Tycobrahe Octavia

The Tycobrahe Octavia is a legendary octave fuzz pedal that emerged in the 1970s, closely tied to the work of Jimi Hendrix and his sound technician, Roger Mayer. The original Octavia circuit was designed by Mayer in 1967 for Hendrix, producing a unique octave-up effect combined with fuzz. This sound became iconic on tracks like "Purple Haze" and "Fire." Mayer continuously refined the design, creating numerous prototypes for Hendrix before his passing in 1970. One of these prototypes was reportedly sent to the Tycobrahe Sound Company in California for repair, where it was reverse-engineered and released commercially as the Tycobrahe Octavia in 1973 without Mayer's consent.

Historical Development

• Original Design: Roger Mayer's Octavia used a transformer-based circuit with germanium transistors to create its signature octave-up effect. Mayer later transitioned to silicon transistors for improved reliability.
• Tycobrahe Version: The Tycobrahe Octavia was based on one of Mayer's earlier designs but adapted for 9V operation instead of the original 24V. This resulted in improper transistor biasing, giving it a distinct tonal character. Tycobrahe produced the pedal until around 1976, and it remains one of the most sought-after vintage effects pedals.

Notable Players

• Jimi Hendrix: The original Octavia was integral to Hendrix's sound and can be heard on iconic tracks like "Purple Haze" and live performances with the Band of Gypsys.
• Stevie Ray Vaughan: Vaughan owned multiple Tycobrahe Octavias (reportedly nine) and used them to achieve searing lead tones on tracks like "Say What!".
• Jeff Beck: Beck also explored the Octavia's unique sonic possibilities during his career.

Popular Settings

The Tycobrahe Octavia is known for its sensitivity to playing dynamics and pickup selection:

• Neck Pickup: Using the neck pickup with the guitar tone rolled down enhances the octave effect.
• 12th Fret Playing: Playing near the 12th fret produces the strongest octave harmonics.
• Volume and Fuzz Balance: Adjusting the pedal's volume and fuzz levels allows for a range of tones, from subtle octave textures to full-blown fuzz chaos.

Legacy

The Tycobrahe Octavia remains a revered pedal due to its association with Hendrix and its unique sound. Vintage units are rare and highly collectible, often selling for over $1,000. Modern clones, such as those by Chicago Iron (Octavian), continue to replicate its distinctive tone. Despite controversy over its origins, the Tycobrahe Octavia has cemented its place in guitar effects history as one of the most iconic octave fuzz pedals ever created.