This week’s roundup of Guitar Gear Gems includes the JAM Pedals Fuzz Phrase Si pedal, a modern take on a classic fuzz circuit. Then we look at the new TUBEKLØN by Hagerman Amplification, a new DIY tube-based Klon-style overdrive pedal. Finally, we look at the all-new UK-built Gordon Smith Grandé double cutaway guitars that launch this week.
JAM Pedals Fuzz Phrase Si
This new JAM Pedals Fuzz Phrase Si pedal is the latest creation from the boutique pedal builder and offers a classic fuzz circuit with a simple two-knob interface. This fuzz circuit includes BC107 transistors at the heart of the tone and provides a very late ’60s to early ’70s fuzz voice.
Controls
The Level adjusts output volume and shapes the tone, and Gain dials in the amount of fuzz intensity. However, an internal trim pot also adjusts the transistors’ bias in the fuzz circuit. This is set from the factory, but users can open the pedal and adjust it to taste.
Vintage Fuzz Modern Updates
Modern updates include True Bypass switching and the ability to power the fuzz via battery or an external power supply. Both are things that vintage fuzz face-style pedals didn’t offer—making this fuzz pedal a good choice for modern guitarists.
This fuzz has an excellent voicing and can make a guitar sing when dialled in.
TUBEKLØN
Hagerman Amplification has added the TUBEKLØN to their lineup of DIY pedal kits inspired by the JHS Notaklön kits. The kit is pretty much already made; users have to put the circuit in the case and do up some screws, etc.
Tube Clipping
This Klon-style overdrive is based on a single 12AU7 tube that provides the overdrive clipping. It offers some tube clipping and sag, which is always fun with a drive pedal. This kit is possibly one of the only vacuum tube-based Klon-style overdrives on the market, and so it is pretty unique in that respect.
More DIY Kits
They make several DIY pedal kits, including the opamp-based Neokløn and the Gamma Radiatiøn Transistor Distortion pedal. However, the TUBEKLØN is probably the star, as it is the only kit with a vacuum tube at the heart of the design.
MSRP – TUBEKLØN GBP 201
Gordon Smith Grandé
These Gordon Smith Grandé models are a new design from the UK-based guitar builder and offer a vintage retro-styled double-cutaway design. The body uses lightweight Obeche, paired with a slim-profile mahogany neck and a 12″ radius AAA ebony fretboard.
This new model has four finishes: Sovereign, Twilight, Juniper, and Merlot. Each has a pair of hand-wound custom humbuckers wired using CTS pots and Switchcraft components.
Gemini
The company has released some new designs over the last few years, including the Gatsby offset models. This new Grandé is a pretty unique-looking guitar and something new for Gordon Smith, though they certainly have that classic Gemini design, which is often associated with the brand.
MSRP – GBP 1999
* This post contains affiliate links and/or widgets. When you buy a product via our affiliate partner, we receive a small commission that helps support what we do. Don’t worry, you pay the same price. Thanks for your support!
Image Sources:
- Jam Pedals Fuzz Phrase Si: Thomann
- Tubeklon-DIY-kit: Hagerman Amplification
- Gordon Smith Grandé Twilight and Juniper: Gordon Smith
- Gordon Smith Grandé Sovereign and Merlot: Gordon Smith