Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $327

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

Unleash the raw power of the '60s with the ZVEX Octane 3, a modern homage to the classic fuzz tones that defined an era. This compact, all-metal powerhouse brings simplicity and sonic brutality together, with its straightforward trio of knobs and a circuitry that blends germanium diodes and transistors for that unmistakable searing sound. Whether you're channeling the psychedelic vibes of Hendrix or diving into the gritty depths of garage and punk, the Octane 3 offers an almost untamable roar that's as wild as the music it's inspired by. Ideal for the experimental musician, this fuzz effect pedal promises to be not just a part of your setup, but the heart of your sonic exploration.

Key Features:

  • Compact, all-metal enclosure for durability and ease of transport
  • Simple user interface with in, out, and tone knobs for straightforward sound shaping
  • Unique blend of germanium diodes and transistors for classic '60s era fuzz tones
  • Ideal for genres such as psychedelia, stoner, garage, and punk
  • Powerful enough to fill rooms and dominate mixes with its distinctive roar

Product specs

Brand Zvex
Model Octane 3
Finish Hand Painted
Year 2010s
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 ZVEX Octane 3 fuzz pedal?

The ZVEX Octane 3 delivers a thick, aggressive fuzz tone with a pronounced octave effect, ideal for creating unique, cutting sounds in rock and experimental music.

Is the ZVEX Octane 3 suitable for both guitar and bass?

While primarily designed for guitar, the ZVEX Octane 3 can also be used with bass, but it may result in a more pronounced high-end octave effect.

Does the ZVEX Octane 3 require a specific power supply?

The ZVEX Octane 3 operates on a standard 9V DC power supply, which is typical for most pedalboards and power bricks.

How does the ZVEX Octane 3 differ from other fuzz pedals?

The ZVEX Octane 3 stands out with its unique combination of fuzz and octave effects, offering a more aggressive and distinct sound compared to traditional fuzz pedals.

Is the ZVEX Octane 3 pedal true bypass?

Yes, the ZVEX Octane 3 features true bypass, ensuring your signal remains unaffected when the pedal is not in use.

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

ZVex Octane 3

Video thumbnail for ZVex Octane 3 by ProGuitarShopDemos

ZVex Octane 3

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for Zvex Octane 3 Guitar Pedal by FlyingTex

Zvex Octane 3 Guitar Pedal

FlyingTex

FlyingTex

Video thumbnail for Super Awesome Pedal Show: ZVEX FX OCTANE 3 by Dan Phelps

Super Awesome Pedal Show: ZVEX FX OCTANE 3

Dan Phelps

Dan Phelps

Video thumbnail for ZVex Octane 3 fuzz demo by Alex T

ZVex Octane 3 fuzz demo

Alex T

Alex T

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ZVEX Octane 3.

Use cases and applications

  • The Octane 3 thrives when placed early in the signal chain and paired with tube amps that are already slightly breaking up for optimal fuzz tones.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Digital platforms like Line 6 models may not fully complement the Octane 3, potentially overloading signals and affecting fuzz quality.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users find that low-wattage tube amps, like the Headstrong Santa Cruz 5, enhance the Octane 3's performance significantly compared to digital interfaces.

    Source
  • The Octane 3 offers a more pronounced octave-up effect than Superfuzz variants, with a tone knob mimicking voice switch functionality for mid-to-scooped tones.

    Source
  • The Octane 3's sound profile is distinct from the ZVEX Fuzzolo, aligning more with the Mastotron and Woolly Mammoth in terms of aggressive fuzz, but without the octave element.

    Source

User experience

  • Combining the Octane 3 with a Fender Deluxe Reverb or a Blues Junior IV is highly recommended for achieving rich, dynamic fuzz tones reminiscent of Alan Sparhawk's setup.

    Source
  • Owners describe chords as chaotic yet appealing, enhancing the unique character of the Octane 3's octave-fuzz effect.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • It's noted that varying guitar volume and picking dynamics can significantly alter the fuzz response from the Octane 3, offering a wide tonal palette.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dan Auerbach uses ZVEX Octane 3

Dan Auerbach

Guitarist, Keyboardist

The Black Keys

...
Verified via ZVEX Effects

Featured on the official ZVEX artist page.

Black Keys - Octane III, Fat Fuzz Factory

See how James Valentine uses ZVEX Octane 3

James Valentine

Guitarist

Maroon 5

...
Verified via Premier Guitar

In a 2010 interview with Premier Guitar, James Valentine confirmed his use of the ZVEX Octane 3 pedal.

See how Alan Sparhawk uses ZVEX Octane 3

Alan Sparhawk

Singer, Guitarist

Low

...
Verified via Silbermedia

"Right now, it’s a Les Paul with P-90 pickups & a bigsby trem into a Z-Vex Octane 3, an SIB Mr. Echo, a Z-Vex Lo-fi Loop Junkie, & then a Z-Vex Super Hard On. Amps vary, but I like the 1965 reissue Fender Twin with the 15 inch speaker, &/or a Traynor Bassmaster head into a 1x12 cab. With Low, I’ll use smaller amps - a Carr Mercury, Fender Vibroverb, or just a Champ."

See how Aaron North uses ZVEX Octane 3

Aaron North

Guitarist

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via Aaronnorth

Aaron North on the Zvex Octance 3 on a post made December 07, 2009...

"About as over the top of a fuzz pedal you can find... Kinda like an old Octavia, but on steroids. This pedal toured the world with me many times over, yet is still in EXCELLENT working condition. In fact, because like all of my other pedals, again, they were housed in that large rackmount case off-stage, and then switched on and off via midi on my "Ground Control" unit on stage, it looks almost BRAND NEW. It even includes the original box. I used this pedal on many, many songs, including: "Wish" "Only", "The Hand That Feeds" "Gave Up", and "Closer" just to name a few. You can also distinctly hear me using this pedal on some Icarus Line tunes such as "Party The Baby Off", and "On The Lash"."

See how Kikagaku Moyo uses ZVEX Octane 3

Kikagaku Moyo

Guitarist, Bassist

...
A

Al Schnier

Guitarist

Phil Lesh and Friends

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo posted by Schnier on his Instagram profile, ZVex Octane fuzz can be seen. He said in the comments that this is one of the first examples of such fuzz.

See how Steve Pedulla uses ZVEX Octane 3

Steve Pedulla

Guitarist

Thursday

...
Verified via Photo

Testing a new pedalboard

See how Josette Maskin uses ZVEX Octane 3

Josette Maskin

Guitarist

MUNA

...
Verified via YouTube

This pedal is mentioned at 4:25.

See how André Cymone uses ZVEX Octane 3

André Cymone

Bassist, Music Producer

The New Power Generation

...
Verified via MusicRadar

What other gear do you use?

I’ve never endorsed anything, but I like Ampeg amps, the SVT ones, because they sound amazing. I also do a combination with Marshall bottoms, and I used to do a Mesa/ Boogie head. I really don’t do that much effects on bass. I have this one fuzz pedal, I think it’s a Digitech, and a Zvex Octane fuzz octaver.”

See how José P. García uses ZVEX Octane 3

José P. García

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

JP's pedalboard can be seen at 0:08

Album Usage

The ZVEX Octane 3 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 ZVEX Octane 3, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Boss PH-3 Phase Shifter
Boss PH-3 Phase Shifter Phaser Effects Pedals
1
ZVEX Vexter Box of Rock
ZVEX Vexter Box of Rock Distortion Effects Pedals
1
Ibanez CS9 Stereo Chorus
Ibanez CS9 Stereo Chorus Chorus Effects Pedals
1
Boss FV-500H Volume Pedal
Boss FV-500H Volume Pedal Volume Effects Pedals
1
Moog Micromoog
Moog Micromoog Synthesizers
1
EarthQuaker Devices Hoof V1
EarthQuaker Devices Hoof V1 Fuzz Effects Pedals
1
MXR M101 Phase 90
MXR M101 Phase 90 Phaser Effects Pedals
1

More ZVEX Fuzz Effects Pedals

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    gabebassi
    gabebassi

    Gear IQ 158