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Description

If there’s one pedal that captures the history of sonic rebellion and the soul of classic rock, then the Fuzz Face is it. Bold and raunchy when fed power chords, velvety smooth and angelically soaring when presented with lead lines and with an almost too-good-to-be-true volume knob cleanup, which allows for the best clean tones you’ve ever heard, the Fuzz Face is truly a multi-faceted tonal treasure. Jimi Hendrix, Eric Johnson, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Pete Townsend all carved their undying legacy with this iconic fuzz machine and with our If 6 Was 9 MKII, you can instantly tap into those legendary tones or go far beyond to discover your own saturated signature sound.

Main Features:

Silicon Fuzz pedal Based on the Dallas-Arbiter Fuzz Face circuit Uses two BC183 transistor – for soulful fuzz tones between mushy compression of Germanium and brash sound of Silicon Variable voltage pump supplies power between 5 to 15VDC internally Thick balanced bass response and tight fuzz tone Tone toggle switch chooses between tight and thick fuzz voicings Bias knob for varying the operational voltage – for a huge range of tones from compressed and nasty to big and bold Saturation control trims the circuits input for better cleanup or impedance matching Soft-touch True bypass switching and top-mounted jacks Hand-made in Montreal, Canada Powered by opt. 9V DC PSU (centre -, 2,1 mm, 20 mA current draw) It’s been at least 10 years since we launched our original If 6 Was 9 BC183 and improving on this solid design was no small feat. SGFX’s pedal pays tribute to all the players who contributed to the pantheon of rock, with specially selected components to get your mojo working. We put two BC183 devices in each one, which is widely regarded as a happy medium between the potentially mushy compression of germanium and the brash sawmill-like fuzz of silicon. The tone of the If 6 Was 9 MKII is just that - smooth and refined, without falling apart on chords and with loads of sustain on single-note work. The MKII includes all the soulful fuzz tones of the original BC183, but incorporates a variety of new features aimed at bringing this vintage inspired design into the modern age.

What really sets the new If 6 Was 9 MKII apart is the power supply. Fuzz Face tone has been whittled down to such a precise science that players now know what voltage at which they prefer their Fuzz Face to be run. Eric Johnson famously kept a box full of batteries drained to various degrees. We have equipped this fuzz with a variable voltage pump, supplying anywhere from 5 to 15VDC from a single 9V power source. No need for a box full of questionable batteries anymore, just set the knob to your preferred supply voltage and get as much fuzzy compression or meaty breakup you desire consistently, every time.

This, in conjunction with the bias control, will allow for any shade of fuzz ranging from gated and sputtery, to smooth and dynamic, then all the way to bold and punchy. The new saturate control trims the circuit’s input for better cleanup, signal chain integration or impedance matching, ideal for use with a wah pedal. Finally, soft-touch true bypass switching and top jacks really bring this fuzz face into the 21st century.

That was a lot of tech babble, we know. At the end of the day If 6 Was 9 MkII is just here to help you with what you do best: plugging in and rocking out!

Product specs

Brand SolidGoldFX
Model If 6 Was 9 MKII, If 6 Was 9 MKII Limited Edition - CME Exclusive
Finish Pacific Peach, Red Wine
Year 2022 - 2025
Made In United States
Categories Fuzz Pedals and Effects
Pedal Format Standard

FAQs

What type of transistors are used in the Solid Gold FX If 6 Was 9 BC183 Fuzz MKII?

The Solid Gold FX If 6 Was 9 BC183 Fuzz MKII uses BC183 silicon transistors, which provide a classic fuzz tone with a tighter and more articulate sound compared to germanium transistors.

How does the Solid Gold FX If 6 Was 9 MKII compare to traditional Fuzz Face pedals?

The If 6 Was 9 MKII offers a more refined control over the fuzz tone with a thicker, more stable sound due to its silicon transistors, while traditional Fuzz Face pedals typically use germanium transistors for a warmer, vintage tone.

Is the Solid Gold FX If 6 Was 9 MKII Fuzz suitable for both guitar and bass?

Yes, the If 6 Was 9 MKII Fuzz can be used with both guitar and bass, providing a rich and dynamic fuzz tone that complements a wide range of musical styles.

What are the finish options available for the Solid Gold FX If 6 Was 9 MKII Fuzz?

The Solid Gold FX If 6 Was 9 MKII Fuzz is available in Pacific Peach and Red Wine finishes, allowing players to choose a style that suits their aesthetic preferences.

Does the Solid Gold FX If 6 Was 9 MKII Fuzz work well with other pedals in a signal chain?

Yes, the If 6 Was 9 MKII Fuzz is designed to integrate smoothly into any pedalboard, maintaining its rich fuzz tone while complementing other effects in your signal chain.

Pete Thorn

Pete Thorn

THE ULTIMATE FUZZ FACE? Solid Gold FX IF 6 WAS 9 MK II

Video thumbnail for THE ULTIMATE FUZZ FACE? Solid Gold FX IF 6 WAS 9 MK II by Pete Thorn

THE ULTIMATE FUZZ FACE? Solid Gold FX IF 6 WAS 9 MK II

Pete Thorn

Pete Thorn

Video thumbnail for SolidGoldFX If 6 Was 9 MKII Fuzz by R.J. Ronquillo

SolidGoldFX If 6 Was 9 MKII Fuzz

R.J. Ronquillo

R.J. Ronquillo

Video thumbnail for 50 Shades of FUZZ! The SolidGoldFX If 6 Was 9! by Sasha Ivantic

50 Shades of FUZZ! The SolidGoldFX If 6 Was 9!

Sasha Ivantic

Sasha Ivantic

Video thumbnail for SolidGoldFX If 6 Was 9 MKII - Pedal Empire by Pedal Empire

SolidGoldFX If 6 Was 9 MKII - Pedal Empire

Pedal Empire

Pedal Empire

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Solid Gold FX If 6 Was 9 BC183 Fuzz MKII.

Features and functionality

  • The pedal includes a switch offering three modes: Fat, treble boost, and vintage, enhancing its versatility compared to other Fuzz face pedals.

    Source
  • Owners highlight the interplay between saturation, bias, voltage, and fuzz knobs, allowing a wide range of sounds from sputtery gated fuzz to traditional silicon fuzz tones.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • It pairs well with a Wah pedal, facilitated by the saturate knob, allowing for diverse soundscapes even at low gain settings.

    Source
  • The pedal excels for styles like soul, funk, R&B, jazz, and fusion with low-gain fuzz, perfect for guitarists who prefer character-rich tones over heavy sustain.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners note a significant improvement in versatility from MKI to MKII, making it appealing for those who enjoy tweakable fuzz options.

    Source
  • While looking for vintage voicing, nothing has surpassed the If 6 Was 9 for some users, even after trying pedals like Fairfield's Four Eyes and Zvex' Fuzz Factory.

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User experience

  • Users suggest placing the pedal first in the chain to fully distinguish between treble boost and vintage fuzz face modes.

    Source
  • A noticeable difference in mode sounds using a Strat, while less distinct with humbuckers, indicating pickup type influences the pedal's mode differentiation.

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Other

  • The pedal's name is derived from a song title, which can be a point of interest for music enthusiasts.

    Source

Critic Reviews

SolidGoldFX aims to harness “legendary tones of yesteryear” in new-and-improved If 6 Was 9 MkII fuzz pedal | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The Solid Gold FX If 6 Was 9 BC183 Fuzz MKII delivers a versatile fuzz experience, combining the best of germanium and silicon tones with five control knobs for precise adjustments. The innovative voltage control allows for consistent sounds across a broad range, eliminating the need for unreliable battery changes. However, while the tonal range is impressive, some players may find the pedal's numerous options overwhelming. Overall, this pedal is a solid choice for those seeking a modern take on classic fuzz tones, but it may require some time to fully explore its capabilities.

positive

NAMM 2022: SolidGoldFX refreshes its Fuzz Face-inspired If 6 Was 9, adding a host of player and wah-friendly updates | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Solid Gold FX If 6 Was 9 BC183 Fuzz MKII delivers a versatile fuzz experience with modern upgrades like top-mounted jacks and a variable voltage pump, enhancing functionality for pedalboard setups. Its dual-BC183 transistor design strikes a balance between creamy smoothness and aggressive bite, making it an excellent choice for various styles. However, while the expanded control options are appreciated, some may find the learning curve steep for dialing in the perfect sound. Overall, this pedal is a compelling mix of vintage charm and modern practicality, making it a strong contender in the fuzz pedal market.

positive

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Gear IQ 61

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    tomisfer

    Gear IQ 812