Mod Electronics Contortionist

The Mod Electronics Contortionist is a limited edition, all analog fuzz pedal sold as a DIY kit rather than a finished pedal¹. What sets it apart from a standard fuzz box is its frequency multiplier circuitry: instead of plain clipping, it produces fuzz with layered octave overtones, which Mod Electronics compares to those produced by an electronic-bow¹.

Octave-flavored fuzz from frequency multiplier circuitry

The core of the Contortionist's character is its frequency multiplier circuitry. According to Mod Electronics, it creates harmonics that swell and recede depending on four things: the gain setting, pick attack, neck position and pickup¹. In practice that means the octave content is not fixed. Dial the gain up or down, move between the neck and bridge positions, or change how hard you pick, and the layered overtones shift with you.

The maker describes the result as fuzz with layered octave overtones similar to those produced by an electronic-bow¹. For a player, that puts it in the same family as octave fuzzes rather than plain overdrive or distortion pedals: the fuzz is the foundation, and the octave flavor rides on top of it, responding to how you play.

The kit

The Contortionist is a build-it-yourself project. Mod Electronics rates it at a build difficulty of 3¹, a mid-level rating on the maker's scale, so it suits players with some soldering experience rather than a first build. As a limited edition kit, it was produced in a limited run and is now discontinued¹.

The Contortionist II

The Contortionist's circuit survives in the Contortionist II. Mod Electronics says the II has all the features of the original with an added tone control for a wider range of sounds². It is also an all analog, high octane fuzz box built as a kit, rated at the same build difficulty of 3².

The II is a high gain circuit that can put out up to 2 volts and provides ample sustain, in an enclosure measuring 4.695 × 4.015 × 1.375 in., or 2.035 in. tall with the knobs².

Questions