Guitar Gear Forum

I got my El Rey Effects Ouija Fuzz today and I am not sure if I dig it or not. I have borrowed fuzz pedals from friends and I just don't know if I am a fuzz guy or not...

The unit is cool looking, and is pretty aggressive, but I find that it plays better with my Tweaker than it does with my JCM900. I guess I will have to tweak some more.

This is what it looks like...




It also seems like the fuzz control [amount of fuzz] isn't responding. It seems like it is full bore, I will have to do some more research on that. Has anyone else had similar experiences with fuzz pedals, or am I the only guy out there that just can't jive with them?

Cole

Epic! Going to get a demo up? It'd be cool to hear it. Get some GAB demos going. Perhaps you could review it in the effects review board?

Either way happy new fuzz day dude! Fuzz FTW.

Out of all the El Rey Demos I have heard, I liked the Lucha Fuzz best. I haven't heard this one though.

I really want a fuzz but I have no practical use for it in the band I am in so I haven't bit the bullet yet.

TU BE wrote:Out of all the El Rey Demos I have heard, I liked the Lucha Fuzz best. I haven't heard this one though.

I really want a fuzz but I have no practical use for it in the band I am in so I haven't bit the bullet yet.

I read on his website that the Ouija is the same as the Lucha but with the three way toggle switch for the fuzz clipping.

I am pretty sure there is an issue with the fixfuzz control pot on my pedal. It doesn't adjust the amount of fuzz, and it seems to be full on. It does sound good, but I need some control on that fuzz intensity.

Cole

I'd definitely send it back then

TU BE wrote:I'd definitely send it back then

I am going to get a hold of the guy and let him know what is going on. I just haven't got around to it; life is busy!

Cole

UPDATE: I emailed El Rey Effects about the issue and I got a prompt email back [I also included that I am handy with a soldering iron and that if he had any ideas for me to try, I would do them]. Though, this wasn't your typical email. He sent a schematic of how the pot should be wired to the board, as well had me check to make sure the right pot was used [which he included a picture of too]. He was very apologetic, and was upset to hear of my troubles,and he stated that his goal is to "wow" people when they try his product. He offered me two solutions if everything was in order: 1) he could send me a new pot to wire in, or 2) I could send it back and he would inspect the whole circuit for me.

So let me say this, don't let my earlier posts persuade you from trying his products. He is a stand up builder who stands behind his product, and truly wants to see his product appreciated!

That being said, I found the problem as I was checking the stuff he emailed me to check. A single strand of wire from the middle terminal of the "fuzz control" pot had found its way to another terminal and ended up getting soldered/stuck to that terminal, causing me to have uncontrollable amounts of fuzz. This wire was very small, and I had missed upon my first evaluation. After pulling the pot to make sure it was the correct one is when I noticed the strand. I clipped the strand [that was very small and hard to see under normal lights] and now all is well. The sweep on the pedal actually works now. I am super happy that I didn't have to wait to send this back or get a new pot, and was able to solve the problem.

Now as far as the pedal goes, it is much more controllable and the tone of the pedal is great! I am going to have to mess around with to find what setting I like best, but so far [now] this pedal is working out to be a good choice! Let me tell you, it sounds huge through my JCM900, HUGE!

Cole

Glad to hear you're liking it and there's a happy ending to the little tale of whoa! Always cool when a builder steps right up with options on how to solve your problem right away!

Sweet

Dammit! I may have to buy one of his fuzz pedals. I also want the Chicago Typewriter tremolo he makes.

TU BE wrote:Dammit! I may have to buy one of his fuzz pedals. I also want the Chicago Typewriter tremolo he makes.

I haven't looked at his tremolo. I will have to check that out too... I am also interested in his Mas Huevos boost.

As far as the boost goes, I will try to get a demo video up soon.

Cole