JHS Pedals 3 Series Fuzz Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The JHS Pedals 3 Series Fuzz is a versatile fuzz effect pedal designed for guitarists seeking a balance of vintage and modern fuzz tones. This pedal offers soaring sustain and clear articulation, capable of producing a wide variety of sounds from classic fuzz to distortion and even pushed amplifier-like overdrive tones. Its unique Bias knob allows for tonal shaping, including gated fuzz effects, while the Fat toggle provides a bass boost for a fuller sound. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your JHS Pedals 3 Series Fuzz.

2. Product Overview

The JHS Pedals 3 Series Fuzz features a straightforward control layout designed for intuitive use and extensive tonal exploration.

Figure 1: Front view of the JHS Pedals 3 Series Fuzz, highlighting its controls.

Controls:

• Volume Knob: Controls the overall output level of the pedal. Adjust this to match or exceed your amplifier's clean volume.
  

  Figure 2: Volume knob graphic.
• Bias Knob: This control adjusts the bias of the fuzz circuit. Turning it up introduces a more gated, sputtering fuzz sound, allowing for unique textures not commonly found in traditional fuzz pedals.
  

  Figure 3: Bias knob graphic.

• Fuzz Knob: Controls the amount of fuzz saturation. Unlike many fuzz pedals, the entire sweep of this knob is designed to be usable, offering a wide range of tones from subtle overdrive to full-on distortion and intense fuzz.
  

  Figure 4: Fuzz knob graphic.
• Fat Toggle: This two-position toggle switch engages a bass boost when activated. Use this to achieve a fatter, more powerful sound, particularly useful for single-coil pickups or when you desire a thicker tone.
  

  Figure 5: Fat toggle switch graphic.

3. Setup

Power Requirements:

The JHS Pedals 3 Series Fuzz requires a standard 9V DC power supply with a negative center pin. It consumes approximately 9mA of current. Ensure your power supply meets these specifications to prevent damage to the pedal.

Connections:

1. Connect your guitar or other instrument to the INPUT jack on the right side of the pedal using a standard 1/4 inch (6.35mm) instrument cable.
2. Connect the OUTPUT jack on the left side of the pedal to your amplifier or the next pedal in your signal chain using another standard 1/4 inch (6.35mm) instrument cable.
3. Plug your 9V DC negative center power supply into the power input jack. The pedal does not operate on batteries.

Figure 6: Angled view showing input, output, and power connections.

4. Operating Instructions

Once connected, engage the pedal by pressing the footswitch. The LED indicator will illuminate when the effect is active.

Basic Operation:

• Start with all knobs (Volume, Bias, Fuzz) at the 12 o'clock position and the Fat toggle in the down position.
• Adjust the Fuzz knob to dial in your desired amount of distortion and sustain. Experiment with the full range of this knob, as it offers diverse tonal characteristics.
• Use the Bias knob to fine-tune the character of the fuzz. Lower settings provide a smoother fuzz, while higher settings introduce a more aggressive, gated, and sputtering effect.
• Adjust the Volume knob to achieve unity gain (where the effect's volume matches your bypassed signal) or to boost your signal for solos.
• Engage the Fat toggle for an immediate bass boost, adding thickness and fullness to your fuzz tone.

Interacting with your Guitar's Volume Knob:

A key feature of the JHS 3 Series Fuzz is its ability to clean up effectively with your guitar's volume knob. Rolling back your guitar's volume can transform the aggressive fuzz into a cleaner, more dynamic tone without disengaging the pedal. This allows for a wide range of expressive possibilities directly from your instrument.

5. Maintenance

The JHS Pedals 3 Series Fuzz is a robust pedal designed for reliability. Minimal maintenance is required.

• Keep the pedal clean by wiping it with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
• Ensure all cable connections are secure to prevent signal loss or intermittent operation.
• Store the pedal in a dry environment, away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight.
• Do not attempt to open the pedal enclosure, as this may void your warranty.

6. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your JHS Pedals 3 Series Fuzz, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

If these steps do not resolve your issue, please contact JHS Pedals customer support for further assistance.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

JHS Pedals products are known for their quality and reliability. For information regarding warranty coverage, repairs, or technical support, please visit the official JHS Pedals website or contact their customer service department directly.

You can find more information and contact details on the JHS Pedals Store on Amazon.