Electro-Harmonix Lizard Queen Octave Fuzz Pedal User Manual

1. Introduction

The Electro-Harmonix Lizard Queen Octave Fuzz is a compact effects pedal designed to deliver unique fuzz tones with an analog octave-up effect. Inspired by classic 1970s Electro-Harmonix designs, this pedal offers a distinct sonic character suitable for various musical styles. It features controls for Volume, Octave, and Balance, allowing for a wide range of tonal adjustments.

Figure 1: Front view of the Electro-Harmonix Lizard Queen Octave Fuzz Pedal.

2. Setup

Follow these steps to properly set up your Lizard Queen Octave Fuzz pedal:

1. Power Supply: The pedal can be powered by a 9V battery (included) or an optional 9V DC power adapter (center-negative). To install the battery, remove the four screws on the bottom plate. Ensure the battery is correctly oriented.
2. Input Connection: Connect your instrument (guitar, bass, etc.) to the INPUT jack on the right side of the pedal using a standard 1/4-inch instrument cable.
3. Output Connection: Connect the AMP jack on the left side of the pedal to your amplifier or the next effect pedal in your signal chain using a standard 1/4-inch instrument cable.
4. Signal Chain Placement: For optimal performance and to achieve the intended octave fuzz effect, it is recommended to place the Lizard Queen pedal early in your signal chain, ideally directly after your instrument and before other effects like wah pedals or buffers.

Figure 2: Angled view showing the input, output, and power connections.

3. Operating the Pedal

The Lizard Queen Octave Fuzz features three control knobs and a footswitch:

• VOLUME Knob: This control adjusts the overall output level of the pedal. Turn clockwise to increase volume, counter-clockwise to decrease.
• OCTAVE Knob: This knob controls the blend of the octave-up signal. Turning it clockwise increases the intensity of the analog octave-up effect, ranging from subtle harmonic richness to pronounced octave chaos.
• BALANCE Knob: The Balance control adjusts the tonal character between two distinct fuzz voicings:
  • Shadow (Counter-clockwise): Provides a smoother, more sustaining fuzz tone.
  • Sun (Clockwise): Delivers a raspy, biting, and more gated fuzz tone.
• Footswitch: Engages or bypasses the effect. The Lizard Queen features true bypass, meaning your instrument's signal remains unaffected when the pedal is disengaged.

Figure 3: Close-up view of the pedal's control knobs.

Usage Tips:

• Experiment with the OCTAVE knob to find the desired blend. Lower settings add subtle harmonics, while higher settings produce a more pronounced octave effect.
• The BALANCE knob significantly alters the fuzz texture. The 'Shadow' setting is ideal for thick, sustained riffs, while the 'Sun' setting offers a more aggressive, spitty sound.
• Utilize your guitar's volume knob to clean up the fuzz. The pedal is designed to respond dynamically to your instrument's output.

Figure 4: Detail of the Balance control, illustrating the 'Shadow' and 'Sun' settings.

4. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Lizard Queen pedal:

• Cleaning: Wipe the pedal with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or solvents.
• Battery Replacement: When the pedal's LED indicator dims or the sound quality degrades, it's time to replace the 9V battery. Unscrew the four bottom plate screws, carefully remove the old battery, and insert a new one, observing polarity.
• Storage: Store the pedal in a dry environment, away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. Disconnect cables and remove the battery if storing for extended periods.

5. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Lizard Queen pedal, consider the following:

• No Sound:
  • Check all cable connections (instrument to input, output to amplifier).
  • Ensure the power supply is connected and functioning, or replace the 9V battery.
  • Verify that your amplifier is on and its volume is up.
• Weak or Unexpected Sound:
  • Confirm the pedal is engaged (LED on).
  • Adjust the VOLUME knob.
  • Review your signal chain. Placing the Lizard Queen first in the chain is crucial for its intended sound. Other buffered pedals or wahs before it can alter the octave fuzz's character.
  • If the octave effect seems weak, ensure the OCTAVE knob is turned up. Note that the octave effect is most prominent on single notes played above the 12th fret.
• Excessive Noise/Hiss:
  • Fuzz pedals, especially vintage-style circuits, can introduce some inherent noise. Ensure your power supply is clean and free of interference.
  • Try the pedal in different power outlets or with a fresh battery to rule out power issues.

6. Specifications

7. Warranty and Support

For warranty information, product registration, and technical support, please visit the official Electro-Harmonix website or contact their customer service department. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.