Fredric Effects
D O THE WEA SEL
S TO MP! M KI I :
The Systech Harmonic Energizer is a
supremely rare and valuable vintage
device that put some very interesting
twists on the cocked fuzz-wah concept.
It is a legendarily foul-tempered, snotty
monstrosity, most famously tamed by
Frank Zappa, who used it to generate a
cutting, midrange-heavy
nasality that Zappa
nerds have been
trying to
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TONE TALK //
recreate ever since. Original Harmonic
Energizers are difficult to track down,
and very expensive when finally located,
but as luck would have it this notorious
effect has been beautifully reproduced
by North London’s Fredric Effects in the
form of the Do the Weasel Stomp! MKII.
This lovely, ruggedly built, and relatively
compact box of fuzz and honk can be
used with or without an expression pedal,
but trust me, the expression pedal is
where it’s at. Its sound is less fuzz-wah
and more fuzz-filter, so it’s probably not
the best choice for traditionalists trying
to ape a Hendrix thing, but for players
seeking a remarkably versatile and
unique sounding fuzz-wah that
will live happily on a modern
pedalboard, the Do the
Weasel Stomp! MKII is a
big winner. The filtering
effects can also be used
independently of the fuzz
circuit, allowing for all manner
of outside-the-box filter and
mod sounds. This fine pedal can
be purchased direct from Fredric
Effects for 150 British pounds, or just
over 200 bucks U.S. money.
Second Coming: 5 Killer Fuzz-Wahs You Can Own Today