1960s Orpheum Fuzz (AKA Manny's, Clark, Tim's Own etc)

Here's a rare chance to score a piece of American fuzz box history over on this side of the pond!

The Orpheum fuzz is a kind of 'east coast' take on the classic Fuzzrite design. This model shows up under a whole assortment of different brands and I still don't think we fully know who was actually behind the whole operation. It's pretty much part-for-part a copy of the early Fuzzrite (with the larger input/output/coupling caps), albeit with silicon transistors. Compared with my various Fuzzrites, this pedal is noticeably 'looser' and more chaotic sounding.

Orpheums are quite unusual compared with other 1960s fuzz boxes in that they're made of a combination of sheet metal, wood and some sort of acrylic face plate to protect the sticker underneath. Definitely a pedal that stands out in any fuzz box collection!

Some Orpheums have gooped circuits inside, but this one is clean as a whistle. There's a visible 1966 date code but make of that what you will.

The knobs aren't original to this pedal, but they're also vintage and they look ace. Newer screws. Perfect working condition — check out the attached videoclip and feast your ears.