Wattson FY-2

[echodeluxe]

i figured you guys would appreciate this. sorry if im totally being dumb and not supposed to do this, but you love fuzz!

the prototype for the wattson fy-2 reproduction!



on the new test fixture!



and hey, it works! it sounds just like an fy-2. well, duh.

it still needs a little minor tweaking, but it looks like we will start production in december if everything goes well.

we modified the circuit some, but not really. we added a simple boost after the fuzz circuit to fix the volume drop. there is a little switch on the board for "vintage" or "boost" modes. in "vintage" mode, the circuit is 100% vintage accurate.

the enclosure will look just like the vintage unit (just like how we did the superfuzz) and its gonna be rad. okay.

any questions?

[Nychthemeron]

Yes, but can it talk?

If I knew what the FY-2 was I'd be more excited, but if it's anything like the Superfuzz it'll be great.

[theshoegazer]

Looks pretty spiffy. Can't wait for clips!

[echodeluxe]

its not really like the superfuzz. its a nasty fuzz with lots of low end. bassists used to love it i guess. the bassist of radiohead used it on some recordings.

[bigchiefbc]

The FY-2 is a really cool fuzz. You would know it as the Companion Fuzz, that was its most popular name. The Shin Ei originals go for a pretty penny. And yeah, Colin from Radiohead is probably the most famous user nowadays. According to wikipedia, it was used by Jesus and Mary Chain, too.

[jrmy]

In fact, according to Wikipedia (and aren't they supposed to be some kind of experts on everything?): "Colin Greenwood, of Radiohead [played the Companion Fuzz] on 'Exit Music (For a Film)' from OK Computer and 'Myxomatosis' from Hail to the Thief, and also in live performances of The 'National Anthem' from Kid A and 'Packt Like Sardines in a Crushd Tin Box from Amnesiac'."

Also, apparently Graham Coxon has used one, but there's no note of on which tracks.

I am officially interested in hearing more about this! (i.e. clips when you've got 'em)

[Nychthemeron]

A nasty low end fuzz that was used by Radiohead? Why then it must be good!

If production starts in December, I might be able to stop by the Starving Musician and try one out (if they've already placed an order and whatnot).

[echodeluxe]

starving musician WILL carry them.

and yeah, companion fuzz. they look like this: