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Brassmaster Clones?

PeterH

PeterH

Dec 31, 2015
1,066
1,991
LA County
#1
Hey guys, looking for a Brassmaster clone. I've read that the Malekko B:Assmaster germaniums are the closest ones to the original, but as Malekko sadly discontinued all of them, the germaniums are super hard to come by. I was wondering about how the normal easier to come by silicon versions stack up against the Black Cat Fuzz and this Latent Lemon Audio Brassmaster, which I haven't heard of anyone using (though their site mentions that someone preffered it over the others).

Here's the Latent Lemon clone:
 
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#3
PeterH said:
Hey guys, looking for a Brassmaster clone. I've read that the Malekko B:Assmaster germaniums are the closest ones to the original, but as Malekko sadly discontinued all of them, the germaniums are super hard to come by. I was wondering about how the normal easier to come by silicon versions stack up against the Black Cat Fuzz and this Latent Lemon Audio Brassmaster, which I haven't heard of anyone using (though their site mentions that someone preffered it over the others).

Here's the Latent Lemon clone:
Click to expand...


The original Brassmaster used silicon and not germanium, so I guess that the closest versions to the original are the silicon based ones.
Nevertheless, you have few pedals that are direct clones of the Brassmaster. Besides the Malekko B:assmaster and the Black Cat Bass Octave Fuzz I don't rememeber other models available in more mass produced brands. Then you have the small boutique companies like Latent Lemon and Smitty Pedals (I have one of these) that do it. If you're into DIY, you can also get a kit by Fuzz Dog Pedal Parts UK.
Then there are other circuit based pedals like the Malekko Diabolik or the Iron Ether Oxide.
 
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#4
Nunovsky said:
The original Brassmaster used silicon and not germanium, so I guess that the closest versions to the original are the silicon based ones.
Click to expand...

The only thing that holds me up on that statement is this from Malekko a long time ago:

Malekko said:
Hey,
i've had the opportunity to hear 5 brassmasters and they each sounded a little different...so it's tough to say. I have matched a few B:ASSMASTERS for people to replace their brassmasters i usually start with Germaniums but my last one i went silicon. The Germ transistor and diodes can sound a LITTLE more mid-rangy, but the texture of the fuzz is right on. The regular has a ton more gain and is a hair harsher texture wise. I personally prefer our original...so does my business partner Paul. BUT we both like aggressive fuzzes. I made a germ version for Tool that sounded JUST like *my* brassmaster...i couldnt tell when the brassmaster was on or the B:ASSMASTER without looking.
Click to expand...

Nunovsky said:
Besides the Malekko B:assmaster and the Black Cat Bass Octave Fuzz I don't rememeber other models available in more mass produced brands. Then you have the small boutique companies like Latent Lemon and Smitty Pedals (I have one of these) that do it. If you're into DIY, you can also get a kit by Fuzz Dog Pedal Parts UK.
Then there are other circuit based pedals like the Malekko Diabolik or the Iron Ether Oxide.
Click to expand...

Hmmm. The Diabolik isn't as versatile to me as I'd like it (half of the B:assmaster) and I'm not in love with the Oxide comparatively speaking.
 
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#9
Proton Lenny said:
I would love to know if there is a relatively small Brassmaster clone out there. A full Brassmaster in a box the size of the Diabolik, does this exist?
Click to expand...

theunknowndude said:
Bead fuzz by hiero effects seems to be the closest? It’s “based on” but has the harmonic switch? That’s the closest I can find, diabolik loses the switches..
Click to expand...

I’m still debating buying one as well. Would two dudes playing their ABZ6s into matching fuzz pedals break the internet?
 
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#12
PeterH said:
Hey guys, looking for a Brassmaster clone. I've read that the Malekko B:Assmaster germaniums are the closest ones to the original, but as Malekko sadly discontinued all of them, the germaniums are super hard to come by. I was wondering about how the normal easier to come by silicon versions stack up against the Black Cat Fuzz and this Latent Lemon Audio Brassmaster, which I haven't heard of anyone using (though their site mentions that someone preffered it over the others).

Here's the Latent Lemon clone:
Click to expand...


Malekko is absolutely the way to go when it comes to Brassmaster clones.

The Malekko Germanium B:assmasters pop up from time to time. I'd listen to a few demos comparing the silicon vs. germanium to decide which you want.

Here's two:



 
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#16
MightyMiloQuinn said:
Not currently in production and not many out there, but look for the VFE Woodchipper. Real nice.
Click to expand...
Only thing that put me off buying a used one when I had the chance is the Mr. Excane demo that thing was overly “shrill” but that could just be his gear and the way he has everything turned to 11 most the time.. never saw one again since :(
 
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