Introduction to the Coyote
The JHS Coyote is an innovative octave fuzz pedal inspired by the rare Moonrock Fuzz crafted by G.S. Wyllie. If you’re scratching your head at that name,you’re not alone.
JHS shares that Wyllie, after making waves in the 1960s music scene, chose a life of seclusion in North Carolina, where he meticulously crafted his own enclosures and etched his own circuit boards, never producing the pedal in large quantities.
Despite its limited availability, the coyote has found its way into the hands of iconic artists such as Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Joan Baez, and David Byrne.
Specifications
- PRICE: $149 | £149 | €199
- TYPE: Octave Fuzz
- MADE IN: USA
- CONTROLS: Volume, Mode
- CONNECTIVITY: Input, Output, 9V DC in
- BYPASS: True
- POWER: 9VDC Center-negative, 5mA
- DIMENSIONS: 65x40x120 mm
- WEIGHT: 0.5lbs/250g
- CONTACT: JHS Pedals
Construction Quality
Build Quality Rating: ★★★★
The Coyote showcases a clean and precise construction, encased in a sleek green housing.
This pedal features a unique topology that incorporates a transformer, deviating from the typical design found in octave pedals.This innovation results in a distinct tonal character, especially in the fuzz department.
Functionality and Features
Functionality Rating: ★★★★☆
Using the Coyote is straightforward; simply connect it to a marshall half-stack, grab your guitar, and adjust the two knobs.
Operating the Coyote is quite intuitive. Just plug it into your amp, pick up your guitar, and start tweaking the two controls. Tho, the unique function of the second knob adds a layer of complexity.
JHS describes this knob as transitioning from a swell effect when fully counter-clockwise, to fuzz at the 12 o’clock position, and an octave effect when turned further clockwise. While this is a fair description, the multifunctional nature of the knob can make it a bit intricate. Nevertheless, with an analog pedal, some complexity is to be expected.
Tonal Characteristics
Sound Rating: ★★★★☆
Unless you’re among the few lucky owners of a Moonrock, this pedal’s sound might potentially be unfamiliar to you.
The pressing question is whether you’ve encountered anything quite like it.The answer is yes; while it has its unique flair, it shares similarities with other analog octave pedals.
At the 12 o’clock position,the output level is noticeably below unity volume across various pickups,but a slight adjustment to the right resolves this issue.
The second control is where most of my focus lies. JHS describes it as a ‘swell’ when set counter-clockwise, but it behaves more like a gate.
The second control captures my attention the most. While JHS labels it as a ‘swell’ when turned counter-clockwise, its behavior resembles that of a gate. Compared to a Boss slow Gear,the Coyote’s response is less predictable,making it less practical for my needs.
Once you venture into fuzz territory, the pedal becomes more reliable. In some respects, it resembles a Fuzz Face, but with a smoother character akin to a Big Muff.
Regardless of the pickups used, I found the overall tone to be somewhat dark, and…
The Coyote’s gain level leans towards the mid-range, which means pairing it with a treble booster is essential to unlock its full potential. For those who favor low-gain genres, the saturation might not pose a problem, but the tonal characteristics could be a concern.
This octave effect shines when used on the neck pickup, particularly above the twelfth fret. What sets it apart from typical octave fuzz pedals is its ability to clean up beautifully, much like a Fuzz Face. This feature enhances its versatility, making it ideal for recreating specific psychedelic guitar sounds found in classic recordings.
Summary
A unique and peculiar device that distinguishes itself not only from typical octave fuzz designs but from fuzz pedals in general.
Anyone who has kept an eye on the guitar pedal industry for any length of time knows that hype often overshadows sound quality and originality. However, the Coyote appears to be an exception to this trend. It is indeed a unique and peculiar device that distinguishes itself not only from typical octave fuzz designs but from fuzz pedals in general. Still, as JHS themselves admit, it may not cater to everyone’s preferences.
guitar World Verdict: If you’re in search of an octave fuzz and the usual options haven’t satisfied you, the Coyote deserves your attention. However, as a standalone fuzz, it may not be the optimal choice-players seeking a responsive fuzz might prefer a Fuzz Face, while most others could find a Big Muff more suitable. For those adventurous enough, exploring options like Z-Vex or Death By Audio’s sonic chaos devices could be worthwhile.
|
Test |
Results |
Score |
|---|---|---|
|
Build Quality |
Consistently neat construction from JHS Pedals. |
★★★★ |
|
Usability and Features |
Simple two-knob setup, though the Swell knob may require some adjustment. |
★★★★☆ |
|
Sound Quality |
Not your typical fuzz,which is part of its charm. |
★★★★☆ |
|
Overall Rating |
Ideal for fuzz enthusiasts seeking something unique. |
★★★★☆ |
Alternative Options
Video Demonstrations
JHS Pedals
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The Coyote pedal from JHS is designed to deliver a mid-gain output, which often necessitates the use of a treble booster to fully realise its capabilities. For musicians who prefer low-gain styles, the saturation may not be a concern, but the tonal quality could be a factor to consider.
This octave effect excels when utilized on the neck pickup, particularly above the twelfth fret.Unlike many other octave fuzz pedals, it shares a characteristic with the Fuzz Face by cleaning up exceptionally well when adjusting the guitar’s volume. This feature enhances its adaptability, making it suitable for recreating specific psychedelic guitar tones that are often sought after in classic recordings.
Overview
A distinctive and intriguing pedal that sets itself apart from conventional octave fuzz designs and fuzz pedals in general.
For those who have been observing the guitar pedal market, it’s clear that hype often overshadows genuine sound quality and innovation. Though, the Coyote stands out as a notable exception. it is a distinctive and intriguing pedal that sets itself apart from conventional octave fuzz designs and fuzz pedals in general. Still, as acknowledged by JHS, it may not appeal to every guitarist.
Guitar world Verdict: If you’re on the hunt for an octave fuzz and the usual options haven’t met your expectations, the Coyote is certainly worth considering. However, as a standalone fuzz, it may not be the ideal choice-players seeking a more responsive fuzz might prefer a Fuzz Face, while others may find a Big Muff more suitable. For the adventurous, exploring options like Z-Vex or Death By Audio’s unique devices could be an exciting alternative.
|
Category |
Findings |
Score |
|---|---|---|
|
Construction Quality |
Consistently well-crafted by JHS Pedals. |
★★★★ |
|
ease of Use and Features |
Simple two-knob interface, though the Swell knob may require some adjustment. |
★★★★☆ |
|
Sound Quality |
Not your typical fuzz, which adds to its appeal. |
★★★★☆ |
|
Overall Impression |
Perfect for fuzz enthusiasts seeking something distinctive. |
★★★★☆ |
Alternative Pedals to Consider
Video Reviews
R.J. Ronquillo
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