Monmouth Octave Fuzz AC153 Germanium Metallic Blue over Pink Nitrocellulose Finish

Description

Description of Product
This Monmouth Octave Fuzz is a one off build finished in metallic blue nitrocellulose lacquer over a pink base coat with traditional koi tattoo artwork.
The finish is layered rather than flat. The pink base sits beneath the metallic blue top coat so subtle undertones appear around the edges and contours of the enclosure. The result is depth rather than brightness.
The koi artwork sits naturally within the colour scheme. Bold lines and traditional tattoo styling give the pedal a visual character that feels deliberate rather than decorative.
Inside the pedal the circuit is built around an AC153 germanium transistor. These devices were produced during the early germanium era and behave very differently from modern silicon components. Each transistor must be individually tested and biased so the circuit responds correctly.
The pedal is hand wired using traditional methods rather than modern printed circuit board assembly. Components are placed and soldered by hand with a layout that remains visible and serviceable.
A hidden LED indicator is fitted within the enclosure so the pedal can be used easily on a dark stage while keeping the visual appearance clean and period appropriate.
Every Monmouth Octave Fuzz is built individually and this particular combination of finish, artwork, and components exists as a single piece.
Description of Sound
The Monmouth Octave Fuzz produces a thick germanium fuzz voice with a strong harmonic edge and a pronounced upper octave behaviour.
With the guitar volume fully open the circuit delivers a dense fuzz that develops an octave overtone as notes sustain. The effect becomes especially clear higher up the neck and when playing double stops where the octave interaction begins to separate from the fundamental note.
The AC153 transistor gives the fuzz a softer attack than most silicon based octave circuits. Notes bloom rather than spike and the sustain develops gradually.
Backing the guitar volume down changes the behaviour noticeably. The fuzz tightens and the octave moves further into the background, leaving a textured drive that remains dynamic under the fingers.
Picking position also has a strong influence. Closer to the bridge the octave sharpens and becomes more obvious. Closer to the neck the fuzz becomes smoother and the octave sits behind the note.
Into a driven valve amplifier the pedal produces the familiar late sixties octave fuzz voice that sits somewhere between chaos and control.
It looks simple until you listen.

This pedal is a single build.
The metallic blue over pink finish, koi artwork, and the AC153 transistor used in this unit will not be repeated in exactly the same way again.
If this particular version speaks to you, it is available.