Description
From Wampler:
I love a good fuzz pedal. There’s just something about how they transform your guitar’s sound, and each one does it in its own way. A Fuzz Face has that fat lead tone that responds to every touch. The Tone Bender circuit took things a stage further (literally) and added even more grunt. The “Big Muff” style circuit is a legendary successor to both of these. The Wampler Velvet Fuzz was one of my early takes on an improved fuzz circuit but with a twist – it was designed to be easy to dial in for folk who just didn’t get on with regular fuzz pedals.
I wanted to put all of those classic tones into a single compact guitar pedal. I wanted the ability to dial in glassy cleans by backing off your guitar’s volume like a Fuzz Face while also retaining the sparkling tonality and usability of the Velvet Fuzz. I wanted to create something that could be stacked with other pedals or played on its own, something that wasn’t just another clone. So I designed the Cryptid. It is a unique circuit designed to give you my favorite aspects of all of those classics while also offering up unique new tones and inspiring you to find your new sound.
Tweaking your tone is easy. The Cryptid’s Volume, Tone, and Fuzz are pretty self-explanatory. The Character (bias) control goes from distorted fuzz sounds, similar to what we did with the Velvet Fuzz, all the way through to other classic tones, including muff, bender, and even steps into “Fuzz Factory” territory. The 3-position Tight switch shapes the pedal’s low end for anything from doom-approved sub-sonics to a tight, distortion-esque vibe. Finally, the Chime toggle adds a bit of extra harmonic air on top without any harshness.
A Unique Fuzz in a Sea of Clones
The Cryptid is an entirely new fuzz circuit through and through. Though it can get darn close to the classics, it gives you a ton of possibilities between them. Best of all, I made sure it’s super easy to use and as responsive as the best vintage designs.
The Best Aspects of the Best Fuzzes
Still far from cloning territory, I still wanted the Cryptid to offer the ability to get close to some of my favourite fuzz tones. Think Hendrix, Eric Johnson, Mick Ronson, Billy Corgan, J. Mascis, and Jack White; I put a little bit of them all in there. So, it’s still a great option for those who prefer the tried-and-true.
Vintage Sensitivity Meets Modern Versatility
The Cryptid is extremely sensitive to a guitar’s electronics. Place it before any buffers — just like a great vintage fuzz — and roll back the guitar’s volume control a bit. With the right settings, the tone won’t just be “less fuzzy.” It’ll be clean, clear, and extremely responsive – perfect for stacking with other drives..
Fuzz For Those Who Don’t Like Fuzz
If you think fuzz pedals are too wooly, undefined, and messy, the Cryptid will change your mind. It can get a lot closer to tube amp overdrive than you’d expect. Using the Tight and Chime controls, it’s easy to get a fat, singing distortion that’s never muddy or shrill.
Technical Details
- Unique Fuzz circuit by Brian Wampler
- Built in the U.S.A
- Battery connection and 9v-18v power jack
- High-grade components selected for their superior sound and response
- Controls: Volume, Fuzz, Tone, Character knobs, Chime and Tight switches
- Top-mounted jacks make pedalboard placement effortless
- Power draw: 15 mA @ 9V and 30 mA @ 18v
- Includes Wampler’s limited 5-year warranty
- 2.59″ x 4.98″ x 2.29″ (66mm x 126.5 mm x 58.2mm)
Shipping & Returns
Free ShippingMost orders over $99.00 ship for free inside the lower 48 states. Certain items that are large and heavy do not qualify for free shipping.
We Ship Worldwide!For information on International Shipping, please call, email or use live chat for rates. Orders shipping outside the Lower 48 States to Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico and international orders do not qualify for free shipping. Orders shipping to U.S. Military APO/FPO addresses, PO Boxes, and US territories (Guam, Virgin Islands, etc.) can only ship USPS. NOTE: Boxes over 70 lbs each cannot be shipped to these locations.
As a security precaution, orders over $200.00 will only ship to the address your credit card company has on file for you.
*Korg and Mesa/Boogie products are only available for shipment within the USA.
ReturnsWe want you to be completely happy with your purchase, so we offer a 48 hour approval period on most purchases (see exclusions below). The 48 hour approval period begins when your purchased item is delivered to your door. If after 48 hours you’re not happy with the item, just contact us via phone, email or live chat on our website to arrange for a return authorization (RA#) and return shipping instructions. Any package sent back without prior authorization will be refused.
Returns must be shipped back to us within two days of the RA being issued. Items must come back to us undamaged and in the same condition they were shipped out. All manuals, paperwork, cables, tremolo arms, wrenches, etc… must be included or full credit will not be issued. Any items not conforming to this policy will be subject (at our discretion) to a restocking fee of 20% of the purchase price.
Refunds will be issued minus all related shipping expenses, if free shipping was initially given, the cost we incurred to get the item to you will be deducted from your refund. A 10% restock fee will also be deducted from your refund. Restock fees will be waived for full value exchanges.
Here are exceptions to our return policy.
- Custom orders of any kind are non returnable and non refundable. We often charge a deposit before we will place a custom or special order. All special order deposits are NON REFUNDABLE, no exceptions.
- Microphones, Harmonicas, In-Ear Systems and any other items that come into contact with your mouth or ears.
- Items labeled as BLOWOUT, are non-returnable. These are often being sold below cost and are considered “all sales final”.
- Software (this may also include hardware that includes software), unless still in shrink wrap with barcode affixed.
- Guitar strings, blank media, and other disposable merchandise.
- Guitar or bass pickups that have been installed or used in any way.
- Any item advertised as “USED” is non returnable.
*Payments for music lessons are non refundable, no exceptions.
View our detailed Return Policy here.
Early Order CancellationAll deposits are non refundable. Lots of our products are special orders and in many cases your order has to be built for you at the factory. This is what makes a lot of our products special. Once your order is started, it's being put together just for you. For this reason we ask that you don't cancel your order after you place it with us. If for some reason you absolutely have to cancel your order with us, we will assess you a 25% cancellation charge. This amount is equal to 25% of your total order amount. Ask us before you place your order to see if what you're purchasing is considered a special order.
Damaged MerchandiseDo not accept your shipment if the package shows any signs of external damage. After the item is returned to us we will ship you a replacement. If you receive incorrect or defective merchandise, please call 781-335-0700 within 5 days for a return authorization number.
