|
Danelectro Cool Cat Fuzz CF-2
|
 Featuring Fuzz, Treble/Bass, and Volume controls, the CF-2 ($69 retail/
$59 street) also has a set of internal controls that alter the response of
the fuzz circuit. Removing the battery hatch provides access to an Input
Sensitivity trim-pot that adjusts the level of guitar signal that hits the fuzz
circuit, and a 3-position DIP switch that adds LEDs to the circuit to create
more compression and, hence, sustain. According to the manual, setting
#1 adds two red LEDS to produce more clipping and sustain. Setting
#2 activates four green LEDs to provide less clipping with a mild increase
in sustain. Setting #3 brings on two green LEDS to increase compression
and brighten the sound. The colors of the LEDS are meaningless because
you can’t actually see them, but the DIP settings do make a difference in
the sounds.
The CF-2 appears to mix straight signal with fuzz, as playing through
it is like hearing the clean and effected sounds in parallel. It’s a different
thing than you get from a classic Fuzz Face or Tonebender, and some players
may like this more than others. With the DIP switch off and the tone
control about three-quarters up, the result is skinny/buzzy fuzz that can
become fartier and more “dying transistor”-like as you turn the Fuzz knob
down. Conversely, putting the tone control at nine o’clock or lower thickens
the fuzz for a meatier-sounding grind. Going to the DIP switch and
activating setting #1 results in a squashier feel with a rounder fuzz. There’s
also some volume loss (ditto for all the DIP positions) that you have to
adjust for with the Volume control. Setting #2 produces the CF-2’s most
“amp”-like tones, with a warmer and more gutsy fuzz sound (my favorite),
while position #3 is very similar to setting #1, but with a little more edge.
I found the Input Sensitivity control useful for dialing in the fuzz with different
guitars, but if you go too high with it, the noise increases substantially.
All in all, the CF-2 packs an impressive amount of control into a
small and very affordable package. If you like to tweak your sounds, you’ll
want to give this pedal a shot. —Art Thompson
KUDOS
Delivers a variety of fuzz flavors
and dynamic responses. True bypass
switching.
CONCERNS
Battery door isn’t permanently
attached.
CONTACT
www.danelectro.com
More from this Stompbox Roundup...
|