The MAS Effects Wendigo Scrambler is an octave fuzz pedal based on the Ampeg Scrambler, with an added Volume circuit. MAS Effects describes the Scrambler design as "a really unique pedal, known for very musical and harmonic distortion."1
What it is
The Wendigo takes the Ampeg Scrambler circuit and adds a Volume circuit of MAS Effects' own. The maker's product page describes it simply: "This is an octave fuzz based on the Ampeg Scrambler, but with an added Volume circuit."2
The circuit it comes from
The Ampeg Scrambler is an octave-up fuzz pedal from 1968, as JHS Pedals notes in a buying guide on pedals that have crossed the thousand-dollar mark.4 Aion FX calls the original "an exceptionally rare octave-up fuzz pedal" and places it alongside a family of octave fuzzes that each reach the octave in their own way5:
| Circuit | What Aion FX says about it |
|---|---|
| Ampeg Scrambler | "an exceptionally rare octave-up fuzz pedal"5 |
| Superfuzz | in the same vein, but generates its octave with its own technique5 |
| fOXX Tone Machine | in the same vein, but generates its octave with its own technique5 |
| Octavia | in the same vein, but generates its octave with its own technique5 |
Because all four circuits use their own techniques to generate the octave, they all sound different.5
Reviewers have long treated that voice as the pedal's calling card. MusicRadar's review of the Scrambler SCP-OD found "a unique and sought after upper octave fuzz sound."6 A Premier Guitar reviewer wrote that "the Scrambler had a truly unique octave fuzz voice" and found a loyal cadre of devotees among the fuzz cult, aided by its rarity.7
"The Scrambler's huge upper-octave fuzz sound ran counter to the popular Big Muff-style fatter and thicker amp-like tone."
Writing for Delicious Audio, Blake Wright and Paolo De Gregorio also noted that "There are clones of the Scrambler around" from various builders.8
For more on the original, see the Ampeg Scrambler page, and for the wider family, the Fuzz Pedals and Octave & Pitch Pedals pages.
Buying one
The unit listed on the MAS Effects site is sold: the maker posted an update reading "UPDATE: This is sold."1
MAS Effects builds one-of-a-kind Wendigo Scramblers to order. The listing invites players to email mark@mas-effects.com if you would like one made for you1:
- Email mark@mas-effects.com to have one made for you1
- Choose your own colors2
- Choose your own graphics2
- Choose your own knobs2
- Other details by arrangement2
The listed unit was priced at £156.00 GBP, with a note that tax is included in the listed price.1
MAS Effects also builds other fuzzes in small and one-off runs, including the Tiny Fuzz series, the StompFuzz, the Sona Fuzz and the Ridiculously Tiny Fuzz.
Questions
What circuit is the MAS Effects Wendigo Scrambler based on?
The Wendigo is an octave fuzz based on the Ampeg Scrambler, with an added Volume circuit. The original Scrambler is an octave-up fuzz pedal from 1968, in the same family as the Superfuzz, fOXX Tone Machine and Octavia, though each of those circuits generates its octave with its own technique, so they all sound different. Clones of the Scrambler exist from several builders.
Is the Wendigo Scrambler sold out?
The unit listed on the MAS Effects site is sold: the maker posted an update reading "This is sold." However, MAS Effects offers to build one to order by email, with the buyer's choice of colors, graphics, knobs and other details.
Can the Wendigo Scrambler be ordered with custom colors and graphics?
Yes. MAS Effects builds one-of-a-kind Wendigo Scramblers to order. You email the maker and specify your choice of colors, graphics, knobs and other details, and the pedal is made for you.
What does the added volume circuit do?
MAS Effects describes the Wendigo as an octave fuzz based on the Ampeg Scrambler, but with an added Volume circuit. Beyond the maker's description of the feature itself, the page does not detail how the volume circuit changes the pedal's behavior.
Does the listed price include tax?
Yes. The maker's listing shows £156.00 with a note that tax is included in the listed price.
Sources (8)
- Wendigo Scrambler, MAS Effects
- Wendigo Scrambler, MAS Effects
- Wendigo Scrambler product data, MAS Effects
- THOUSAND DOLLAR PEDALS, JHS Pedals
- Aperture Octave Fuzz / Ampeg® Scrambler, Aion FX, 2021-07-02
- Ampeg Scrambler SCP-OD review, MusicRadar, 2007-10-31
- Build Your Own Clone Scrambled Octave Pedal Review, Premier Guitar, 2011-10-20
- Seminal, Vintage Pedals: Ampeg's Scrambler, Delicious Audio, 2016-09-28
