(2026年 8月 28日 12時 58分 追加) This effect pedal solves the problem of wah pedals not working when using a FUZZ FACE. Just like Jimi Hendrix, if you connect a wah pedal after the guitar and then a FUZZ FACE, germanium fuzz pedals won't produce any wah effect, and silicon fuzz pedals will have some effect, but will oscillate when the pedal is raised. However, in Jimi Hendrix's live performances, the wah pedal is often seen functioning. Therefore, it's highly likely that some kind of modification was made to the wah or fuzz pedal, but no clear evidence or modified equipment has been found. The Uni Awakening Buffer was developed based on this hypothesis, solving these problems and creating an item that brings you closer to Jimi Hendrix's sound.
There are several effect pedals in the world, like the Echoplex and Uni Vibe, that "improve the sound just by plugging them in." Among these, the Uni Awakening Buffer recreates the amplifier circuit (buffer) section of the Uni Vibe using vintage parts and utilizes it to solve the problem. (Hereafter referred to as Uni AB)
[The following is a detailed explanation]
After boosting the 9V power supply to 18V, the Uni AB uses the 2SC644 transistor, which was available from the same company but with a different package, after the 2SC539 transistor used in the original Uni Vibe. This completely replicates the Uni Vibe's amplifier circuit.
This solves the problem of the wah pedal not working when connected between a wah pedal and a fuzz pedal, while also creating a subtle but desirable feature: "the sound improves just by connecting it." It's a two-for-one deal.
So, does that mean any buffer will do? Not necessarily.
As you'll notice when connecting a buffered effect pedal before a fuzz pedal, the sound often changes drastically.
The advantage of the Uni AB lies in its ability to subtly improve the sound without significantly altering its character.
Even when tested with a clean tone without turning on either the fuzz or wah, you'll notice a slight addition of richness and depth without changing the overall character of the sound. This is what's commonly referred to as "the sound improves just by plugging it in."
When using a genuine Uni Vibe, even when it's OFF, the signal remains in a standby state, passing through the buffer and phase circuit that creates the effect. When turned ON, the Uni Vibe's character becomes somewhat fogged up to create a seamless transition, resulting in a strong influence. However, the Uni AB lacks a phase circuit, resulting in a clearer sound edge and a more distinct contour for bass strings, such as in fuzz effects.
Therefore, it won't produce the exact same sound quality as when a genuine Uni Vibe is connected, but this prevents double interference when adding a genuine Uni Vibe.
This product is not completely true bypass, but it is almost completely bypassed when OFF.
We have received reports from users that the sound improved even when used with overdrive and distortion pedals.
It uses valuable vintage parts (2SC644 and 2SC828) from over 50 to nearly 60 years ago. Only 10 nameplates remain on the enclosure, and production of this early model Uni AB will cease after these 10 units are completed. (This listing includes 5 items, and I plan to list 5 more later.)
The release date for the second phase of Uni AB is still undecided.