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.