Jordan Boss Tone
The Jordan Boss Tone is a compact and innovative fuzz pedal introduced in 1967 by Jordan Electronics. It was part of the Jordan Junior line, which also included the Vico Vibe tremolo/vibrato and the Boss Boost treble control. Unlike traditional stompboxes, the Boss Tone was designed to plug directly into a guitar's output jack, making it highly portable and unique for its time. Despite its small size, it delivered a powerful and versatile fuzz sound that ranged from smooth sustain to aggressive buzz.
Historical Overview
- Design and Features: The Boss Tone featured a simple circuit with two transistors (one PNP and one NPN) and basic controls for Volume and Attack. It retailed for $29.95, making it an affordable option for guitarists. Its compact design, however, limited shielding and durability, leading to issues like radio interference and fragile wiring.
- Production: Initially manufactured in Alhambra, California, production moved to Pasadena before ceasing in the early 1970s when Jordan Electronics dissolved. A version of the pedal was also licensed to Sho-Bud for use by pedal steel players under the name Sho-Sound Boss Tone.
Notable Players
- Randy California (Spirit): A prominent user of the Boss Tone, he used it extensively on Spirit's first four albums, blending psychedelic tones with raw rock energy.
- Dan Auerbach (The Black Keys): Auerbach has used a modified version of the Boss Tone as a floor pedal in his setups.
- Nashville Pedal Steel Players: The pedal found unexpected popularity in country music circles, with players like Shot Jackson and Buddy Emmons adopting it for its unique tonal qualities.
Popular Settings
- Volume and Attack Controls: The Volume knob adjusts output level, while the Attack knob shapes the fuzz intensity. Many users set the Attack high for maximum fuzz or dial it back for smoother sustain.
- Voltage Starving: Some players experiment with reducing voltage to produce octave-down effects or unique tonal characteristics.
- Modifications: Converting the original jack-mounted unit into a stompbox has been a common modification to improve usability and durability.
Legacy
The Jordan Boss Tone remains a beloved fuzz pedal for its distinctive sound and historical significance. Though its direct-jack design was unconventional and somewhat impractical, its tonal versatility made it a favorite among experimental rock and country players. Today, it is celebrated as a quirky yet influential piece of fuzz pedal history.