JHS Pedals Legends Of Fuzz Mary-K | Distortion/Fuzz

Introducing the JHS Mary-K, a faithful homage to the legendary Kay Fuzz Tone that revolutionised the guitar pedal market over half a century ago. Step into a world of vintage-inspired sonic bliss with this meticulously crafted pedal that captures the essence of the original while offering modern enhancements.

Kay Musical Instruments, founded by the visionary Henry “Kay” Kuhrmeyer in 1931, quickly established itself as a leading manufacturer of stringed instruments. While guitars, basses, and violas were their primary focus, it wasn’t until the late 1960s that they ventured into the realm of guitar pedals. The result was a series of knobless, treadle-based wonders made of delightfully odd plastic.

Amongst these groundbreaking units were the Fuzz Tone F1, Tremolo T1, Wah Wah W1, and Bass Boost B1. Encased in knobless, treadle-based enclosures, these pedals allowed musicians to adjust a single parameter of each effect using their foot. The Kay Fuzz Tone, in particular, emerged as a favourite amongst guitarists, initially conceived as a more affordable alternative to the coveted Shin-ei/Univox Superfuzz. Notably, it became a staple in the arsenal of The Edge, renowned for its unique and distinctive tones.

Now, after an incredible fifty-four years, JHS brings you their take on the iconic Kay Fuzz Tone: the Mary-K. With painstaking attention to detail, JHS has faithfully recreated the essence of the original pedal while enhancing its functionality. The Mary-K retains the vintage charm of the knobless, treadle-based design but introduces the convenience of added knobs and an expression pedal output.

What sets the Mary-K apart is its innovative approach to controlling the Frequency knob. JHS grants users the freedom to connect an expression pedal and manipulate the frequency parameter with their foot. This opens up new creative possibilities, allowing for dynamic and expressive control over your tone. It’s worth noting that the Mary-K is compatible with various expression pedals, although caution is advised when selecting one. In high electromagnetic interference (EMI) environments, certain expression pedals may introduce hum or noise into the signal chain. To avoid such issues, we recommend using plastic chassis expression pedals with short cables, ensuring a clean and noise-free experience in high EMI environments.

Experience the timeless magic of the Kay Fuzz Tone reimagined for the modern era with the JHS Mary-K. Immerse yourself in rich, vintage-inspired fuzz tones, unlock new dimensions of expression, and embark on a sonic journey that pays homage to the past while pushing boundaries into the future. Elevate your sound and join the ranks of guitarists who have embraced the spirit of the Kay Fuzz Tone for over five decades.