What is the primary difference between the MKIIS and the original Swollen Pickle?

The MKIIS is a smaller, more pedalboard-friendly version of the original design. It retains the same high-gain fuzz circuitry and controls but occupies significantly less physical space.

How does the 'Loudness' control affect the signal?

The Loudness control adjusts the overall output volume of the pedal. It is designed with enough headroom to significantly boost the signal and 'clobber' a guitar amplifier.

What does the 'Sustain' control do?

The Sustain control manages the amount of gain and saturation. It can be set low for a mild crunch or turned up for extreme, high-gain fuzz tones described as 'Armageddon'.

What is the purpose of the 'Scoop' knob?

The Scoop knob controls the mid-frequency response of the pedal. It allows the user to choose between a classic mid-scooped sound or a flat mid-frequency sweep.

How does the 'Crunch' control affect the fuzz sound?

The Crunch knob is used to adjust the compression intensity of the fuzz. This allows the player to dial in a more open, dynamic sound or a more compressed, tight fuzz.

What kind of power supply does the MKIIS require?

The pedal typically uses a standard 9-volt DC power supply. Always ensure the polarity matches the manufacturer's specifications to avoid damaging the circuit.

Is the Swollen Pickle MKIIS suitable for bass guitar?

While designed for guitar, its significant 'girth' and low-end response make it a popular choice for bassists seeking heavy fuzz. The Scoop and Filter controls help maintain low-frequency clarity.

How does the MKIIS compare to a Big Muff?

While it shares some DNA with the Big Muff style of fuzz, the Swollen Pickle offers more control over compression and midrange frequencies. It is generally considered more versatile due to its five external and two internal controls.

What does 'bandpass-filtered' mean in the context of this pedal?

It refers to how the pedal shapes the frequency spectrum. The filtering allows certain frequencies to pass through while cutting others, resulting in the pedal's signature 'girth and sizzle'.

Can the MKIIS achieve low-gain overdrive sounds?

While primarily a high-gain fuzz, the Sustain control can be turned down for a 'mild crunch.' However, its core design is focused on thick, saturated fuzz.

What is the typical price range for this pedal in the UK?

The Swollen Pickle MKIIS typically retails for approximately GBP 159. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current stock levels.

Gear article

Way Huge WHE401S Swollen Pickle Fuzz MKIIS

The Way Huge Swollen Pickle Fuzz MKIIS is a compact, high-gain effects pedal designed to offer a vast range of bandpass-filtered fuzz tones. It is a smaller, pedalboard-friendly iteration of the original Swollen Pickle design, retaining the trademark girth and saturation of the full-sized unit.

See live prices

Overview

The Way Huge Swollen Pickle Fuzz MKIIS is a modern evolution of one of the brand's most celebrated designs. Known for its 'corpulent' sound, the MKIIS aims to provide the same high-gain performance as the larger versions but in a footprint that is more suitable for crowded pedalboards. It is characterised by a significant amount of low-end girth and a distinctive 'sizzle' in the high frequencies.

History and Development

The Swollen Pickle series has long been a staple of the Way Huge catalogue, often cited as one of the most flexible fuzz circuits available. The MKIIS version represents a refinement of this lineage, focusing on physical downsizing without compromising the internal circuitry that defines the 'Pickle' sound. It continues the manufacturer's tradition of offering heavy, bandpass-filtered tones with extensive user control.

Features and Controls

The device features several external controls that allow for precise tone shaping:

Loudness: Provides sufficient output volume to drive an amplifier aggressively.
Sustain: Adjusts the amount of gain, ranging from mild crunch to extreme 'Armageddon' levels of fuzz.
Filter: A primary tone-shaping tool that interacts with the bandpass filters.
Scoop: A tone stack control that enables users to dial in a classic mid-scoop or a flatter mid-frequency response.
Crunch: An external knob that adjusts the compression intensity of the fuzz effect.

Additionally, the unit contains internal mini-controls. The Voice control sets the intensity of the external scoop control, allowing for light or heavy mid-frequency sculpting. A Clip control is also located internally to adjust the clipping characteristics of the circuit.

Sound Character

The sonic signature of the MKIIS is defined by its massive low-end and versatility. Unlike traditional fuzz pedals that may offer a single 'sweet spot,' the MKIIS is designed for a broad spectrum of sounds. It can move from a subtle saturation to a heavily compressed, wall-of-sound fuzz. The bandpass filtering ensures that the high-end remains present ('sizzle') even when the low frequencies are pushed to their limit.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other distortion and fuzz pedals like the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff w/ Tone Wicker, the Swollen Pickle MKIIS stands out for its deeper customisation options, particularly regarding midrange frequencies and compression levels. While the Fender Hammertone Flanger or Boss DD-3T offer modulation and time-based effects, the Swollen Pickle focuses entirely on harmonic saturation. For those seeking a smaller footprint compared to the original Swollen Pickle, the MKIIS is the primary alternative within the Way Huge range.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary difference between the MKIIS and the original Swollen Pickle?: The MKIIS is a smaller, more pedalboard-friendly version of the original design. It retains the same high-gain fuzz circuitry and controls but occupies significantly less physical space.
How does the 'Loudness' control affect the signal?: The Loudness control adjusts the overall output volume of the pedal. It is designed with enough headroom to significantly boost the signal and 'clobber' a guitar amplifier.
What does the 'Sustain' control do?: The Sustain control manages the amount of gain and saturation. It can be set low for a mild crunch or turned up for extreme, high-gain fuzz tones described as 'Armageddon'.
What is the purpose of the 'Scoop' knob?: The Scoop knob controls the mid-frequency response of the pedal. It allows the user to choose between a classic mid-scooped sound or a flat mid-frequency sweep.
How does the 'Crunch' control affect the fuzz sound?: The Crunch knob is used to adjust the compression intensity of the fuzz. This allows the player to dial in a more open, dynamic sound or a more compressed, tight fuzz.
Are there any internal controls in the MKIIS?: Yes, there are two internal mini controls. The 'Voice' control sets the intensity of the external scoop control, and the 'Clip' control adjusts the clipping diodes.
What kind of power supply does the MKIIS require?: The pedal typically uses a standard 9-volt DC power supply. Always ensure the polarity matches the manufacturer's specifications to avoid damaging the circuit.
Is the Swollen Pickle MKIIS suitable for bass guitar?: While designed for guitar, its significant 'girth' and low-end response make it a popular choice for bassists seeking heavy fuzz. The Scoop and Filter controls help maintain low-frequency clarity.
How does the MKIIS compare to a Big Muff?: While it shares some DNA with the Big Muff style of fuzz, the Swollen Pickle offers more control over compression and midrange frequencies. It is generally considered more versatile due to its five external and two internal controls.
What does 'bandpass-filtered' mean in the context of this pedal?: It refers to how the pedal shapes the frequency spectrum. The filtering allows certain frequencies to pass through while cutting others, resulting in the pedal's signature 'girth and sizzle'.
Can the MKIIS achieve low-gain overdrive sounds?: While primarily a high-gain fuzz, the Sustain control can be turned down for a 'mild crunch.' However, its core design is focused on thick, saturated fuzz.
What is the typical price range for this pedal in the UK?: The Swollen Pickle MKIIS typically retails for approximately GBP 159. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current stock levels.