WEM-Rush Pepbox

The WEM-Rush Pepbox is an early fuzz pedal from the UK, and for decades one of the great mysteries of British fuzz. The name Pep is short for Pepe (Rush), the pedal's designer and builder, and it also carries an association with so-called pep pills such as Benzedrine, Dexedrine and other amphetamines. There are two versions of the effect: the first uses germanium transistors and the later one uses silicon. Everything else about the pedal was forgotten until a few years ago, when its story resurfaced.¹

The pedal was eventually identified as an early fuzz box, the WEM-Rush Pepbox, closing one of the long-standing questions of UK fuzz.¹

Two versions

There are two versions of the effect. The first used germanium transistors, and the later version used silicon.¹

A forgotten pedal, rediscovered

Reissues and emulations

Reissues and emulations of the WEM-Rush Pepbox exist, associated with British Pedal Company, Ghost Effects and Sharptone FX.¹

Videos

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