Octave fuzz recommendations?

[fuzzjunkie]

I was reading a bit about Fuzz Face/Octave combo pedals (and why there are so few of them) and builders say that the difference between the classic woolly Fuzz Face sound and the biting Octave sound is too big for most people when switching from one to the other. The Fuzz Face needs to be boosted and filtered to accommodate the octave.

It’s easier to build the octave into the fuzz circuit or have 2 independent pedals.

Zvex Octane 3 is a nice octave fuzz that hasn’t been mentioned yet, based on the Ibanez Scrambler, which is in the Super Fuzz family. The Kay Fuzz is another. There are good clones of both out there. None of those are switchable though, the octave is part of the fuzz circuit.

[zhivago]

The Zvex Octane 3 is my favourite...I remember Zach saying back in the day that he based it on a Shin-Ei Apollo Fuzz-wah, which indeed is in the Superfuzz family.

It is a monstrous pedal...especially if you really know what you're doing around the 12th fret...bending single notes and letting them breathe/ring/blossom...adding secondary strings to create chaos and ring mod effects...it is quite an experience!

[hillerheilman]

What about the Keeley Monterey?... not exactly cheap - but it gives you a blendable octave (knob, no extra switch sadly) and either rotary or wah or vibe to choose from (via mini toggle).

I don’t know how I didn’t discover the Monterey until now. This seems to be a pretty dang good solution.
Would save me a lot of weight and board space. Anybody used one? It kinda seems like a Hendrix version of the EHX Cockfight with extra features.

[sessylU]

Danelectro French Toast. Super cheap, it's literally a Foxx Tone Machine in a wee plastic enclosure. It can be had for around $35, last time I looked.

This is the correct answer.

[zhivago]

The French Toast is very, very good indeed!!

[Dr Tony Balls]

Danelectro French Toast. Super cheap, it's literally a Foxx Tone Machine in a wee plastic enclosure. It can be had for around $35, last time I looked.

This is the correct answer.

It is a very good fuzz circuit, though not really the right fit, imo, for the original poster's request.

[del]

What about pairing a Fuzz Face with an EQD Tentacle?

If money is no option, and a single pedal is essential, then search for a used Face Lift as mentioned above.
If money is a concern, a single pedal is essential, and you're a little flexible about the base fuzz, try the Danelectro French Toast. Then if you love it, you can ramp up to a swanker version if you'd like.

If money is flexible, fuzz face is required, and you're willing to use two pedals, then buy a fuzz face of your choosing: there are so very many options for this circuit available at most any price point. Big ones, little ones, round, rectangular, two knobs, extra knobs... I have four fuzz faces myself and prefer the currently-available JH-F1.

Then buy a separate octave. Which octave though? If your "octave" interest is more of a perfectly tracked, clean octave up, I'd recommend the EHX micro POG. If you're more interested with something in line with scronky-scuzzy sounds (a la your Hendrix reference) then I'd recommend a green ringer clone. The EQD Tentacle is a good option, and the Lovepedal Believe is a very popular version, but, like the fuzz face, there are lots available at all price points - I use the "Octave Up" from Chicago Stompworks and thinks it's dandy.

[sessylU]

Danelectro French Toast. Super cheap, it's literally a Foxx Tone Machine in a wee plastic enclosure. It can be had for around $35, last time I looked.

This is the correct answer.

It is a very good fuzz circuit, though not really the right fit, imo, for the original poster's request.

Might not be, but it's cheap and available enough that anyone with a passing interest in octave fuzz should give it a go.

[fuzzjunkie]

Just discovered this one: The Odin by Fjord Fuzz looks and sounds like a very cool switchable octave fuzz. In Foxx Tone Machine territory, but can be dialed back for more of a Fuzz Face sound. I like the single knob layout.

https://fjordfuzz.no/odin-mini-1/

[hillerheilman]

Thanks for the input everyone. I’ve decided I’m gonna give the Keeley Monterey a shot first. Then if I find that I don’t love it I’m going to upgrade to a larger board and power supply and get everything in separate pedals. I’ll let you know how the Keeley works out in a few days.