Pricing and availability

Average Price: $548

High-end/Boutique

$60

$181+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Tycobrahe Octavia is a classic fuzz pedal that has earned its place in music history thanks to its unique, octave-enhanced fuzz tone. Originally developed in the late '60s, this pedal is renowned for its ability to deliver a distinctive, high-pitched octave overtone, making it a favorite among guitarists seeking to replicate the iconic sounds of that era. The Octavia’s design remains true to the original, preserving its straightforward yet effective controls, allowing musicians to effortlessly dial in those sought-after vintage tones.

This pedal is particularly celebrated for its ability to sustain notes and produce harmonically rich overtones that cut through the mix with clarity. Whether you're aiming for the gritty, psychedelic sounds of classic rock or exploring new sonic territories, the Tycobrahe Octavia provides a versatile platform for creative exploration. The pedal features a durable construction, ensuring it stands up to the rigors of both studio sessions and live performances.

Key Features:

  • Reissue of the legendary late '60s fuzz pedal
  • Delivers signature octave-up fuzz effect
  • Vintage-style control layout for authentic tone shaping
  • Built to withstand extensive use in various settings
  • Ideal for classic rock, blues, and experimental genres

Product specs

Brand Tycobrahe
Model Octavia Octave Fuzz
Finish Blue
Year 1970s
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 Tycobrahe Octavia pedal?

The Tycobrahe Octavia pedal is known for its unique octave-up fuzz effect, producing a distinctive, aggressive sound with pronounced harmonic overtones, ideal for psychedelic rock and blues solos.

Does the Tycobrahe Octavia work well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups?

Yes, the Tycobrahe Octavia is designed to work effectively with both single-coil and humbucker pickups, delivering its signature octave fuzz effect regardless of pickup type.

Is the Tycobrahe Octavia suitable for live performances?

The Tycobrahe Octavia is well-suited for live performances, offering a robust build and a classic, sought-after sound that cuts through the mix, making it a favorite among many performing guitarists.

How does the Tycobrahe Octavia differ from other fuzz pedals?

Unlike standard fuzz pedals, the Tycobrahe Octavia adds an octave-up effect to the fuzz, creating a unique tone that combines fuzz distortion with octave doubling, offering a distinct sound palette.

Can the Tycobrahe Octavia be powered by a standard 9V power supply?

The Tycobrahe Octavia requires a standard 9V power supply, making it compatible with most pedalboard power setups for easy integration into your effects chain.

Is the Tycobrahe Octavia true bypass?

Yes, the Tycobrahe Octavia is true bypass, ensuring that your guitar’s tone remains uncolored when the pedal is not engaged.

digimartnet

digimartnet

【English Sub】TYCOBRAHE OCTAVIA〜最も「音楽的」なファズ・ボックス【デジマート DEEPER’S VIEW 〜経験と考察〜 Vol 13】

Video thumbnail for 【English Sub】TYCOBRAHE OCTAVIA〜最も「音楽的」なファズ・ボックス【デジマート DEEPER’S VIEW 〜経験と考察〜 Vol 13】 by digimartnet

【English Sub】TYCOBRAHE OCTAVIA〜最も「音楽的」なファズ・ボックス【デジマート DEEPER’S VIEW 〜経験と考察〜 Vol 13】

digimartnet

digimartnet

Video thumbnail for 1976 Tycobrahe Octavia / Klon Centaur / VintageandRare.com demo by VintageandRare

1976 Tycobrahe Octavia / Klon Centaur / VintageandRare.com demo

VintageandRare

VintageandRare

Video thumbnail for Vintage Tycobrahe Octavia Original 1970s Pedal Demo by Pedal Pawn

Vintage Tycobrahe Octavia Original 1970s Pedal Demo

Pedal Pawn

Pedal Pawn

Video thumbnail for Bedroom Level Crawler Pt 21 - Catalinbread Octapussy vs Tycobrahe Octavia by Bluesman

Bedroom Level Crawler Pt 21 - Catalinbread Octapussy vs Tycobrahe Octavia

Bluesman

Bluesman

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Tycobrahe Octavia.

Build quality

  • Internally, the Tycobrahe Octavia is tightly packed, accommodating a battery and top jacks in a small enclosure, though this results in reversed potentiometer orientations.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Adding a switch in place of the jumper allows toggling the octave effect, similar to the functionality in the Fulltone Octavia.

    Source
  • The transformer in the Tycobrahe Octavia creates an opposite phase input signal, contributing to its distinctive octave up effect by doubling frequency.

    Source
  • The transformer's narrow bandwidth and 600 Ohm output impedance affect diode rectification and volume pot interaction, impacting overall audio response.

    Source
  • Using a neck pickup and rolling off the tone can emphasize the fundamental frequency, enhancing the octave effect.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The Pigtone/Musiclily fuzz is recommended as a cost-effective alternative for those unable to afford the Tycobrahe Octavia.

    Source
  • Using BAT41 diodes instead of standard 4148's can enhance the vintage octave sound, as noted by users experimenting with diode swaps.

    Source
  • Swapping germanium diodes with 1n5817 Schottky diodes, matched within a tenth of a volt, can create a stronger octave-up effect.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite the compact design, some builders accept the inconvenience of reversed potentiometers for the benefit of fitting additional components.

    Source
  • A boost pedal placed before the Octavia can enhance its performance, making it more responsive and dynamic.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The circuit design allows for modifications that let users switch the octave effect, widening the pedal's versatility.

    Source
  • The pedal shines with single coil pickups in the neck position and when playing single notes or double stops, especially around the 12th fret.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Seeker Effects Tycho is mentioned as the first vintage-accurate transformer Octavia, praised for its exceptional sound quality with matched germanium diodes.

    Source
  • The Octave Up Sick Box circuit is favored for producing a wild octave effect, particularly effective when combined with fuzz for a full sound.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Picking close to the heel of the neck on a guitar with soloed neck pickup enhances the octave effect further.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 5 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Mayer uses Tycobrahe Octavia

John Mayer

Guitarist

John Mayer Trio

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:16 of this studio session by John, a Tycobrahe Octavia pedal can be seen at the middle, and end of his drawer.

See how Stevie Ray Vaughan uses Tycobrahe Octavia

Stevie Ray Vaughan

Singer, Guitarist

The Vaughan Brothers

...
Verified via Guitar World

According to Guitar World: "Another key effect that Vaughan used to emulate Hendrix tones was an Octavia fuzz pedal that produces octave-up effects. Vaughan initially used Roger Mayer Octavia pedals (housed in distinctive “spaceship” metal boxes), but when Diaz located three New Old Stock Tycobrahe Octavia pedals, Vaughan switched to those.

His guitar tech, Rene Martinez, says that Stevie thought the Tycobrahe pedal produced the best Octavia effect he had ever heard. Vaughan especially liked how the Octavia sounded when used along with a Tube Screamer." March 2013 Issue, page 65.

See how Philip Sayce uses Tycobrahe Octavia

Philip Sayce

Singer, Guitarist

The Jeff Healey Band

...
Verified via YouTube

At 2:11, Sayce talks about this pedal.

See how Kenny Wayne Shepherd uses Tycobrahe Octavia

Kenny Wayne Shepherd

Guitarist

The G3 Jam

...
Verified via YouTube

At 27:26 of this "Rig Rundown" with Premier Guitar, Kenny talks about his Octavia re-issue saying "I have an original Tycobrahe Octavia at home that I reserve just for studio use. But these guys have really nailed the re-issue, I mean this an accurate re-issue of any other pedal I’ve ever seen."

See how Doyle Bramhall II uses Tycobrahe Octavia

Doyle Bramhall II

Guitarist, Music Producer

Arc Angels

...
Verified via Photo

As spotted on his pedalboard, Doyle Bramhall II is using this effect.

See how Jared James Nichols uses Tycobrahe Octavia

Jared James Nichols

Guitarist

...
Verified via Guitarguitar

Then I had a blue Tycobrahe octavia pedal and that was the cool one. Oh, and one other thing was a funky vibe, like a Univibe The very typical standard blues rock set up.

See how Andy Fairweather Low uses Tycobrahe Octavia

Andy Fairweather Low

Guitarist

Mick Fleetwood and Friends

...
Verified via Photo

A Tycobrahe Octavia can be seen in this picture of Andy's pedalboard from 2012.

See how Dorian Sorriaux uses Tycobrahe Octavia

Dorian Sorriaux

Guitarist

Blues Pills

...
Verified via Photo

On this photo you can see Dorian pedalboard which includes Tycobrahe Octavia octave-fuzz pedal.

Original article here

I also use a fuzz, an octave-fuzz, called Tychobrahe. It's a very strange name, as a Frenchman, that is. Ha ha ha.

See how Marcus Serck uses Tycobrahe Octavia

Marcus Serck

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via reverb.com

Marcus Serck is associated with using the Tycobrahe Octavia, a renowned fuzz effects pedal, as noted in a listing on Reverb.

Album Usage

The Tycobrahe Octavia 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 Tycobrahe Octavia, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler
Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler Delay Effects Pedals
2
Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer
Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer Overdrive Effects Pedals
2
Boss BD-2W Blues Driver Waza Craft
Boss BD-2W Blues Driver Waza Craft Overdrive Effects Pedals
1
Dunlop UV-1 Univibe
Dunlop UV-1 Univibe Univibe & Rotary Effects Pedals
1
Marshall BluesBreaker Pedal
Marshall BluesBreaker Pedal Overdrive Effects Pedals
1
Vox V847A Wah
Vox V847A Wah Wah Pedals
1
Way Huge Pork Loin
Way Huge Pork Loin Overdrive Effects Pedals
1
Xotic Effects RC Booster
Xotic Effects RC Booster Boost Effects Pedals
1
Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 PLUS
Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 PLUS Effects Pedal Accessories
1

Community setups

Show yours
rolf_martin_haldorsen

rolf_martin_haldorsen

Gear IQ 167

19 alternative and related items for Tycobrahe Octavia, curated by the Equipboard community.

Pedal Pawn Octone

 

similar sound

An boutique Octavia style pedal, based on the Tychobrahe variation of the circuit.

Chicago Iron Works Tycobrahe Octavia SE

 

newer similar sound

The modern reissue of the Tychobrahe Octavia, produced by Chicago Iron Works.

Voodoo Lab Proctavia

$349.99

similar sound cheaper alternative

A modern replica of the Tychobrahe's circuit, complete with vintage correct transistors.

Chicago Iron Works Octavian

$657.00

newer similar sound cheaper alternative

A near exact replica of the Tychobrahe Octavia, Chicago Iron Works now owns the branding and sells the same pedal as a Tychobrahe reissue.

Wren and Cuff Red Fish

 

Vintage or Discontinued similar sound

A rare and discontinued Wren and Cuff clone of the Tychobrahe Octavia.

More Tycobrahe Fuzz Effects Pedals

Accessories & Related Items

Gear Guides