Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $106

Standard/Professional

$60

$181+

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Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Dunlop Jimi Hendrix System Octave Fuzz JH-3S". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 25, 2026.

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Description

Step into the sonic world of Jimi Hendrix with the Dunlop Jimi Hendrix System Octave Fuzz JH-3S. Designed to capture the essence of Hendrix's legendary sound, this pedal combines vintage fuzz with a distinctive octave overtone, delivering a rich, textured tone that defined an era. The specially modified circuitry is crafted to replicate the unique edge that adorned many of Jimi's unforgettable solos, ensuring that every note you play is imbued with that classic vibe.

Simplicity meets functionality with its two external control knobs for volume and tone, giving you intuitive command over your sound. Whether you're aiming to recreate Hendrix's iconic riffs or explore new sonic landscapes, this pedal is your ticket to bold, expressive music. An easy-to-see red LED lets you know when the unit is active, and the versatility of a 9-volt battery or AC adapter (not included) ensures you're always ready to rock, no matter where you are.

Perfect for both seasoned guitarists and adventurous newcomers, the Dunlop Jimi Hendrix System Octave Fuzz JH-3S is more than just an effects pedal—it's a bridge to a legendary soundscape that continues to inspire musicians around the world.

Key Features:

  • Specially modified circuitry for authentic Hendrix sound
  • Unique octave overtone added to fuzz effect
  • Two external control knobs: volume and tone
  • Red LED indicator for easy on/off status
  • Compatible with 9-volt battery or AC adapter (not included)

Product specs

Brand Dunlop
Model JH-3S Jimi Hendrix Signature System Octave Fuzz
Finish Black
Year 1990 - 2006
Made In United States
Categories Fuzz Pedals and Effects, Octave and Pitch-Shifting Pedals
Pedal Format Standard

FAQs

What type of sound can I expect from the Dunlop Jimi Hendrix System Octave Fuzz JH-3S?

This pedal delivers a classic octave-up fuzz sound reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix's iconic tones, offering a rich, harmonically complex fuzz that excels in producing vintage psychedelic rock sounds.

Is the Dunlop JH-3S suitable for modern music styles?

While the JH-3S is designed to replicate Hendrix's vintage tones, its unique octave fuzz can add a distinctive edge to modern genres, especially for players seeking a retro vibe or experimental soundscapes.

How does the octave effect function on the Dunlop JH-3S?

The octave effect on the JH-3S can be engaged to add an octave-up layer to your fuzz tone, creating a more textured and dynamic sound, ideal for solos and expressive playing.

Does the JH-3S work well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups?

Yes, the Dunlop JH-3S is versatile enough to complement both single-coil and humbucker pickups, providing a wide range of fuzz tones that suit various guitar setups.

What is the power supply requirement for the Dunlop JH-3S?

The Dunlop JH-3S requires a standard 9V power supply or a 9V battery, making it compatible with most pedalboard power configurations.

Wall of Sound

Wall of Sound

Dunlop Jimi Hendrix System Octave Fuzz

Video thumbnail for Dunlop Jimi Hendrix System Octave Fuzz by Wall of Sound

Dunlop Jimi Hendrix System Octave Fuzz

Wall of Sound

Wall of Sound

Reviews

PROS

  • Classic fuzz effect with unique octave up mixing

  • Heavily gated for tight rhythm sounds without much noise

  • Excellent build quality with thick steel case

  • Good for solos and riff-rocking with high sting

  • Works well with bridge pickup and tone rolled down

  • Provides a synthy sound when used alone

CONS

  • All-or-nothing effect, not versatile like fuzz-face

  • Requires specific playing style to get desired sustain

  • Chops a ton of bass, may affect desired sound balance

  • Doesn’t stack well with other distortions

  • Uses a 3.5mm power jack, inconvenient for standard power bricks

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Dunlop Jimi Hendrix System Octave Fuzz JH-3S.

Features and functionality

  • The JH-3S lacks the "Fuzz Face" branding seen in later versions, impacting its identification as a traditional fuzz face.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report the pedal performs poorly with both adapters and fully charged batteries, but excels briefly when the battery is partially drained.

    Source
  • The pedal is known for its unpredictable nature, making it challenging for regular use, though it can produce semi-Hendrix tones under the right conditions.

    Source
  • Owners report sudden failure of the pedal with no response at any volume or fuzz level, indicating potential reliability issues.

    Source
  • Dunlop's lack of testing for transistor matching during this era results in variability, making pedal performance unpredictable.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Suggested alternatives include a fuzz face clone and a Teese Picture Wah for better tone and reliability compared to Dunlop's artist series.

    Source
  • Disaster Area cables are recommended for their solid build and low profile, enhancing the setup experience for this pedal.

    Source
  • Some users compare the MPSA18 to other fuzz face transistors, noting a potential lack in volume cleanup ability.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The pedal's optimal performance window is short-lived, approximately 15 minutes, due to battery-specific tonal characteristics.

    Source
  • The pedal appears to require a mini jack adapter for power, which is uncommon and may cause confusion among users.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some users suggest repainting or covering the "Jimi Hendrix" branding for those uncomfortable with signature models.

    Source

Build quality

  • MPSA18 transistors are used, known for high gain, potentially affecting volume cleanup compared to BC108, BC183, or BC109 transistors.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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2 star
1 star
peasinafookinpod420

greatest octave fuzz ever.

I love this octave fuzz. I based part of the Octopus Fuzz circuit off this pedal. I use it on "Ransack the Hacky-Sack Building, Jack" and Pat uses it on "Cosmik Debris", "Arrowhead Egomaniac", "Bored Of Conformity Vol. 4", and "Rebel Girl" (Cosmik Debris is a Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention cover, and Rebel Girl is a Bikini Kill Cover). 150% Recommend.

seth_proctor

Noise

With the octave up there isn't much sustain to it, you have to play to the pedal, it doesn't handle somethings well, but that's the beauty of it. Works well for JMC type stuff, and has lots of volume on tap, I find it doesn't stack well with other distortions and works best going into an amp with lots of headroom for me.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dimebag Darrell uses Dunlop Jimi Hendrix System Octave Fuzz JH-3S

Dimebag Darrell

Guitarist

Pantera

...
Verified via Angelfire

Dime used this pedal on the "New Found Power" album

See how Jim Root uses Dunlop Jimi Hendrix System Octave Fuzz JH-3S

Jim Root

Guitarist

Slipknot

...
Verified via YouTube

Seen at 1:54, Jim has an Octave Fuzz on one of his earlier rack-mounted pedalboards.

See how Thurston Moore uses Dunlop Jimi Hendrix System Octave Fuzz JH-3S

Thurston Moore

Singer, Guitarist

Sonic Youth

...
Verified via Photo

On this photo of Thurston Moore's pedalboard we can see MXR Octave Fuzz. According to this page (http://www.sonicyouth.com/mustang/eq/thurston.html) he used it from 1998 to 2009. The pedal was also mentioned in the Premier Guitar's 2017 interview.

See how Jake E. Lee uses Dunlop Jimi Hendrix System Octave Fuzz JH-3S

Jake E. Lee

Guitarist

Ozzy Osbourne

...
Verified via Naver

Used on "Exithouse" and "The Rapture", as specified in this July 20, 2012 breakdown of a A Fine Pink Mist gear list printed in the October 1996 issue of Young Guitar.

See how Joe Hawley uses Dunlop Jimi Hendrix System Octave Fuzz JH-3S

Joe Hawley

Singer, Guitarist

Tally Hall

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video BORALOGUE VI, posted by the Tally Hall YouTube Channel, Joe Hawley can be seen at 3:45 with the Dunlop Jimi Hendrix System Octave Fuzz JH-3S pedal while recording the song "Never Meant to Know".

See how Sune Rose Wagner uses Dunlop Jimi Hendrix System Octave Fuzz JH-3S

Sune Rose Wagner

Guitarist

The Raveonettes

...
Verified via Effects Bay

Via Effectsbay.com blog post from 08/2017

See how Paco Huidobro uses Dunlop Jimi Hendrix System Octave Fuzz JH-3S

Paco Huidobro

Guitarist, Composer

Fobia

...
Verified via Instagram

In a 2018 Instagram post, Paco Huidobro's pedalboard is shown featuring the Dunlop JH3S Jimi Hendrix Octave Fuzz.

See how Stephen Magnusson uses Dunlop Jimi Hendrix System Octave Fuzz JH-3S

Stephen Magnusson

Guitarist

MAGNET

...
Verified via Stephen Magnusson

In the first photo, Steve shows that he uses this pedal.

See how Dave Okumu uses Dunlop Jimi Hendrix System Octave Fuzz JH-3S

Dave Okumu

Guitarist, Music Producer

The Invisible

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "Board To Death Ep. 36 - David Okumu (The Invisible) | EarthQuaker Devices," at the timestamp 1:16, Dave Okumu can be seen with a Dunlop Jimi Hendrix System Octave Fuzz JH-3S integrated into his pedalboard. This visual confirmation is provided by EarthQuakerDevices on YouTube, which features Dave discussing the equipment he uses to explore new sounds in his music.

Album Usage

The Dunlop Jimi Hendrix System Octave Fuzz JH-3S 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 Dunlop Jimi Hendrix System Octave Fuzz JH-3S, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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