PION
Fuzz + OD + Boost
The PION is the ultimate three-stage gain pedal: a Fuzz Face-style fuzz with NOS BC183 transistors, a King of Tone-style overdrive with the JRC4580DD op amp and NOS 1N34A germanium diodes, and an Analogman Bad Bob-inspired boost with NOS J201 JFETs. Everything from subtle enhancement to thick saturation in a single enclosure.
$155
FREE SHIPPING
Free Germanium Clipper included
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Fuzz Stage
The fuzz side is a modified Fuzz Face circuit built with NOS BC183 transistors, the "softest" sounding silicon that bridges germanium warmth with silicon reliability. It delivers classic, touch-sensitive fuzz that cleans up naturally when you roll back your guitar's volume.
Overdrive Stage
The overdrive is powered by a JRC4580DD op amp, the low-noise version of the same chip found in the King of Tone. It features NOS 1N34A germanium diodes alongside the original silicon diodes, increasing headroom and softening the clipping edge. It provides smooth breakup, warm harmonics, and the dynamics to work as an always-on foundation or a richer drive when pushed.
Boost Stage
The boost is a cascode circuit built with NOS J201 JFETs. Unlike clean boosts, it's a dirty boost that clips early, delivering tube-like breakup, body, punch, and presence with touch-sensitive response. It has enough output to hit your amp harder or bring stacked tones forward in a mix.
Combined Performance
The signal path runs Fuzz into Overdrive into Boost. The overdrive follows the fuzz to restore the low frequencies and body typically lost through a Fuzz Face circuit, keeping your tone thick even when cleaning up. The boost sits last, where it serves two purposes: push your amp into natural saturation for leads, or get driven into its own tube-like breakup when you crank the overdrive into it. This stacking order makes the PION a complete gain stage, combining three of the five pillars of gain (BJT, Op-Amp, and JFET) in a single enclosure.
9V-18V Support
The PION runs on 9V-18V DC. At 18V, the overdrive and boost circuits gain more headroom, clarity, and volume. The fuzz gets rawer with more bite. 9V is fuller. Both sound great.
Sound Samples
Hear each circuit individually, in pairs, or all three together.
Reference
Boost
Overdrive
Fuzz
Combinations
"80%" samples have the guitar's volume knob rolled back to show cleanup.
NOS BC183 Transistors
A "holy grail" silicon transistor that bridges the gap between germanium warmth and silicon stability. The same type found in the legendary Fuzz Face circuit.
NOS 1N34A Germanium Diodes
Gold-bonded ITT germanium diodes, famously used in the original Klon Centaur. The gold bonding provides superior consistency and longevity. Soft clipping delivers warm, musical overdrive.
JRC4580DD Op Amp
The low-noise variant of the JRC4580D famously used in the King of Tone. Delivers the same warm mids and smooth clipping with enhanced clarity.
NOS J201 JFETs
One of the most sought-after JFETs in boutique pedal building, prized for its tube-like warmth. Hand-tested from an increasingly scarce supply.
PION Specifications
Components
- NOS BC183 silicon transistors
- NOS 1N34A germanium clipping diodes
- JRC4580DD low-noise op amp
- NOS J201 JFETs
- Switchcraft audio jacks
- Gorva potentiometers
- Gorva soft-clicking foot switches
- Lumberg power jack
- UV-colored (purple) LED indicators
Features
- True bypass switching
- A unique hand-sewn pouch
Enclosure
- Hammond 1590BB enclosure
- Copper mounting washers
- 118mm x 96mm x 50mm
- 387g
Power
- 9V-18V DC center-negative
- 12 mA max current
- 18V: more OD/boost headroom, clarity, volume. Rawer fuzz
Included with Purchase
- Germanium Clipper Keychain (1N4381)
- Two guitar picks
Included Free
Germanium Clipper Keychain
Every pedal ships with a free Germanium Clipper Keychain: a fully functional passive clipping circuit on your keys. Two germanium diodes create real harmonic saturation. Clip it into your signal chain in an emergency, or just enjoy carrying a piece of vintage tone wherever you go.
Learn MoreWarranty
All UV Effects pedals come with a 1-year warranty that covers any defects in parts or workmanship. If something goes wrong under normal use, we'll repair or replace the pedal at no charge.
This warranty applies only to the original purchaser and is not transferable. It doesn't cover damage caused by misuse, incorrect power supplies, accidental damage, or user modifications.
International Customers: Our 1-year manufacturer warranty is only valid for domestic US customers. For international customers, we provide technical support and can ship replacement parts at cost, but we do not cover international shipping for repairs.
Returns & Shipping
Returns are accepted within 14 days of delivery. Items must be in like-new condition with all original packaging. A restocking fee of up to 25% may apply for pedals that show wear or are incomplete.
Orders are processed quickly and shipped from Colorado. For questions, contact us at daniel@uveffects.com.
Ready to add a PION to your pedalboard?