The Tsakalis AudioWorks Experience is an octave fuzz pedal built as a deliberate nod to Jimi Hendrix's octave fuzz tones. Premier Guitar's review opens by calling it "an unabashed homage to Jimi Hendrix's octave fuzz tones," and Guitar.com, writing about the pedal when it appeared, describes it as "based on Hendrix's legendary tone"12. It sits in the fuzz family, but with an octave section alongside, placing it among octave and pitch pedals that chase that "Purple Haze" territory.
Controls and layout
The Experience splits its two effects across two footswitches: one engages the octave effect, the other the fuzz. The octave side has its own volume and tone knobs, while the fuzz effect is shaped by four controls: volume, tone, damage, and gain1.
| Control | Section | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | Fuzz | Output level1 |
| Tone | Fuzz | Tone shaping1 |
| Damage | Fuzz | Sets the bias for the transistors; counterclockwise gives a more overdrive-like tone, with splattery sub-octave textures as it increases1 |
| Gain | Fuzz | Increasing gain delivers the classic silicon fuzz sound1 |
| Volume | Octave | Level for the octave effect1 |
| Tone | Octave | Tone shaping for the octave effect1 |
The Damage knob is the one that most shapes the character. Premier Guitar's reviewer explains that it "sets the bias for the transistors, and rolling this counterclockwise will provide a more overdrive-like tone," while pushing it brings out splattery sub-octave textures1. Players who want a smoother, closer-to-overdrive voice can back it off; those after the full sub-octave squall can push it up.
What it sounds like
Because the fuzz and octave can be used separately or together, the Experience covers a wider range than a straight fuzz. The reviewer found a setting with the Damage around 10 o'clock and gain around noon achieved the "Purple Haze" squawk "dead on," noting that in reality that tone "isn't terribly fuzzy"1. Of the gain control, the review says: "Increasing gain delivers the classic silicon fuzz more synonymous with Jimi: a bit thin but cutting to the core"1.
The reviewer's summary verdict was positive on flexibility: "Plenty of control, and separation of effects is a plus"1.
Build and power
The pedal carries what the review calls a psychedelically purple paint job, fitting the Hendrix theme from the name outward1. Input and output jacks are mounted on the sides of the unit, with the 9V barrel adaptor socket at the crown. A 9V battery also works1.
The Experience can also run on a 9V battery, an option worth knowing if you want to try it before adding a dedicated power supply to your board3.
Videos
Pete Thorn
Premier Guitar
TsakalisAudioworks
Questions
Can the fuzz and octave be used separately on the Experience?
Yes. The Experience has two footswitches, one for the octave effect and one for the fuzz effect, and Premier Guitar's review notes that the fuzz and octave can be used separately or together. The octave side has its own volume and tone knobs, so each effect can be dialed in on its own terms before you combine them.
What does the Damage knob do?
The Damage knob sets the bias for the transistors. Rolling it counterclockwise gives a more overdrive-like tone, while the review describes it as increasing splattery sub-octave textures as you push it. It is one of four controls on the fuzz side, alongside volume, tone, and gain.
Is the Experience a silicon or germanium fuzz?
It is a silicon fuzz. Premier Guitar describes the Experience as a two-transistor silicon fuzz with an FET clipping section. Increasing the gain control delivers what the review calls the classic silicon fuzz sound, described as a bit thin but cutting to the core.
Where are the jacks on the Experience?
The input and output jacks are mounted on the sides of the unit, and the 9V barrel adaptor socket is located at the crown, the top of the pedal. The Experience can also be powered by a 9V battery.
Sources (3)
- Tsakalis Experience Review, Premier Guitar, 2017-09-04
- Prescription Electronics returns, re-issues original pedals from 90s, Guitar.com, 2019-05-28
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X