The Cryptid is a fuzz pedal from the deepest, darkest depths of Brian Wampler’s imagination.
The
Cryptid Fuzz is a homage to all of Brian Wampler’s favorite vintage
fuzz pedals in one pedal. Brian has always loved a good fuzz pedal.
There’s just something about how they transform a guitar's sound, and
each one does it in its own way. A Fuzz Face has a fat lead tone that
responds to every touch. The Tone Bender circuit took things a stage
further (literally) and added even more grunt. The “Big Muff” style
circuit is a legendary successor to both of these. The Wampler Velvet
Fuzz was one of Brian’s early takes on an improved fuzz circuit but with
a twist - it was designed to be easy to dial in for anyone who just
didn’t get on with regular fuzz pedals.
Brian wanted to put all
of those classic tones into a single compact guitar pedal. He wanted the
ability to dial in glassy cleans by backing off your guitar's volume
like a Fuzz Face as well as retaining the sparkling tonality and
usability of the Velvet Fuzz. He wanted to create something that could
be stacked with other pedals or played on its own, something that wasn’t
just another clone. So he designed the Cryptid Fuzz. It is a unique
circuit designed to offer the very best sonic aspects of those classic
fuzz pedals while still inspiring players to find a new sound.
Tweaking
your tone is easy. The Cryptid's Volume, Tone, and Fuzz are pretty
self-explanatory. The Character (bias) control goes from distorted fuzz
sounds, similar to what we did with the Velvet Fuzz, all the way through
to other classic tones, including muff, bender, and even steps into
“Fuzz Factory” territory. The 3-position Tight switch shapes the pedal's
low end for anything from doom-approved sub-sonics to a tight,
distortion-esque vibe. Finally, the Chime toggle adds a bit of extra
harmonic air on top without any harshness.
At its core the
Cryptid is capable of reproducing classic, immense, fuzz tones. It’s
also easy to create unique fuzz sounds by dialling in the character
control, and it's highly responsive to a guitar's volume and tone
settings. Brian Wampler’s attention to detail and commitment to
designing the best and most player friendly products out there is second
to none. Those qualities are on full display within the Cryptid Fuzz
pedal. From its convenient form factor to its flexible controls, the
Cryptid is all Wampler.
A Unique Fuzz in a Sea of Clones
The
Cryptid is an entirely new fuzz circuit through and through. Though it
can get extremely close to the classics, it also offers a sonic ton of
possibilities between them. Brian Wampler made sure it's also super easy
to use and as responsive as some of the best vintage designs.
Inspired by Icons, Designed for Individuality
Brian
wanted the Cryptid to offer the ability to get close to some of his
favourite fuzz tones. Think Hendrix, Eric Johnson, Mick Ronson, Billy
Corgan, J. Mascis, and Jack White; Brian tried to put a little bit of
all of them in there.
Vintage Sensitivity Meets Modern Versatility
The
Cryptid is extremely sensitive to a guitar's electronics. Place it
before any buffers — just like a great vintage fuzz — and roll back the
guitar's volume control a bit. With the right settings, the tone won't
just be "less fuzzy." It'll be clean, clear, and extremely responsive -
perfect for stacking with other drives.
Fuzz For Those Who Don't Like Fuzz
If
you think fuzz pedals are too wooly, undefined, and messy, the Cryptid
will change your mind. It can get a lot closer to tube amp overdrive
than you'd expect. Using the Tight and Chime controls, it's easy to get a
fat, singing distortion that's never muddy or shrill.
•Unique Fuzz circuit by Brian Wampler
•Built in the U.S.A.
•High-grade components selected for superior sound and response
•Controls: Volume, Fuzz, Tone, Character knobs, Chime and Tight switches.
•2.5′ x 4.5′ x 2.2′ in size (63.5mm x 114.3mm x 56mm)
•Battery connection and power jack
•Power draw: between 15mA (9V) and 30mA (18V)
