GEAR SPOTLIGHT
Ibanez PJ model with low
output passive pickups.The
beastly low frequencies it
summons all but required
a run-through with the
four-string, and once
plugged in, my suspicions
were confirmed. The
Erupter is one mean
son-of-a-bass-fuzz, with
plenty of rumble, mucho
sustain, and more rip and
gnarl than you can shake
a leftover pork steak
at. Bassists looking for
something different in the
fuzz realm are going to
dig it.
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GEAR SPOTLIGHT //
WHAT WE LIKE
The Erupter is the most
unique, imaginatively
designed take on a
vintage-style fuzz that I
have encountered in a
minute. Eliminating the
superfluous gain and
output knobs was a stroke
of genius, and the Bias
control combined with the
guitar’s volume knob is a
recipe for a colorful array
of tones that range from
raw and sputtery, to tight
and crushing. It has the
potential to sound great in
any rig, and it even rules
on bass.
Earthquaker Erupter
CONCERNS
Some players will likely
find the burly low
frequency content and
fixed maximum gain and
output of the Erupter to
be somewhat overbearing.
Its minimalist control set
is sure to invite the typical
“one-trick pony” criticisms,
but only from those that
don’t take the time to learn
all its tricks.