Way Huge Guitar Effects pedals have carved a distinctive path in the boutique pedal world, celebrated for their larger-than-life sound and quirky personalities. Among their impressive lineup, the Purple Platypus stands out as a truly original creation. To understand its unique charm, we delve into what makes Way Huge a cornerstone of guitar pedal innovation and explore the sonic landscape of this intriguing octave drive.
Jeorge Tripps, the mastermind behind Way Huge, is renowned for his whimsical naming conventions, often drawing inspiration from colorful animals. From the Green Rhino overdrive to the Blue Hippo chorus and the Red Llama overdrive, these names are more than just labels; they hint at the sonic character within each pedal. The Purple Platypus continues this tradition, promising a sound as unusual and captivating as its namesake.
So, what exactly is the Purple Platypus? It’s described as an octave drive, a concept that sets it apart from typical octave fuzz pedals. While octave fuzzes are known for their aggressive, often unpredictable nature, the Purple Platypus takes a different approach. It doesn’t generate a clean, digitally precise octave like some DSP-based pedals. Instead, it works by taking your guitar’s signal, adding a touch of overdrive, and then doubling the waveform to create an octave-up effect.
Alt text: The Way Huge Purple Platypus octave drive pedal, showcasing its unique purple enclosure and intuitive control layout, a distinctive addition to the Way Huge family of guitar effects.
The result is a sound that’s distinctly dirty and gnarly, with a tracking character that’s intentionally imperfect. This isn’t a flaw; it’s a key part of the Purple Platypus’s charm. Instead of pristine octave harmonies, you get a raw, organic octave doubling that adds a layer of chaotic beauty to your guitar tone. Tripps himself describes it as combining the octave effect with the spirit of his classic Red Llama overdrive. This fusion creates a truly unique overdrive and distortion experience, unlike anything else in the way huge guitar effects arsenal.
For guitarists seeking to venture beyond conventional overdrive and distortion, the Purple Platypus offers a refreshing alternative. It’s perfect for those who appreciate pedals that color outside the lines, delivering tones that are both inspiring and unconventional. If you’re looking to inject some weird and wonderful character into your sound, this pedal is well worth exploring.
Beyond the specific allure of the Purple Platypus, it’s important to recognize the broader impact of Way Huge on the guitar pedal industry. Jeorge Tripps’ contributions extend beyond just unique circuit designs. He holds a significant place in pedal history for being the first to utilize the triple-pole double-throw footswitch – the robust mechanical switch that became the industry standard for true bypass pedals. This innovation, now ubiquitous in boutique and mass-produced pedals alike, underlines Tripps’ influence and foresight. He essentially pioneered true bypass switching, a feature highly valued by guitarists seeking to preserve their instrument’s natural tone when pedals are bypassed.
Way Huge pedals, including the Purple Platypus, are not just about sound; they represent a significant chapter in the evolution of guitar effects. Jeorge Tripps is considered one of the original boutique pedal builders in the United States, paving the way for countless others and shaping the landscape of modern guitar tone. His work with Way Huge has been instrumental in inspiring generations of pedal makers and players alike. Exploring Way Huge guitar effects is not just about discovering new sounds; it’s about engaging with a vital part of guitar history. So, dive in and experience the “way huge” impact for yourself.
