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Average Price: $194

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$181+

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Description

Sporting two different modernized takes on the legendary Tone Bender circuit in one box, Communication Breakdown is an unabashed sonic love letter to the glorious fuzz tones of yesteryear.

This pedal is ready to reveal the stairway to tone heaven through its wide gain range, intuitive tone controls and the ability to use the two channels individually or together. From clear and refined low-gain grime, crushing walls of sound to beautifully compressed and singing leadtones, Communication Breakdown is sure to bring all of the good times and none of the bad.

Two channel Fuzz pedal -inspiredby the legendary fuzz tones of the 60s and 70s Switchable fuzz circuits-Switch between Fuzz A and FuzzB or stack them together Bias control-regulate the voltage sent to the pedal for a wide tonal pallet Input control-makes the pedal work with any Wah pedal in front of it True bypass switching Hand-made in Montreal, Canada Powered by a regular 9V DC PSU (center-, 2.1mm, 10mA current draw)

With the Communication Breakdown you just won the fuzz lottery. Adding not one, but two amazing fuzz pedals to your collection, all in one compact box of gainy goodness.Fuzz A is born out of the fire and flames of the rare Tone Bender MK1.5, but brings it into the modern era by using hotter silicon transistors than the original. This results in a wide range of extremely powerful yet refined fuzz tones.

Fuzz B, on the other hand, takes a page (see what we did there) from the book of the classic Tonebender MKII, and preserves everything good and great about that snarling, saturated and compressed box of fuzzy wonder. But as an extra bonus, we added our JFET pre-amp to the equation in order to breathe more stability and tonal clarity into this legendary circuit.

But the really cool part is of course that you can use the two channels either individually or together, seeing you jump from a hairy rhythm tone to a soaring lead in seconds, or lets you sculpt unique dirt tone never heard before.

Each channel sports the same super intuitive controls, so you won’t be left dazed and confused exploring its vast fuzzy playground. Besides the ubiquitous Fuzz and Volume controls, each side has a Bias knob, whichlets you vary the voltage sent to the circuits. Clock-wise will give you beefy and bold dirt tones, whereas counter-clockwise sees it unleash a more lean, choppy and gated fuzz tone.

On top of that you can further sculpt the overall tone of each side viathe simple three-way Color toggles, for everything from bright and biting full-range tones to smooth and dark, while the Input toggles let you adjust the input attenuation of the pedal, making sure that it plays well withany wahyou want to putin front of it.

So whether you’re a classic fuzz connoisseur looking to nail history defining dirt tones or simply searching for a versatile fuzz pedal to jump-start your creativity, then the Communication Breakdown is sure to deliver.

Product specs

Brand SolidGoldFX
Model Communication Breakdown Reverb Exclusive
Finish Grey Texture
Year 2020
Made In United States
Categories Fuzz Pedals and Effects
Pedal Format Standard

FAQs

What type of fuzz tone can I expect from the SolidGoldFX Communication Breakdown?

The SolidGoldFX Communication Breakdown delivers a classic, vintage-inspired fuzz tone with a rich, textured sound that is ideal for psychedelic and classic rock genres.

Is the SolidGoldFX Communication Breakdown suitable for live performances?

Yes, the SolidGoldFX Communication Breakdown is designed with robust construction and a standard pedal format, making it well-suited for live performances and pedalboard integration.

Does the SolidGoldFX Communication Breakdown work well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups?

The SolidGoldFX Communication Breakdown is versatile and works effectively with both single-coil and humbucker pickups, providing a consistent fuzz tone across different guitar types.

What power supply is required for the SolidGoldFX Communication Breakdown?

The SolidGoldFX Communication Breakdown requires a standard 9V DC power supply, which is typical for most pedalboards.

How does the SolidGoldFX Communication Breakdown differ from other fuzz pedals?

The SolidGoldFX Communication Breakdown stands out with its vintage-inspired circuit and unique tonal character, offering a distinct, rich texture that sets it apart from conventional fuzz pedals.

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

6 Killer Fuzz/Modulation Pedals YOU Need To Hear! - SolidGoldFX

Video thumbnail for 6 Killer Fuzz/Modulation Pedals YOU Need To Hear! - SolidGoldFX by Andertons Music Co

6 Killer Fuzz/Modulation Pedals YOU Need To Hear! - SolidGoldFX

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for SolidGoldFX Communication Breakdown Dual Bender Fuzz by AndyDemos

SolidGoldFX Communication Breakdown Dual Bender Fuzz

AndyDemos

AndyDemos

Video thumbnail for SolidGoldFX Communication Breakdown dual fuzz pedal by R.J. Ronquillo

SolidGoldFX Communication Breakdown dual fuzz pedal

R.J. Ronquillo

R.J. Ronquillo

Video thumbnail for Solid Gold FX Communication Breakdown Demo by Guitarist

Solid Gold FX Communication Breakdown Demo

Guitarist

Guitarist

Video thumbnail for The Fuzz Magic of Tone Benders by Goes to 11 Pedal Show

The Fuzz Magic of Tone Benders

Goes to 11 Pedal Show

Goes to 11 Pedal Show

Video thumbnail for Writing a Song With the SolidGoldFX- Communication Breakdown by SpiralCasterPlaysPedals

Writing a Song With the SolidGoldFX- Communication Breakdown

SpiralCasterPlaysPedals

SpiralCasterPlaysPedals

Reviews

PROS

  • Delivers a wide range of versatile fuzz tones

  • Integrates seamlessly with guitar tone for a cohesive sound

  • Maintains tight bass and shining mids across pickups

  • Eliminates need to bend down with foot-tappable controls

  • Offers great performance for those preferring silicon over germanium

  • Quick switch adjustments reveal diverse sound options

  • Highly praised for reliable and consistent performance

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Solid Gold FX Communication Breakdown.

Features and functionality

  • The Communication Breakdown pedal combines a Tone Bender MK 1.5 and MKII, usable individually or together, offering versatile fuzz options.

    Source
  • A key feature of the Communication Breakdown is its ability to replicate direct console tones, which many users seek for capturing classic rock sounds.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners praise the unique character of each fuzz mode, noting that combined, they create a particularly gnarly tone.

    Source
  • Some enthusiasts consider building their pedalboard around the Communication Breakdown and Spanish Castle, indicating high satisfaction and a potential all-in-one solution for fuzz needs.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The pedal's versatility is highlighted for both ripping solos and general fuzz effects, suggesting adaptability for various musical styles.

    Source
  • Owners highlight the pedal's ability to capture early Zeppelin and Ronson-era Bowie tones, suggesting strong vintage rock authenticity.

    Source
  • The Communication Breakdown pedal is noted for its wah-friendly settings, making it ideal for those incorporating wah pedals into their setup.

    Source
  • The Solid Gold FX Communication Breakdown is particularly praised for achieving the authentic "Black Dog" console tone when paired with EQ pedals to cut midrange frequencies.

    Source
  • Owners suggest stacking the Communication Breakdown with other dirt pedals for expanded tonal possibilities, enhancing its versatility in various musical styles.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to the JHS Calhoun, the Communication Breakdown offers distinct tonal options, meeting fuzz needs for enthusiasts.

    Source
  • The pedal's fuzz capabilities are likened to the SGFX Rosie, noted for its beautiful sustain and ease of dialing in tones, making it a versatile alternative.

    Source

Critic Reviews

SolidGoldFX Communication Breakdown review | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

Solid Gold FX's Communication Breakdown delivers a versatile fuzz experience, combining two classic Tone Bender styles into one pedal. With adjustable bias and input attenuation, it offers a range of tones from gritty drive to full-on fuzz, reminiscent of vintage sounds made famous by legends like Jimmy Page. However, the knob layout could be more intuitive, potentially hindering quick adjustments during live performances. Overall, this pedal stands out as a modern take on classic circuits, making it a worthy addition for those seeking rich fuzz tones.

positive

SolidGoldFX Communication Breakdown review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Solid Gold FX Communication Breakdown offers a delightful blend of vintage fuzz tones in a compact package. With two distinct fuzz circuits, players can easily switch between classic sounds and dial in various textures using the Bias and Color controls. Its compatibility with wah pedals enhances versatility. However, the cramped knob layout may pose a challenge during live settings. Overall, this pedal is a fun, practical choice for guitarists seeking to explore a range of tonal possibilities, though it may require some getting used to for optimal performance.

positive

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