[Well, I'm no LS expert but from what I know, Ed King did record the track using a Strat and Twin. I'm not sure about the fuzz... could be just the cranked amp but anyway, you're spot on :)! A lot of guitarists back then used different gear on the recordings. They often used LPs and Marshalls live but often Strats, Teles and Twins on the albums. It gave the songs a certain tone and it was often easier to get brighter tones that would cut through and fit the mix better. Billy Gibbons, one of my heroes, would often use Strats on the classic recordings. - Bjorn]

[Hi Keith! Thanks for your kind words first of all :) I agree with your approach. Always a good idea to try different setups and combos to hear what sounds best. Each rig is different and the "normal" way might sound best on your rig. Besides, it's always fun to experiment! I haven't noticed any difference using power on the Phase 90. Perhaps a tad brighter sound but no big difference. The Dyna sounds warmer with carbons I think. You might not hear much of a difference when it's paired with the Phase 90 and other hardwire bypass pedals, which will drain some top anyway, but I use it with carbons. - Bjorn]

[It's very quiet. The crude fuzz circuit will produce some hiss but it's no problem at all. The LF has a lot of gain. Much more than most other GEs. It will cover the Pompeii and Dark Side stuff with a booster but you'll have a slightly different gain character than the SI. A bit darker an not as focused and smooth but it'll be enough gain. - Bjorn]

Finally picked up one of these but the latest model with the Bias knob added on the outside. I have to say the Bias Knob makes this pedal soo much better!! What was already a great pedal is now spot on for those FF tones. Loving it. If you get a chance try the knew 3 knob version its really great! Thanks for the recommendation!

Cheers

[Glad to hear! I'll check it out. - Bjorn]

Thanks.

[I haven't tried the UZ so I don't know how it compares to the ESV. Some of the Behringer stompboxes are quite decent... I would imagine that the BYOC is better though. Combining a fuzz with a booster/overdrive will be noisy, no matter how good the pedals are. You need to match the gain and volume to be able to control the signal. - Bjorn]

[I haven't spoken to MJM in awhile, so I'm not sure where they're made. The geranium 4 is a nice pedal with lots of tone options but I don't think it quite makes it compared to the London Fuzz, AnalogMan Sun Face and similar in terms of authentic fuzz tones. - Bjorn]

Is there any difference between the earlier London fuzz (no design, brown box) and this new red design. ? I have read that the new ones were made in china ? Do you know if the quality of the components is still the same as in the earlier version ?
That earlier model used two vintage germanium transistors which were hand matched for the best possible tone and performance along with other period correct components for a truly authentic sound. I have seen a picture of that model and you could tell it was hand made, but is it still the case with the new ones?

[I've never heard anything about these being made in China. I think he makes all pedals him self. As far as I know the early LF is identical to the new. - Bjorn]

[Just send him an e-mail and he'll sort it out for you. - Bjorn]

I’m using the London Fuzz II at the moment. I must say, they really make good stuff! I’m hoping I can try this Ge London out sometime in the future, I owned a Hartman NKT fuzz, ended up selling it, needed cash, but I’ve missed those warmer fuzz tones ever since. Really need to try get a hold of one of these Londons. Still, the London Fuzz II is a fantastic BC108 fuzz I’ve also fell in love with, but it never hurts to mix and match! :)

Take care.

[These old style fuzz units are noisy. That's just their nature. You will hear some hiss when the pedal is engaged and the fuzz all the way up. Interferance from computers, lights, cell phones etc will be enhanced due to the high gain and combinations with other pedals (like a booster behind it) may make things worse. Try to eliminate as much of these factors as possible. I've also noticed that fuzz units gets more noisy with buffered pedals in the chain... as well as the fact that the buffers will effect the fuzz tone it self. If you still have a lot of noise then you can consider sending the pedal back or at least contact MJM and ask for advice. Tehy're very helpful. But again, it's part of the pedal's nature. - Bjorn]