Fredric Effects
I first became aware of North London’s Fredric
Effects when I was scouring eBay in search of
an inexpensive replacement for my old Chuck
Collins Harmonic Percolator that I sold for
the big move across the pond. At the time
there was hardly anyone making modern
Percolators and the versions Fredric had on
offer seemed too good too be true. Small, well
built, reasonably priced and updated for the
modern pedalboard—just like the rest of Tim
Hulio’s ever-expanding range. Fredric Effects
has grown exponentially since those humble
beginnings and now offers a smorgasbord of
rare resurrected and perfected vintage circuits.
They are tiny, toneful and unlike many boutique
pedals, less expensive than many factory-made
stompers. My Utility Percolator is on my board
right now.
Nine of Swords Effects
Here is another DIY upstart that commands
attention. Within The Fuzz Shack—deep
in the East Midlands—gestates a range of
“notoriously unpleasant sounding” pedals that
are poised for birth in the agonizing deaththrows of fuzz ripping horror. Engaging any of
these pedals is like switching on Satan’s walkietalkie. The unholy pilgrimage of sonic pain
remains unyielding throughout the range. These
unapologetically anti-social stompers sport
graphics and tones not fit to be found on the
boards of Elevation Worship players—unless
they need to make a soundtrack to the Old
Testament. The Satanic Fuzz Ritual and Hand of
God are on my list.
ToneReport.com
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