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Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to engage the world with a unique fuzz tone, capable of soaring leads and distinct vintage rhythms with a modern twist. Your mission:
Codename: Black Hat
Codename: Black Hat is a unique 3 transistor fuzz. Two silicon, and one special germanium transistor... which around here we call The Black Hat. Codename: Black Hat’s controls are simple, Volume and Fuzz. The Fuzz control is unique in that even at its lowest setting it still retains a bit of bite. It might help to think of it not as a Fuzz control, but more of a character control where the real fuzz control is the volume knob on your guitar. Why not call it a Character Control? You ask too many questions and that information is classified.
Roll your volume back on your guitar for an almost overdrive character perfect for rhythm playing. Turn it up for leads. Do you have two volume controls on your guitar? Even better. Dial in a sweet overdriven tone on your neck pickup and then switch to your bridge at max volume for those fuzzier, crunchier rhythm tones, or even throw in some leads if the mood suits you.
How does it sound? Tight, focused, with a germanium bloomy character at certain frequencies. Yes, you know what I’m talking about. Yet, Black Hat is still a tone that cuts. You won’t be drowned out in the band mix.
Careful, they are watching… Good luck to you - Agent of Tone.
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History: Codename: Black Hat was created initially by Dr Von Fuzzbrauer to achieve a certain famous Fuzz Face-based sound. He happened across some cool looking germanium transistors that looked somewhat like a spy hat, which ultimately inspired the name. But as the circuit evolved from the breadboard to the prototype on his live rig, it took on some Tonebender-like qualities resulting in a versatile fuzz that incorporated a bit of both sounds and ideas. He knew he was finished when after his band played a local show, a member of the audience came up to him and said "What was that? That was the sound!"
Check out the Codename: Black Hat review at Premier Guitar!
