VALCO KGB FUZZ JR.
The Valco KGB Fuzz JR is a multi-function/tone-sculpting fuzz machine, designed to work within a sound-creation chain or as a regular standalone fuzz pedal (and everything in between!).
Designed to work specifically with K (keys, synths), G (guitar), and B (bass), the KGB JR Series is a scaled-back version of our main KGB Series. Here, we've dropped the Blend Fader section for those who don’t need it and would rather have a smaller footprint.
VALCO KGB FUZZ JR.
The Variable Input Impedance works best with passive instruments (guitar/bass) and allows tone-sculpting with or without the fuzz circuit engaged. Lower settings yield softer dynamics/transients with a notable ‘rounded/vintage’ feel and tone. Higher settings gives a sharper high frequency response with a more direct/aggressive transient feel and more perceived gain. This makes for a great ’shaping’ control, where you can tune the pedal for its best response to the pickups you are using and how you want them to react/feel.
MAIN FEATURES
• Variable Input Impedance Selection.
• Multi-mode Silicon Fuzz, covering ’Two Knob’, ‘ToneBender’, ‘Muff’ and ‘Velcro’ fuzz styles.
CONTROLS
•Impedance Selector- Changes the input impedance value, allowing you to change the tonality of the fuzz, dry signal, or any other pedal down the line. Recreates lower impedance sounds of vintage fuzz pedals. Allows you to alter/tune the transient/dynamic response of your guitar and signal path.
•LINE/INST Switch - activates the Impedance Selector when set to ‘Inst’. In ‘Line’ position, impedance is fixed.
•FUZZ - Controls the amount of Fuzz.
•TONE - Controls the tonal voicing. Tone is modified by the 4-position rotary switch, bypassed completely when the Voice is set to OFF.
•OUTPUT - Controls the overall output volume of the Fuzz section/circuit. Increased output headroom so you’ll never go unheard!
•VOICE - Selects the fuzz voice.
VOICE SELECTOR
•OFF- 'Tone Bypass’. Acts as a ‘2 Knob’ fuzz, using FUZZ and LEVEL controls only.
•1- ‘Mid Scoop’. Introduces a 1Khz EQ dip, giving a ‘Muff’ style fuzz.
•2- ‘3 Knob Mode’. A more neutral EQ curve with increased mid focus. Great for both rhythm and lead fuzz tones.
•3- ‘Gated’. Using the same EQ circuit as Voice 2, Voice 3 configures the fuzz section to enter deep bias saturation with the introduction of an extra input drive stage. The more you drive, the more gnarly and gated the sound becomes. The classic gated/starved fuzz sound.
I/O
•1/4” Input.
•Dry Out (permanent ‘thru’ dry signal (pre-imp selector)).
•1/4’ Output.
Power: The KGB Fuzz JR can be powered by a standard 9V center-negative AC adapter or 9V battery.
Dimensions: 7.09" length X 4.33" width X 3.43" height (180mm X 110mm X 87 mm)
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
FURTHER INFO
The KGB Loop’s input includes a switch to select between instrument and line input levels, and a rotary selector that provides six possible input impedances ranging from 10 kilohms to 1 Megohm.
The impedance selector can be used to explore tonal possibilities by changing the impedance match to the guitar or bass’s pickups. The impedance selector is only effective when the input selector is in the “INST” position. When the “LINE” position is selected, the input impedance is 10 kilohms and the signal level is attenuated to be compatible with up to 4 dBu line input levels, suitable for use with keyboards and other line level devices.
The input signal is unity gain buffered by a low-noise audio-grade OPA1692 op amp that feeds the external pedal input through the “LP SEND” jack and the dry input to the crossfader. The “LP SEND” signal is essentially a buffered dry output.
The phase inversion switch controls a phase inversion circuit at the “LP RTN” input. This function is especially useful with delay, phase shift and distortion pedals. The phase inversion switch does not affect the dry signal to the fader and LP SEND jack.
The blend slider implements a sigmoid curve cross fader between the dry signal (as fed to the external pedal) and the (optionally phase inverted) return signal from the external pedal. The fader is based on a dual channel CMOS variable attenuator.
The blended output is amplified by a second low-noise OPA1692 audio op amp to provide variable post-fader gain of between-12 and +16 dB, controlled by the logarithmic tape “OUTPUT” potentiometer.
The KGB Loop can be powered by a conventional 9V center-negative external supply, or an internal 9V battery, accessible by rotating the quarter turn latch at the bottom front of the pedal and rotating the top panel away from the bottom.
Dimensions: 7.09" length X 5.24" width X 3.43" height (180mm X 133mm X 87 mm)