JDM Pedals Elektrika LTD Fuzz | Vintage OC44 Germanium Transistors | Tonebender Mk1

Production time is approx 2 weeks from order to shipment.

We get a lot ofquestions about how the OC44 or OC45 version is different from the OC75 version, or the standard Elektrika, etc. Here are a few points:

OC75 are the most expensive transistors, hence the higher price. They were used in original Tone Benders, and demand the most attention when pedals are built with them! The gains tend to fall into that sweet spot, not too low, not too high, and they have a sweet and mean character when driven into fuzz sounds.

HOWEVER - OC42, OC44, and OC45 transistors ALSO fit the bill! These transistors were, until recently, available at a better price... but the word got out - they sound EXCELLENT in a fuzz box!

**** NOTE That the current OC75 Elektrika uses all vintage caps, which add to the cost (and fees on this platform add up fast - see the site for more info at joedocmusic.com)

OC44 - can be a tad high gain, but by selecting the right ones, you get a killer fuzz right up there with the OC75's. Is there a difference in sound? Yes... it's in the realm of the subjective - OC44 sounds to my ears a bit more "gutsy" or "rude" than the OC75. This might translate into "more lower mids", or "distorts sooner as you turn up the gain".

OC42 - which we have only a few more transistors for now - has an amazing "clean up" with the guitar's volume knob. Right up there with a fuzzface, no kidding. I don't know exactly which parameter of the transistor causes this, let's call it "magic sparkles". Why not. They're just great for that. They fuzz well, but have an almost "overdrive" character.

OC45 - These tend to be lower gain transistors, and I now like to blend OC45 and OC44 to get a fuller fuzz tone, but OC45 is perfectly fuzzy when maxed out, but has a lot more in-between... distortion/overdrive style sounds, and excellent cleanup, like the OC42, albeit a bit warmer, fluffier, less "clear and sparkly" like the OC42.

So there you go - that's transistor cork-sniffing at it's best. Prices of these pedals reflect the cost of transistors, not that you "pay more for a better sound", which is nonsense.

The Standard Elektrika is literally a steal at the moment - I got a killer price on a large batch of great transistors (80's vintage) that make a killer fuzz, albeit a tad more "hi-fi" sounding than the OC series transistors. Turn that built in tone control down a bit and you get right into that warmer "vintage" tone area. Can't beat it for a budget pedal, for road work, or a spare to lend a friend when dueling fuzzes!

cheers

joe

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This Limited version of the Elektrika uses black glass OC44 transistors for a powerful fuzz push with an aggressive edge and increased maximum volume to cut through the mix. Finished in Gold Hammerite with silkscreened graphics, this pedal has the look and sound of a classic fuzz. Our added "Gate" and "Tone" controls as well as the "Fat/Tight" switch give this pedal all the vintage tone you have ever dreamed of with the added flexibility to tune in any MK1 Fuzz tone you desire.

Each offering in our upcoming series of "Special Requests" pedals will be a limited run. In the case of the "OC44 Elektrika", we hope to be able to produce 50 units, although transistor selection may reduce the amount we can create.

Upcoming offerings will include pedals using very hard to find vintage transistors that make the originals extremely sought after. Each one will be handmade with Lots of Love! Stay tuned.

* If you're familiar with our "standard" Elektrika, you may wonder, "Why the price bump?" It comes down to the transistors. Vintage "Black Glass" Valvo transistors are *extremely* hard to find, and prices are skyrocketing as supplies disappear. We're lucky to have a few hundred of each, but even these won't last long, as it takes about a dozen transistors to find the right values for one pedal! Our supply of transistors for our regular production "Elektrika" is still pretty healthy, but you may want to consider picking one of those up, too ;0)

Specs:

- Vintage OC-series Valvo "Black Glass" transistors

- Enclosure Size 125B, Finished in Gold Hammerite

- Powered by 9v "Block" battery, or +9vDC power jack. We have built in an analog 9v power inverter, so you may power this with a standard negative ground power supply! (aka "Boss Style" adapter). This means the pedal integrates seamlessly with modern pedalboards.

- All the trimmings: Hand wired, Top Jacks and input/output wired with solid-core cloth-covered wire, "Fat/Tight" switch for MK1/Zonk Machine tones, and our custom Gate and Tone controls to dial in the perfect fuzz texture :0)

Thanks for checking it out!

joe