"Return Of The Rentals" fuzz... Suggestions?

[CBA]

Greetings-

This is my first post. I'm horrifically glad that I found this forum... perhaps one of some of you can help me end a quest I've had for a certain fuzz that's been going on for like a decade.

Anyone remember the record "The Return Of The Rentals" by the Rentals? Came out in like 1995 or so? Includes such SUPERHITS as "Friends of P" and "Waiting". Matt Sharp from Weezer was the lead singer/songwriter. Enough clues.

I've always wanted a fuzz pedal that could do the fuzz on that record. Specifically the main guitar fuzz like in the verse of "The Love I'm Searching For" or "Friends of P". It's like almost a synthy kind of fuzz, sort of grindy, I don't know how else to describe it... I can't do it justice.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a single fuzzbox that sounds like the fuzz on this record?

Thank you!

C

[devnulljp]

Shin-ei Companion FY2



Here's a schem

[kosta]

I love the crap out of this board.

[leastwise]

I love the crap out of this board.

ditto. thanks for the schem, devnulljp.

[FuzzHugger]

I love the Rentals!

I'd go with devnulljp's suggestion, or maybe try some muffy fuzz variants. I'm sure you know that there's good bit of Moog being used by the Rentals (and in early-Weezer), and sometimes what sounds like a distorted fuzz-synth guitar is an actual synth. If you want to go all-out Rentals authentic, I'd get an Orange amp, a Shin-ei Companion FY2, a Big Muff, and a Moog!

[CBA]

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[futuresailors]

Andy plays "Hashpipe" on the DBA Fuzzgun demo.

[01010111]

That shin-ei pedal might be the way to go. But when I saw them live a few years ago they were using green russian muffs. The shin-ei could be better for that sound, though.

[CBA]

?

[metalmariachi]

this fuzz?

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cia9mgMavpc[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8ZsBL3fhng[/youtube]

MM

[devnulljp]

The FY2 is a long discontinued vintage Japanese fuzz. The Companion thing is just a name, don't sweat it. Shin-ei built a lot of gear in the 60s and 70s — the Univox super fuzz is a Shin-ei, so’s the Univibe, but you’ll see stuff labeled Maya, Univox, National, Jax, Apollo, Kimbara, Sekova and a bunch of other names that’s all Shin-ei. You used to be able to get these for $50, then Jesus and Mary Chain and later Radiohead used them, and now they go for upwards of $300…if you can find one. There are clones though so you’ll be alright. John Lyons of Basic Audio will build you one and it won’t cost an arm and a leg either. I think Brad from Fu Manchu has built a few, but I don’t think they’re regular production pieces. I’m pretty sure I saw a Mary Kelly/Montgomery FY2. Ian Sherwen in the UK would also be a good bloke to ask for one on that side of the pond.
Or build your own?
http://members.fortunecity.com/uzzfay/fy2/fy2.html

Man, I don't know what it is with those green Sovtek Big Muffs. I bought one for $55 new at a store after they were discontinued. I didn't really like it all that much... TOO muffled, I thought, and poorly built; and the new NYC ones are far superior to the green Sovteks. Now you have to spend like $250 to get one off of eBay. It's not worth it. It's just another case of over-hyped pedals that don't deserve the acclaim. Sold mine on eBay back in like 2000 for a hefty $5 profit.

The second run green russians weren't very good -- I had one I bought new in 95 or so and didn't like it at all. Although they still sell for $200 now, which I can't understand at all.
The first batch though, the ones with the thin font and the case that's kinda complicated to get into, sound great.

[cheesecats]

Ian Sherwen in the UK would also be a good bloke to ask for one on that side of the pond.

I can vouch for Ian. I just received an awesome FY-2 from him. I ordered several tone mods.

[devnulljp]

Ian Sherwen in the UK would also be a good bloke to ask for one on that side of the pond.

I can vouch for Ian. I just received an awesome FY-2 from him. I ordered several tone mods.

Nice!

[pillof]

try this: big muff with guitar tone knob completely roll off. set the amp brighter if it's too muddy for your current setup.

[CBA]

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