SKREDDY PEDALS
LUNAR MODULE
DELUXE
The Skreddy Pedals Lunar Module Deluxe is a true bypass fuzz/overdrive pedal
based on the silicon Fuzz Face circuit, which
wouldn’t make it the first Fuzz Face clone
on the block. But this Skreddy isn’t based
on any old Fuzz Face tone: It’s inspired, in
exacting—even obsessive—terms by David
Gilmour’s tone on “Time” from Pink Floyd’s
classic The Dark Side of the Moon.
The Deluxe is Skreddy-mastermind Marc
Ahlfs’ second attempt at perfecting Gilmour’s
Fuzz Face sound. The first Lunar Module
was rapturously received by Gilmour fanatics. And like the first Lunar Module, the
Deluxe is the result of playing the “Time”
solo over and over and tweaking the pedal’s
response against it. The Deluxe, however,
gives the player even more control over this
notoriously hairy circuit with a variable-gain
input transistor, as well as a tone control for
added brilliance that’s helpful for tailoring
the pedal to different guitars and amps.
Moon Unit
The sparkly casing of the Lunar Module
Deluxe features the three knobs found on
the standard version—Volume, Fuzz, and
Body, with the latter being a pre-distortion
bass control. Below this set of controls
are two knobs, labeled Brite (presence)
and Range (pre-gain). These two controls
were also available on the standard Lunar
Module as trim pots. But the ability to
tweak these controls on the fly is key to the
Deluxe’s performance, flexibility, and effectiveness in a variety of settings.
Taming the Beast
In their original incarnation, Fuzz Faces
were finicky and temperamental, and also
hard to manufacture consistently. While
some units sound unbelievable, others border on awful. Fuzz Faces are also notorious
for having impedance issues. Because of
the Fuzz Face’s low input impedance, if any
other pedals or buffers are placed between
it and the guitar, the sound can get very
harsh. And with a wah placed inline, the
signal can even go into oscillation. Vintage
Fuzz Faces were also notoriously susceptible
to radio interference. The Skreddy circuit
is light years more stable, and an extra
input stage (controlled by the Range knob)
makes the Lunar Module Deluxe friendlier
to other pedals.
Flexible Fuzz
Though the Lunar Module Deluxe’s most
direct inspiration is clear, that doesn’t mean
it won’t do a whole lot more. To explore
its capabilities, I tested the Skreddy using
a Japanese Fender Strat and a Gibson Les
Paul Standard through a vintage Ampeg
Gemini II. I also added a Boss DD- 2 pedal
into the chain to get a little extra Gilmour
vibe where appropriate.
Skreddy’s focus on Dark Side of the Moon
tones was not in vain. Copping Gilmour’s
simultaneously searing and singing tone was
relatively easy with the Stratocaster’s bridge
Rating:
Buy If...
you’re a Pink Floyd fanatic or just
want a killer fuzz pedal.
Skip If...
you hate waiting lists.
Skreddy Pedals
Street $235
skreddypedals.com
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pickup and a little delay, which I added
without experiencing any additional noise.
But it’s a killer pedal even if you’re not
a Gilmour aficionado, and works equally
well with single-coils or humbuckers. Using
my Strat, and with the Fuzz knob less than
halfway up, Brite at 8 o’clock, and Body
at 3 o’clock, I got a smooth overdrive that
inspired me to play with a Jimi-meets-Scott
Henderson vibe. Just as impressive was how
well the guitar cleaned up when I rolled
back the volume on either guitar. With a
quick flick of my Les Paul’s Volume knob,
I transformed a Sabbath-like sludge into a
gritty, but articulate clean sound.
While the Skreddy does an admirable
job of taming the inherent squirreliness of
a Fuzz Face-type circuit, that doesn’t mean
it’s all buttery smooth. In loud settings this
thing can still get raucous and verge on
squealy. Be prepared to use your guitar’s
volume knob judiciously.
The Verdict
Demand for the Lunar Module and the
Lunar Module Deluxe have, at times, well
exceeded supply. And it’s easy to see why.
This pedal will help you nail one of the
holiest tones in the rock canon, if that’s
your obsession. But it’s a lot more than
just a ticket to the Dark Side. The Lunar
Module Deluxe is a great example of how
a much-loved pedal design can evolve and
be refined, and still deliver some surprises
along the way.
