The Compadre

The Compadre is based off the Shin Ei Companion from Japan. There were two versions of the Companion. Version one used two germanium transistors and was bright and nasally with a nice sustain. The more popular version two used silicon transistors and had a unique EQ section that heavily scooped the mids and gave a choppy, gated sustain, similar to the Univox Superfuzz. With the Compadre I give you both versions in one box, as well as a "voice" switch for different tonal options for each side. On the MkI side, the voice switch adds bass or cuts bass. On the MkII side, the voice switch adds mids or scoops mids. I've allowed more bass to pass through the overall circuit for a more neutral tone, and replaced the standard gain control with an input/impedance control for a smoother, more natural feel, making this circuit work particularly well as an overdrive, considering its high gain, ferocious capability. At the heart of the Compadre is two carefully selected germanium transistors, making it incredibly sensitive to extreme temperature changes, and not play well with other buffered bypass effects (like your Boss tuner), so for best results, place first in your pedal chain. Built with top quality components, metal film resistors, Alpha potentiometers, Neutrik or Switchcraft jacks, a Gorva Design soft click footswitch and a custom designed PCB. Does not require a battery, operates off a standard 9v center negative power supply and can be daisy chained with all other center negative polarity effects.