Made in Japan in the late '60s and early '70s, the Shin-Ei 8-TR Companion Fuzz Wah was marketed under a variety of different brands. Perhaps one of the first multi-effect pedals ever made, the Companion does two things—fuzz and wah. While the wah is nice, the fuzz has been perhaps the most influential on effect builders. That's because the powerful fuzz sound it produces is famously heard on more than a few influential records. Many builders attempt to revive the circuit, but the modern reproductions never sound quite like the vintage originals!
This late-'60s Shin-Ei Companion has the "Jax" name plate on the edge. It produces a tremendous fuzz sound with a slight high octave sound in the right settings. The "Fuzz Pitch Selector" lets you switch between two different EQ settings—one is crushing and huge, and the other is more somehow harmonic and spitty. Two controls help you tame the fuzz, but there's not exactly a "clean" setting. And that's not why you want this on your pedalboard, anyway!
This 1960s Jax / Shin-Ei Companion Fuzz Wah was recently serviced by Chelli Amplification, so it functions 100% as it should and sounds fantastic. The switch for the wah pedal is a little tricky to switch quickly, and there's some added felt underneath the treadle that makes it a little easier. It shows some cosmetic wear and tear, and the cap "Fuzz Vol" knob has been chipped off. One of the screws on the "Fuzz Pitch Selector" looks a little too clean to be old. The original "batter snap" sticker is still on the bottom, and the Shin-Ei logo stamp is still visible. Serious tone, serious vibe! Great pedal.