Fjord Fuzz's ingenious perfect pair of Frei Analog Vibe and Freia Fuzz both share the same warm and expressive Uni-Vibe Preamp
Daniel Thornhill’s first official modulation pedal is a really elegant take on a proper analog photocell Uni-Vibe - the Frei Vibe. While researching and developing the Frei - switching components and the like - he discovered that a single change in Resistor turned the Uni-Vibe preamp section into a wonderful sounding fuzz - and so the Freia Fuzz was born out of the same project. Even though billed as just a Vibe - the Frei is a proper Bulb Uni-Vibe - and so I’ve taken to calling the Freia a Uni-Fuzz!
The Frei instructions recommend that you use it with the Kvasir Fuzz (which sounds great for sure) - while I personally feel that the Freia is the most suitable and natural pairing for the Frei. It’s pretty unique for a pair of pedals to share large chunks of the same circuit - and the fact that the Frei and Freia essentially both have the same Preamp ± that one resistor - is really intriguing.
Like Daniel and Pete Honoré I actually prefer the Frei Uni-Vibe in front of the Freia. The two together are really warm and expressive and elegant - which is a slight departure for Fjord Fuzz - whose appeal is often in the rawness and visceral nature of those pedals’ outputs. While this matched pair is the personification of elegance! I feel Daniel should feature them in a combination pack / collector’s box set - as in my opinion they are best experienced together!
Here follow the individual details :
Frei Analog Vibe (Uni-Vibe) - Kr 2,080 / £249 / $249
Controls - Rate / Speed, Depth 1, Depth 2, Depth 1 / 2 Footswitch, Engage Footswitch. Expression port controls Rate.
As mentioned, this is a proper analog Bulb / Photocell Uni-Vibe circuit with 3 simple controls and dual footswitches. A big Rate knob, and two smaller Depth 1 and Depth 2 knobs - which can be alternated via the Second / Left-hand Footswitch.
You get a wonderful range of texture across the dials - while I typically have Depth 1 set to noon, and Depth 2 @ Max - and the Rate variable. With the large Rate knob I just use my toes to adjust that - so the Expression socket is surplus to my own requirement - but can understand it would be useful for some.
I think it would be cool to have an iteration of this pedal with 2 x Rate as well as 2 x Depth controls - so in effect 2 whole presets. I would also quite like some sort of Level control for a V2 as you can get noticeable Level drop when you move the Depth knobs below noon.
Possibly would be nice for an additional control to adjust the degree of Throb - so you can really ramp up that texture. While I think the pedal is really perfect exactly as it is - just a really neat, elegant and simple take on a Uni-Vibe - but where the 2 depths and Expression Jack give it additional playback versatility.
Freia Fuzz (Uni-Vibe Preamp) - Kr 1,912 / £219 / $219
Controls - Level, Bias, Gain.
This is rather unusual for a Fjord Fuzz as even though there is a significant range via the Bias and Gain knobs in particular - by and large the output here is really warm, elegant and balanced - and doesn't quite touch the usual raw and visceral extremes that most Fjord Fuzzes run too - which is actually no bad thing!
Fjord Fuzz has developed a reputation as the 'fuzz lover's fuzz of choice' as Daniel doesn't place artificial limits on the tapers of the various dials / controls - which usually mean that his pedals are capable of a rawer, more visceral and textured output than most.
The Freia Uni-Fuzz in using that same Frei Uni-Vibe Preamp - making it a really balanced and even sounding fuzz - iy can be so smooth and elegant if you want to dial it in that way - but can go a little more searing when fully cranked - but still very controlled overall.
I think it's a really decent stand-alone fuzz too - and distinct from the other Fjord Fuzzes that have come before. While I really feel it's more significant and pertinent as part of a pair with its Frei sibling. The Frei pairs very well with all gain pedals I've tried it on, but is particularly warm and elegant and well-balanced with the Freia.
Sure these can be wholly enjoyed fully individually and stand-alone - but for me they are even better as part of that matched pair.
I tend to have the Freia set with Volume @ 3 o'c, and Bias and Gain @ noon - it sounds so elegant and balanced with the dials in those position - while you can of course crank up from there for more texture. In combination with the Frei though - it's just magnificent at noon - you really get a most fantastic output!
Both are available right now from the Fjord Fuzz Webstore, and International Dealers like Andertons, Ask and You Shall Receive, Pedal Empire, The Sound Parcel and These Go To Eleven.
Fjord Fuzz Capsule Collection up to 15 now - article forthcoming ...
