I knew nothing about the Jupiter Effects Warlow until about a week ago. I had been browsing reverb for a Big Muff-style distortion. I've never owned an Electro Harmonix Big Muff or played one, that was not in an amp modler. I wanted to have something from that family in my sonic tool kit as I collect those “classic” pedals or variants of them.
Today I truthfully planned on writing about something entirely different. Something much more modern from Fractle Audio. That is until I checked the mail this morning.
This pedal was on reverb and was priced less than an EHX big box muff. So you know, I bought it before someone else could. (Quick spoiler warning, I made the right choice! I love this pedal!)
From a quick read from the website, this pedal is built to be an OP amp Big Muff. Based on an EHX Big Muff pedal, from the same year that Smashing Pumpkins came out with Siamese Dream. Honesty time I've never once given that record a listen, but I do know that OP amp EHX Big Muffs are sought after.
The Warlow is much more than just a Muff copy, it does incorporate the filter section of a Pro Co Ratt. A classic dirt pedal I have been meaning to pick up. What that gives us is a fuzz pedal that is much more of a fuzz monster than something like a fuzz face or the higher gain Astro-Tone pedal I use, it's not subtle. It has no interest in being subtle or played lightly. The Warlow has its own vibe altogether, it wants to play sludgy slow heavy riffs. It invites you to play like a sledgehammer. This fuzz has no interest in playing blues.
The filter knob has a sweep that reminds me of the BOSS HM-2 in a good way, going from off the rails to outrageous. That level of filtering is satisfying, especially if your ears feel a bit of fatigue from modern high gain and metal tones.
I really like this pedal. This pedal did something special, it prompted me to write a sludgy Matt Pike-inspired tune within the first hour It was in my possession. Anytime a new sound makes you write, well I don't need to tell you that’s a good sign.
If the Warlow was a person. They would probably live in Portland Oregon. Smoke Camel Turkish Silvers, have at least one DUI, drinks PBR, and enjoys the band Electric Wizzard.
In my teen years, I spent a considerable amount of time listening to the “metal” band ISIS. I also dug deep into the band's Neurosis, Cult of Luna, and High on Fire. I was drawn to those heavy bands that had a big sonic presence and were a bit slower in tempo. The Warlow captures that vibe wonderfully.
Im using this pedal in front of my Marshall Silver Jubilee, but im interested in pairing it with a Sovtek Mig 50 or the EHX Mig 50 reissue and see what happens.
If that all sounds appealing to you. Im happy to also say that the build quality is very good. This pedal is also affordable and readily available from the Jupiter Effects website for under the $200 mark!