The Tru-Fi Compact Super Fuzz is a mini fuzz pedal that re-creates the Univox Super Fuzz, which Tru-Fi calls "a unique aggressive fuzz that is very retro." It packs the circuit into a smaller, modern style enclosure and adds one feature the original never had: a switchable octave, so you can turn the octave effect on for what the maker describes as "the Unique Super Fuzz Octave tinge of Ring Modulatation sound," or flip the switch for what Tru-Fi calls "TIGHT NAST" fuzz with no octave artifacts.1
The controls: Balance, Expander and tone
The pedal keeps the original's control layout in spirit but changes how the tone works. There are three controls1:
- Balance: the volume1
- Expander: the fuzz amount1
- Tone: a blend pot replacing the classic two position tone switch1
The tone control is the main departure. On the original Univox, the tone was a two position switch; here, Tru-Fi "took the classic two position 'tone' switch and made it a blend pot," so you can dial anywhere between the two voicings rather than choosing one or the other.1
The octave switch is the other addition. Off, you get the straight fuzz; on, the circuit's octave character comes forward. Tru-Fi also makes a separate Compact Octavia style pedal with a similar idea, a switch that turns the octave off for "just a cool 70s Fuzz Tone."3
The Univox Super Fuzz circuit behind it
The pedal is a re-creation of the Univox Super Fuzz, one of the notable variations of the Super Fuzz circuit alongside the Ibanez Standard Fuzz and Yamaha's FY-6 Super Fuzz.4 The circuit's octave character comes from its topology: Tru-Fi explains that "the full-wave rectification of the circuit produces an upper octave as well as a slight lower octave," along with compression and a mild ring modulator effect.1
Independent technical analysis of the original circuit describes six transistor stages, Q1 through Q6, with Q4 and Q5 forming the octave section, and a 10k trimmer for controlling the octave fuzz.56 The same analysis notes the layout follows "the factory schematic found on Univox.org."6
Pete Townshend and the original
The original's pedigree is a large part of the pedal's appeal. Tru-Fi names it after its most famous user: "As I refer to it as 'Pete's Fuzz' as it was used by Pete Townshend during the glory days of the Who from 1969 to 1974."1
The Compact Super Fuzz is now available in a custom Sparkle Finish, according to Tru-Fi's product page.1
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Questions
Does the Tru-Fi Compact Super Fuzz run on a battery?
Yes. Tru-Fi states that all of its mini pedals are 9v power supply or 9v battery operated, so the Compact Super Fuzz can run either way. There is no mention of a higher voltage option or a current draw figure, so for supply details beyond 9 volts you are limited to what the maker publishes.
What does the Expander knob do on the Tru-Fi Super Fuzz?
The Expander knob sets the fuzz amount. It sits alongside the Balance knob, which is the volume, and the tone blend control. Turning the Expander up drives the circuit harder into the germanium diode clipping that produces the pedal's square wave fuzz character.
How does the Compact Super Fuzz tone control differ from the original switch?
The original Univox Super Fuzz used a two position tone switch. On the Compact Super Fuzz, Tru-Fi took that classic two position switch and made it a blend pot, so instead of choosing between two fixed voicings you can blend continuously between them.
Does the Tru-Fi Super Fuzz use germanium diodes?
Yes. Tru-Fi describes the fuzz tone as an octave fuzz using two germanium diodes to produce the square wave clipping, which is central to the pedal's aggressive, retro character.
Who played the original Univox Super Fuzz?
Pete Townshend used the original Super Fuzz with the Who from 1969 to 1974. Tru-Fi refers to the circuit as "Pete's Fuzz" for that reason, and the Compact Super Fuzz is a re-creation of that pedal.
Sources (6)
- NEW Compact Super Fuzz Guitar Pedal in smaller and modern enclosure, tru-fi.com
- Tru-Fi Two Face Fuzz Pedalboard Mini Version Guitar Pedal, Tru-Fi
- NEW Compact Octavia Guitar Pedal in smaller and modern enclosure, tru-fi.com
- The Super Fuzz, tru-fi.com
- Guitar FX Layouts: Univox Super Fuzz, Guitar FX Layouts (tagboardeffects.blogspot.com), 2012-01-25
- Guitar FX Layouts: Unicord/Univox Super-Fuzz, Guitar FX Layouts (tagboardeffects.blogspot.com), 2013-12-21
