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Average Price: $150

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Description

The Caroline Olympia Shigeharu fuzz pedal is a powerhouse of sonic innovation, channeling the raw energy and iconic grit inspired by the Pacific Northwest's grunge revival. This pedal isn't just about nostalgia; it takes the legendary Big Muff circuitry and pushes it to new heights, offering a unique twist that delivers unparalleled fuzz intensity. Created with the spirit of collaboration, the Olympia Shigeharu might just be the first pedal to owe its existence to a successful Kickstarter campaign, underscoring its demand among musicians seeking something extraordinary.

With Japanese-inspired graphics, the Olympia Shigeharu isn't just a feast for the ears but also a visual statement on your pedalboard. Whether you're chasing the classic walls of fuzz that defined a generation or exploring new, uncharted tonal territories, this pedal is your ticket to a world of sonic adventure. Its robust design and intuitive controls make it an essential tool for both live performances and studio sessions, offering versatility and rich, textured sounds that will elevate your music to the next level.

Key Features:

  • Inspired by classic Big Muff circuitry, enhanced for modern tones
  • Unique Japanese-themed artwork for a distinct visual appeal
  • Intuitive controls for versatile sound shaping
  • Robust and durable design suitable for both stage and studio environments

Product specs

Brand Caroline Guitar Company
Model Olympia
Finish Blue, Blue / Shigeharu
Year 2011 - 2016
Made In United States
Categories Fuzz Pedals and Effects
Pedal Format Standard

FAQs

What type of fuzz sound can I expect from the Caroline Olympia Shigeharu?

The Caroline Olympia Shigeharu offers a rich, dynamic fuzz tone that can range from classic, smooth fuzz to more aggressive, cutting sounds, making it versatile for various rock and experimental genres.

Is the Caroline Olympia Shigeharu suitable for both guitar and bass?

Yes, the Caroline Olympia Shigeharu fuzz pedal is designed to work well with both guitar and bass, providing a thick, textured sound that enhances the tonal range of both instruments.

What power supply does the Caroline Olympia Shigeharu require?

The Caroline Olympia Shigeharu requires a standard 9V DC power supply, which is common for most pedalboards, ensuring easy integration into your existing setup.

How does the Caroline Olympia Shigeharu differ from other fuzz pedals?

The Caroline Olympia Shigeharu stands out with its unique circuitry that delivers a more dynamic fuzz experience, allowing for greater expression and tonal variation compared to more traditional fuzz pedals.

Can the Caroline Olympia Shigeharu be used in a live performance setting?

Absolutely, the Caroline Olympia Shigeharu is built for durability and reliability, making it an excellent choice for live performances where consistent, high-quality fuzz tones are needed.

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

Caroline Guitar Company: OLYMPIA Fuzz

Video thumbnail for Caroline Guitar Company: OLYMPIA Fuzz by Brett Kingman

Caroline Guitar Company: OLYMPIA Fuzz

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

Video thumbnail for Caroline Olympia fuzz review by gilmourish

Caroline Olympia fuzz review

gilmourish

gilmourish

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique tone blend between Mk II Tonebender and Big Muff

  • EQ control for versatile sound shaping

  • Ability to add an octave up for creative sounds

  • Two internal bias pots for customization

  • Great note definition on leads and chords

  • Handwritten notes inside back plate add a personal touch

  • Capable of both rich, singing fuzz and slightly overdrivey tones

CONS

  • Does not clean up well with volume knob adjustment

  • Limited EQ control with only two knobs

  • Fundamental EQ slightly scooped, might not suit all tastes

  • Not highly versatile for those seeking massive variety in fuzz sounds

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Caroline Olympia Shigeharu.

Features and functionality

  • The bias/gate trimpot inside can be adjusted for a gated fuzz effect, though some prefer its default ungated tone for a more open sound.

    Source
  • The havoc switch doubles as a kill switch when the havoc is left on at all times, enhancing the pedal's flexibility in live settings.

    Source
  • The octave effect on the Shigeharu is subtle and can sound merely like a gritty boost on higher frets, with more pronounced results when boosted by another pedal.

    Source
  • Some users prefer setting the octave to always-on, allowing the Havoc switch to act as a kill switch, useful for dramatic song endings.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Shigeharu offers more clarity and aggressive gain compared to the Earthquaker Hoof, with similar sound profiles excluding the gate and octave features.

    Source
  • Unlike the Olympia's bass-heavy fuzz, the Shigeharu shines as a high treble fuzz, ideal for cutting through mixes.

    Source
  • The Shigeharu leans more towards a Tone Bender sound, while the Olympia aligns closer to a Big Muff, offering users a distinct choice between these classic fuzz styles.

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User experience

  • It's noted for its versatility, being able to replace multiple fuzz pedals on a board due to its wide tonal range.

    Source
  • Owners have found that the octave function performs better with a slightly gated fuzz setting, as it can get lost in an ungated setup.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Shigeharu excels in creating articulate, standout tones, making it suitable for lead guitar work in dense band settings.

    Source

Other

  • The Shigeharu includes a unique internal message, adding a personal touch that some owners appreciate as part of the Caroline experience.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Raimund Marasigan uses Caroline Olympia Shigeharu

Raimund Marasigan

Singer, Drummer

Eraserheads

...
Verified via YouTube

in a detailed episode on Cris Escolano's YouTube channel titled "GIG RIG - Rayray Marasigan of Sandwich," filmed in January of the previous year, Raimund Marasigan is confirmed to use a Gibson Les Paul Junior Billie Joe Armstrong Signature guitar among his musical arsenal. During this impromptu gig rig showcase, not only was the Gibson Les Paul Junior prominently featured, but Marasigan's comprehensive pedal board setup was also displayed, consisting of an array of effects including Polytune 3, Mooer Soul Shiver, Caroline Olympia Shigeharu, Durham Electronics Booster, JHS lucky cat, EHX Oceans 11, and DSM Humboldt Simplifier and ZT Amp. Marasigan elaborated that although his primary role has transitioned to mainly vocals, this specific rig is employed when he plays guitar. Additionally, he provided insights into his previous pedal board configuration, which comprised a Korg tuner, Box of Rock, Boss DD20, Digitech Whammy, Dwarfcraft Devices Shiva, and Boss TR2. This episode serves as concrete evidence of Marasigan's gear preferences and usage.

See how Loren Turner uses Caroline Olympia Shigeharu

Loren Turner

Guitarist, Music Producer

Foxy Shazam

...
Verified via YouTube

Seen on pedal board. Was used as a solo bossy during Church of Rock n Roll tour. Also used for main fuzz tone on Gonzo.

Album Usage

The Caroline Olympia Shigeharu has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Caroline Olympia Shigeharu, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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