanium Fuzz Phrase
The Fuzz Phrase Si is the silicon counterpart to JAM's germanium Fuzz Phrase circuit. JAM's product page describes the Si as drawing inspiration from the germanium Fuzz Phrase Ltd and aiming to keep its harmonic profile and dynamics1. Players comparing the two should expect the usual silicon-versus-germanium trade-offs to be the heart of the difference, with the Si using BC107s where the Ltd used germanium transistors1.
JAM also builds other fuzzes in its range, including the Eureka!, the Red Muck and the Black Muck, for players comparing fuzz flavors within the same maker's catalog. For the wider field, see the site's Fuzz Pedals page.
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Questions
What is the difference between the Fuzz Phrase Si and the germanium Fuzz Phrase?
The Fuzz Phrase Si is the silicon version of JAM Pedals' fuzz, built around BC107 silicon transistors, while the original Fuzz Phrase Ltd used germanium transistors. JAM describes the Si as drawing inspiration from its germanium predecessor, aiming to keep the rich harmonic profile and dynamics, with long sustain and what the maker calls clean-ability rivaling the best vintage germanium fuzz circuits.
Is the JAM Relic Fuzz Phrase Si true bypass?
Yes. JAM Pedals lists the Relic Fuzz Phrase Si as true bypass, so the pedal is removed from the signal path entirely when switched off.
What transistors does the Fuzz Phrase Si use?
The Fuzz Phrase Si uses BC107 silicon transistors. JAM Pedals says that after testing various silicon transistors, the BC107s emerged as the choice for the circuit.
What does the internal trimmer do?
The internal trimmer sets the transistor bias and is factory-set at 4.5V. It is a set-and-forget control inside the pedal rather than a performance control on the top panel.
Can the Fuzz Phrase Si run on a battery?
Yes. JAM Pedals lists the pedal as working with a 9V battery or a 9V DC adaptor with a tip-negative plug. Power consumption is 3 mA.
Is every Relic Fuzz Phrase Si artwork different?
Yes. JAM Pedals states that every custom artwork pedal is a one-of-a-kind hand-painted piece, and the pedal you receive will differ in detail from the photos shown on the product page.
Sources (1)
- “Relic” Fuzz Phrase Si, JAM Pedals (jampedals.com)
