Chicago Iron Octavian

Easy to use if you know a little about Octave sounds before you try it.If you are not familiar with the modulation it could be difficult to get a good tone from.I guess most people that go for this type of effect do so because of Hendrix,so they know what they are after.Simple set up-two knobs Volume and Boost.The volume can get very loud and push any amp's front end.Boost a little wild on full-up.Comes with the repro Tycobrahe manual,and an up to date version,giving good pointers on how to set up and use the pedal.

I am using this with Fender Strats and Teles,through Fender Bassman and Twin 65 reissue amps.Pedal board is big-- Rotosphere/deja vibe/choralflange/tremulator/chicago iron octavian/analogman sunface nkt275/hoochee mama/fulldrive 2/cesar diaz squareface fuzz/fatboost/clyde wah.I play in a number of different bands so need a variety of sounds.With my own stuff I go for the Hendrix pedals mostly.

Firstly,the Octavian is silent when on,no hiss or popping switches.I was interested in this unit because Doyle Bramhall 2 uses one,and he seems to get a great tone with his.I was using a Fulltone Octafuzz,but found it a bit too fuzzy,and limited to 12th fret and above.The Chicago Iron is more versatile,and works well on its own or when using with other pedals on the board.The octave tone is very similar to Hendrix,and its fairly easy to get that high octave sustain a la 'Who Knows'/'Purple Haze'/'One Rainy Wish'.Also,and what sold me on this unit,is that you can get some really useable dark tones at the first fret,where the pedal responds differently to the lower strings and upper strings.You really can use the pedal through out all neck positions,unlike other Octave effects.Watch Doyle Bramhall 2 'Live at The Great Wall of China'--'Chariot',where he 'plays' the pedal,and uses it not just as a one trick pony.It also sound great with Fuzz pedals and Vibe pedals.It has a warm,full and vibrant tone,much fatter than the Fulltone Octafuzz,and also much more authentic and 'real' sounding.

Have gigged with it,and not too worried about reliability as it seems to be extremely well built.Also Kurt is a great guy,and his customer relations are up there with the best.

Had some contact when purchasing the unit,but not needed since.Kurt is passionate about what he does,so I assume he would care greatly to accomodate his customers too.

I have been playing 21 years,semi-pro mostly.Looking to make a living playing,but not easy here in the UK.Play mostly blues/rock style,and also pop/rock/soul covers to make money in function bands etc.Am currently recording an album for small indie label,and looking to tour UK/Europe,so could be the start of something.This pedal will remain with me on gigs,and I am enjoying getting to find out more ways to use it as the nights go by.You have to learn to 'play' the pedal,and utilise all its sonic possibilities,not just copy Hendrix.If it was stolen I would buy another straight away.Sorry,cant give a ten--never know whats round the corner and a 10 would mean search over!

Its hard to get a good sound out of this thing because you have to adjust pick up, volume and tone controls on your guitar to dial in the effect.

wouldn't use it live because of the riga ma roll and hoop jumping you have to do to get a decent tone out of it. For the studio, its great.

its not like an original. but its not a bad pedal

It sounds great if you use your neck pickup and turn your tone way down and guitar vol down a bit. Also sounds great with a wah used to filter out highs. Better with a Strat, but humbucker guitar is okay too.

if you just flip it on with your bridge pick up it produces the most hideous, trebley, harsh, paint peeling, ear melting, crappy, sound i have ever heard. its so trebled out that you cant even hear the octave.

Don't get me wrong, you can get some really creative sounds out of this thing. but you must work for it.

well built, heavy.

I emailed them and they responded.
I knock points off because it doesnt sound exactly like an orginal.
but you can't really blame them for hyping their product.

You can get some amazing tones with this thing.
I got theTychobrae Artwork one which is cool but even more expensive.
It can also easliy sound like doo doo
it is WAAAAAAAY overpriced.

This pedal is pure professional grade. VERY easy to get several INCREDIBLE tones here. Manual and pedal are straight forward and easy to use in every way.....No upgrade....I own a Chicago Iron Octavian and the special release Octavia.

Of course my all time favorite without hesetation is the psychedelic Space Traveler himself. Jimi (no last name needed)The distortion WAILS, and the ring modulator is the best out there, PERIOD. I own about a doxen ring modulators, including two original Tycobrahes. This pedal sounds better than the originals just because the parts are coroding inside. This thing has the "bloom" down to incredible perfection. as you play two notes, and bend one up, you will actually hear 4 tones, the 2 originals, and the 2 modulated tones. You MUST hear this thing to believe it. It makes the Way Huge Platypuss sound very tame. This pedal is a lion. You can also bring it down to a whisper, and get human vocal-like sounds. Total Jeff Beck and pure Hendrix.....dare I say it: Better than the R. Mayer? I would prefer this one, just because I know they are hand built one at a time and the construction quality is second to none.
I have many amps, but play this with my 100 watt super lead, and it is guarenteed to put a smile on your face. Enjineered to the 'enth degree, and I would absolutely say the best sounding, best build and most solid Octave/Fuzz one could find. WELL WORTH the $300+ I paid.
Oh, it is not at all noisey. When engaged, it is very musical, though my Grandma would call it noise. To me the effect always sounds great. The fuzz alone, or the modulation set to on, there is no bad setting on this pedal. Get one you will NOT regret it!

Have NEVER had any problem with it. I would not hesitate to skip the back-up, even playing the Allstate Arena.

The guy who makes these is easily accessible, I have gotten him on the phone (the owner himself) and he has also done mods to some of my wah-wah pedals....called para-babies, and he was super nice to deal with lightning fast, and helpful in every way.
Never needed repair. There is now an upgrade called the Octavian+ which I am savbing up for. I don't know what the "+" is, but it must be off the hook. I just can't say enough good things about this pedal. It is Tycobrahe Octavia to a "T". Now, I can gig with my $1,000+ Tycobrahe safe at home, from bar-drunks and fast fingered a-holes...(my friend had an MXR script phase 100 stolen between sets. So, trust me, they're out there)

I play psychedelic blues/groove/jam/rock (think Hey Baby by Jimi)and it is a perfect match, no matter which amp I choose for the night. Been playing for 30 years and am a collecter with a sick problem: over 300 pedals...If it was stolen or lost, I would buy a new one the next day.
What I love most, and favorite feature is the octavia when soloing around the 12th fret. the only word to describe it is MAGIC. I don't know how it is done, but people will come up to me after shows and ask "what the HECK was that pedal....how did you get that sound?" I am always happy to tell them, "Chicago Iron, man. It will change your life!".
Get one. No other Octave pedal comes close, IN MY OPINION!!!!

Unless you're blind and missing your hands, you won't have any problem using it ! There are only two knobs: Volume & Boost. And there is of course an On/Off footswitch.

I play an alder body & neck Strat, equipped with rewound-to-vintage-specs-with-50-years-old-formvar-wire late 70s TOKAI 60s reissue pickups -> Fender PT-100 tuner -> 70' vintage v847 Vox Wah -> MJM Blues Devil -> Chicago Iron Octavian -> Vintage 1969 Fender Super Reverb.

The sound I can get by only switching the Octavian "ON" while on total clean is breathtaking. I haven't heard or played every single pedal claiming to be the clone out there (I think before investing money), but this DOES sound like the REAL DEAL and that's all I need to know.

The pedal is amazingly responsive to anything you change: from your guitar's knobs, pickup switch position, amp settings, pedal setting; you get a WHOLE new world. What impressed me the most was how it was responsive to the strenght of the pick attack. I usually pick rather hard, but when that pedal is on, if I pick lightly, I can get a whole new sound.

I unfortunately can't tell my position on this as I have not owned it for years, but trust me, just hold it in your hand, and feel the power. It's HEAVY ! It's totally built for the road. I actually wouldn't be afraid using it as an anvil. The metal is thick, and the beautiful blue paint looks solid as rock.

I can already be certain I don't need a backup. At all.

So yeah, I wish I could put another 10, but for the sake of telling the truth...

Kurt is a very self-giving guy, and always took time to answer my questions. He also offered to help me if I had any other question or anything at the end of every e-mail.

Thanks man !

I play Blues/Rock, mainly. Maybe a bit more agressive. It's obviously a very good match as I count among my influences Vaughan, Hendrix, PHILIP SAYCE, Jeff Healey, etc.

If that pedal gets stolen, I'll obviously buy it again after a lot of cussing and swearing.

I fell in love with Chicago Iron the minute I saw the beautiful "Chicago Iron" encraved redwood box it comes in. You slide the top open, then put aside the amazing stickers, business card, very small yet so clear manual, and finally the foam top that keeps you from the box's treasure. There it is, the massive blue Tycobrahe Octavia. I thought I was a wuss when I tried to lift it, because I didn't expect it to be heavy at all. Ok, it's not THAT heavy, but it's suprising.

I actually bought the Octavian PLUS which comes with a second footswitch for a powerful FUZZ. I actually consider using that fuzz as my main overdrive.

Anyway, all this to say I'll tell every guitar player I meet that it's the ONE pedal to rule them all.

Nothing improved from the original. Still have unscrew all 4 feet to switch out the battery. Time consuming. Same controls, so easy of use has not changed since the 70s.

The reason why I give this pedal a 1 is for the reason that the owner of this company claims this is an authentic copy, and its trully not. I am one of the few people in this world that is fortunate enough to own the real Tycobrahe Octavia. Which is a really rare pedal. So I can understand how easy it is for Chicago Iron to claim they have a real clone of this pedal, because most people can't get a real Tycobrahe Octavia to compare it with. I do have both, and both of these pedals are totally different in tone. I have owned all the Octavia clones out there. There is no copy of the Original, if so, they wouldn't be worth $1400+ in todays market. The original has more Octave presence than The Chicago version, or any version, fulltone, voodoo lab, etc. The original is more musical, warmer, and better sounding and funner to play. Nobody has a real clone of this pedal at this point in time that I know of... Cosmetically, this pedal clones the real pedal. But sound, parts, transformers is a BIG NO and you buyers, like myself have been hyped and suckered for $200 for a $50 or less pedal.. The original has a better, more costly transformer that makes a difference in the octavian sound..Has totally different parts than the chicago iron and has point to point wiring..The most obvious thing you we see in comparison with a Chicago Iron and a real Octavia is the "el cheapo" transformer and cheap parts...Which in turns gives you a false clone version and brittle bright sound....If you ever get an opportunity to own or have the real Tycobrahe Octavia in your guitar playing hands, then you know I am speaking the truth. I can't believe what some people in this world will do to make a buck. Just horrible, but I must say, I have been suckered from hype.

Never would gig with it, because it doesn't sound like the real deal.

How can you have customer support from a person who makes false claims?

I play blues rock and original rock music. Not a good match for a tone head like myself. I have been playiny seriously for 16 years. I own a 61 pre cbs strat, groshes, nashes, suhrs all strats, carr, fender amps. If this was stolen, the thief did me a favor. I compared this with the real Tycobrahe octavian. I wish there was somebody out there who when claims that they have a 100 percent clone of an original speaks the truth and works so hard to really make a clone, not profit $$$$$. SAD

How much easier can you get than TWO knobs?? Having said that though....if you are not familiar with octave up pedals as I was
.....YOU NEED TO CONSULT WITH THE CHICAGO IRON WEBSITE AND READ THE MANUAL!! When I first got it I was not satisfied with its tone....I referred to the tips page and manual for the details on these finicky little beasts and voila mind-boggling tone. Now dialing in stunning tones is a breeze.

Having only played for 10 years it appears I am the lone "newbie" (other than the emo character who obviously did not read the manual or visit the website!!) reviewing I cant make comparative remarks re. other octave up gear.
What I can say is that the sound of this thing is like a thick delicious sonic milkshake made with heavy cream. When run through my Keeley Ts9 it gently massages my tone in strange and wonderful ways. Slide into a note and sustain it and the bloom that looms into the tone is absolutely inspiring. Skulk around above the 12th fret and there is that Mr. Hyde "alter-note" following you around that can sound playful or creepy depending on what your doing.

This is one of the most solidly constucted boxes I've ever seen.

I've been playing for 10 years and I play a very wide variety of things. What I love most about the Octavian is that it has caused me to shift gears in my approach. As other reviewers have pointed out, it is a unique box that really needs to be tinkered with to be understood. Once you learn how to use this thing it gives you new tones to work with AND as a result of having to "play" this thing, new techniques.

Does what it says, and sounds better than ALL of the rest!
I know I've owned most of them.

Perfect 10!
Seriously.........the bloom is exactly as they describe, and LUSH!

Am I a "newbie" who just bought a new toy and am all giddy?

Nope, I'm a 20+ year player who's done national tours with signed artists/bands, and the Octavian is the READ DEAL!

Built like a tank! Seriously.

Customer support......and then some!
Kurt you rock!

Chicago Iron CARES and goes out of their way, for complete strangers, people (like me) who they've never met.

This is how you do business!

I've played various styles of music, and recorded sessions in Nashville, and L.A.
Rock, blues, country, funk, "jack of all trades" kind of guitarist.

This pedal blows the others away....it doesn't sound "close" or better yet "feel" close (because you DO feel it) it has a power, and a certainty with each note that INSPIRES you to play notes in ways you wouldn't have done with the "other" Tycobrahe "style" pedals.

Operating the pedal is a breeze. However, unlike almost any other guitar effect, an Octave up needs to be played a certain way to get the right sounds out of it...and that takes a little patience and a little tweaking. But that's the fun part right?

Brilliant. This is the best Octave-up pedal made. No offense to the Fulltone people, but this thing BURIES their octave-up. I have owned them all, including an original and this one is by far the best.

Built like a tank. I wish all expensive boutique pedals came in a chassis this strong. Been touring with it for a while now and it's as sturdy as it gets.

Great. Have emailed a couple questions to them and received very detailed responses immediately.

This "emo" character below is a moron, ignore his weak and very un-informed review. Using an Octave-Up pedal has nothing to do with trying to be Jimi Hendrix. That is like telling people who buy a Les Paul to stop "wasting their money" trying to be Jimmy Page. Go see Michael Landau's band play and watch the guy keep an Octavian on through an entire song and milk tones out of that thing that you could never imagine. It's a really cool effect with many sonic characters that Hendrix, while using it brilliantly, barely even touched on. The bottom line is, this Octavian pedal is the best octave-up pedal that has been made so far. It's my favorite toy. Amazing.

This review is for the Octavian "Plus",still has two knobs,but two switches enable the fuzz to bypass. LED goes from red to green in case you're deaf. Fiddle around with it for about 10 minutes and you are going to find something to make you smile.

JEM or Strat/Budda wah/Octavian+/Fuzz Face/Uni-vibe/Marshall. You need to keep this close to the end of the line of effects. Distinctively authentic sound. Throw those Fulltone and Voodoo Labs boxes up on eBay, you will never use them again. Inspirational, Harmonic and magical.

Top Quality materials and craftsmanship. Steel enclosure. No backup required.

Bought direct. Kurt is a Magician and dedicated to his craft. These units are epic and future classics. Personal service.

Suitable for any type/genre of music. This version with the two switches is flexible, and the fuzz is surprisingly smooth,like a Bosstone or early Big Muff. It also enables you to utilize other OD's with the Octave effect. An hour out of the box it will render all other similar devices obsolete. It's really THAT good. Really.
It meshes perfectly with Vintage and modern devices. Some people may cringe at the price, but it's worth every penny in sound, mojo and vibe. If you're serious about tone you would gladly pay double.

if you know what an octavian does,then this one is easy to get a good sound from.it is the only one that i know of(other than original tycobre) that actually does what it is supposed to do

i use it with a strat and a100w marshall,4-12 bottom.the guitar to
Mike Fuller uni vibe,thru the octavian,into a analogman 808 tube screamer
it sounds good going thru the tube screamer as well when its on.
the sound of the unit is full,tight bottom,and the high end is not brittle.(in an octavian kind of way) i have many different octavians,some are so bright
that i can't use them live,some others are woofy in the low end and just
get lost when the band is rockin. the chicago ironworks sonics are just right.
it sounds great for recording,and is the best live.

it is built well,there is nothing much on the inside,but the box is sturdy
if i had to complain about anything,it would be that the little circuit board
on the inside is just sittin there,not tacked down in any way
no biggie

Kurt,has been more than gracious and professional with me just like all the other top pedal makers have been.it beats goin to GC in hollywood !!

i play all originals blues rock style,this pedal does alot of really cool things
it does more than just the jimi thing,with alittle bit of foolin around with it,
you can come up with great new ideas!
if you want a repro pedal that is just like the original,this does it .