SolidGoldFX Re-Tools and Improves its If 6 Was 9 BC183 Silicon Fuzz - now with 6 smart extended range controls
Readers should know that I’m a keen fan of SGFX’s compact fuzzes - where I posted my capsule collection of 9 at the time - back in 2020 (as per below visual) - and where I have each of the 3 If 6 Was 9 Fuzz Face varieties. Note that in my top visual the MKI pedal referenced is a later MKI model as the very original ones had the 6 and 9 numerals highlighted in Red.
The BC183 variant was actually the 3rd of the Fuzz Face types - where Type I was the original Germanium Newmarket NKT275 type (1966), Type II was BC108/109 Sharper and More Aggressive Silicon (1968), and Type III was the slightly softer BC183 which had more of a Germanium character even though Silicon Transistors (1969).
The original If 6 Was 9 pedals had 4 controls - Fuzz, Volume and Bias knobs, and a 3-way Tone switch - Tight / TrebleBoost / Thick. In the newer version the Tone switch is essentially relabelled to Body, then Volume, Bias and Fuzz are same as before, and we have two new additional knobs - a Volts 5-15V essentially Input Power control, and a Saturate : Input Gain Trim / Impedance control.
Controls - Volume, Bias (Q2), Fuzz, Volts : 5-15V (Power Feed), Body : Fat / Treble Boost / Classic, Saturate (Input Gain Trim / Impedance).
So what you get now is a seriously extended range Fuzz Face - which can take you into all kinds of territories where standard Fuzz Faces cannot go. In many ways I consider the Chase Bliss Bliss Factory the ultimate sort of Extended Range Fuzz Face - while this new I6W9 BC183 MKII runs it really close! Note also that the current incumbent BC183 King is likely the Chase Tone '68 Red Velvet - while this I6W9 one is really just as good - I wouldn't care to say which one was better. I already have the Red Velvet - just need the I6W9 BC183 MKII now!
It's still priced at $199 which is now better value than ever - I will for sure be adding this to the collection some time soon. Available for order right now on the SGFX Webstore, and appearing imminently at leading dealers. I'm hoping to get this from my good friend Jim over at Boost Guitar Pedals!
Anyone else tempted?
Specs
- Type III Silicon Fuzz Face pedal
- Uses two BC183 transistor – for soulful fuzz tones between mushy compression of Germanium and brash sound of Silicon
- Variable voltage pump supplies power between 5 to 15VDC internally
- Thick balanced bass response and tight fuzz tone
- Tone toggle switch chooses between tight and thick fuzz voicings
- Bias knob for varying the operational voltage – for a huge range of tones from compressed and nasty to big and bold
- Saturation control trims the circuits input for better cleanup or impedance matching
- Soft-touch True bypass switching and top-mounted jacks
- Hand-made in Montreal, Canada
- Powered Supply : 9V DC [-], 20 mA current draw
- MAPP / RRP : $199 / £199
Demos
