SolidGoldFX Imperial MKII Gated Fuzz Pedal Overview
This is a next-level Muff-style stompbox that can cover all your fuzz needs and more. The Imperial MKII can go from soaring Gilmour solos to spitting, aggressive riffage with ease. With the built-in noise gate, you can tame and clean up the most raucous fuzz sounds. Combine this with a slick, retro aesthetic and you’ve got a winning fuzzbox that’ll make a valuable addition to your rig.
Vintage Sound - Modern Features
The SolidGoldFX Imperial MKII is a new and improved version of the original Imperial - a fantastic Muff-style fuzz pedal. The Imperial MKII is inspired by the vintage JEN Jumbo Fuzz, a remarkable pedal that’s sonically akin to the iconic Ram’s Head - with a gorgeous mid-range response and gain range.
Powerful Noise Gate
One of the JEN Jumbo’s most endearing qualities is its built-in noise gate, which has been refined and developed in the Imperial MKII. Unlike the vintage unit - where the gating often fluctuated between too much or not enough - the Imperial MKII uses silicon devices and an upgraded envelope generator.
The precisely tuned attack and release contour give the Imperial MKII a uniquely sharp attack without reducing the sustain at higher settings. Plus, as you’d expect from a quality noise gate, there’s virtually zero noise when it’s engaged - perfect for tight riffs and taming those ultra-high gain tones. A bonus of the Imperial MKII’s noise gate is that it can be used independently of the fuzz circuit, so you can use it as a noise gate for your entire rig!
Juicy JFET Preamp
SGFX’s Imperial MKII features a high-impedance JFET pre-amp, which provides crisp note definition and a low noise-floor. If you want to use the Imperial MKII to add dirty fuzz to your guitar, bass or synths - the fantastic pre-amp will have you covered. Plus, you can stick the Imperial MKII anywhere in your effects chain and it’ll sound great. Favour a feedback-prone hollowbody and want to use a ripping fuzz tone with lashings of gain? The Imperial MKII is the one for you. If you’re the type of player that likes to clean things up by rolling back the volume control, the pre-amp will dynamically respond to that approach.
Improved Mid Control
A way the MKII improves the original Imperial’s design is the Contour slider, which replaces the Mid switch. This provides you with greater tonal flexibility, letting you dial-in the perfect mid-range scoop or boost.
Cool Retro Design
Completing the Imperial MKII’s stunning build are the dual LED indicators (which let you know the bypass and gate status), top-mounted jacks (for straightforward pedalboard integration), true bypass switching and sleek retro sliders.
SGFX have knocked it out of the park once again with the Imperial MKII. Fuzz aficionados will love the reimagining of a sought-after fuzzbox and its sleek vintage-inspired design. If you’re after a Muff-style pedal that offers more tweakability and features, you need to plug into an Imperial MKII fuzz.
- Fuzz effects pedal
- Enhanced version of SolidGoldFX’ classic fuzz – with retro-themed design
- Based on the vintage JEN Jumbo Fuzz – offers gated Muff style fuzz sounds
- Built around a J-FET preamp - for exceptional clarity and response with guitar, bass or synths
- True bypass switching and top-mounted jacks - for ease of pedalboard mounting
- Hand-made in Montreal, Canada
- Powered by a regular 9V DC PSU