The Alabaster is a fuzz and boost pedal from Stomp Under Foot, designed with and for the Nashville band All Them Witches as a signature pedal and a foundation for the band's fuzzy, muscular sound12. The fuzz side is based on the "bubble font" Sovtek Big Muff, the circuit behind the Green Russian, and it carries an integrated clean boost to give it an extra kick12.
Where it came from
gearnews.com reported the pedal's launch in June 2017 as a signature fuzz designed with and for All Them Witches. The band's drummer, Robbie, did the artwork, which is based on one of the band's record covers2. It was being produced in limited numbers at the time, and buyers needed to pre-order2.
The controls and footswitches
The Alabaster houses two effects, each with its own bypass switch. Premier Guitar's reviewer noted it is nice to have the bypass switches for the two effects set well apart from each other, so each can be switched independently1.
- Fuzz side: tone, volume and fuzz controls in the Big Muff manner, with a tone knob that provides more than enough top end; at full counterclockwise the reviewer found you can easily generate hazy, sub-stoner bass chug1
- Boost side: a boost/cut circuit; in boost mode it is relatively transparent and loud, while in cut mode it works almost as a master volume control1
- Footswitches: two bypass switches, one per effect, set well apart1
The fuzz circuit
The fuzz side is basically a Stomp Under Foot Green Russian, modeled on the "bubble font" Sovtek Big Muff, and it uses the four Russian KT3102 transistors (housed in white-dot TO92 cases) that are the heart of most Sovtek Muffs1. Premier Guitar's reviewer wrote:
"I'm not sure I've heard a more accurate sounding clone of that circuit"1
Premier Guitar reviewer, 20211
The reviewer found the Stomp Under Foot is generally a bit smoother than the Sovtek, with a little less buzz saw attack, and more than enough top end for a mix1.
Build and power
The through-hole circuit board is compact for a two-effect pedal, but the layout is ordered and even spacious, with chassis-mounted jacks and switches and the board mounted on plastic posts, making it easy to service1. There is plenty of room for a 9V battery1. The enclosure sits in a horizontal orientation, which the reviewer noted might freak out pedalboard space control freaks1.
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Questions
Is the Stomp Under Foot Alabaster a Big Muff clone?
The fuzz side is essentially a Stomp Under Foot Green Russian, which is itself modeled on the 'bubble font' Sovtek Big Muff. Premier Guitar's reviewer called it possibly the most accurate sounding clone of that circuit, and found it a bit smoother than the Sovtek, with a little less buzz saw attack and more than enough top end for a mix.
What transistors does the Alabaster use?
The fuzz uses four Russian KT3102 transistors housed in white-dot TO92 cases, the same transistors that are the heart of most Sovtek Big Muffs, according to Premier Guitar's review.
Does the Alabaster run on a battery?
Yes. Premier Guitar's reviewer noted there is plenty of room for a 9V battery inside the enclosure.
Can the boost be used without the fuzz?
Yes. The Alabaster has two bypass switches, one per effect, set well apart from each other, so the boost side can be used on its own. The boost is actually a boost/cut circuit: in boost mode it is relatively transparent and loud, while in cut mode it works almost as a master volume control.
Is the Alabaster a limited run?
Yes. gearnews.com reported in June 2017 that the pedal was being produced in limited numbers and required a pre-order.
Who designed the Stomp Under Foot Alabaster?
The pedal was concocted by Ben McLeod and Matt Pasquerella as a foundation for All Them Witches' fuzzy, muscular sound, per Premier Guitar. gearnews.com describes it as a signature fuzz designed with and for the band, with artwork by the band's drummer Robbie based on one of the band's record covers.
Sources (2)
- Stomp Under Foot Alabaster Review, Premier Guitar, 2017-10-29
- Alabaster, the All Them Witches fuzz pedal, launched by Stomp Under Foot, gearnews.com, 2017-06-29
