Guitar Journal: Big Puft Fuzz, Godzilla Strats & More
Plus, High-End CompIQ Yuna Pro Compression and Fender Japan Godzilla Stratocasters!
2,7 / 5,0 | 
This week, we look at the new Mythos Pedals Big Puft Fuzz, their new production version of last year’s limited-run Big Muff-style fuzz/distortion. Next, we check out the new streamlined Becos FX Introduces CompIQ Pro Yuna compressor pedal. Finally, Fender Japan has just announced a Godzilla series of limited-run Stratocasters for the Japanese market.
Guitar Journal
Big Puft
The latest Mythos Pedals effect is the Big Puft Fuzz. They have reintroduced their version of the Big Muff Pi and made it a permanent fixture in their range. It has a mid-forward fuzz/distortion, and the aesthetic should remind you of a certain film.
Fuzz Bustin’
This Ghostbustin’ themed Muff has been tweaked and is based on Zach’s preferred Big Muff Pi circuits. It’s the Mr. Stay Puft graphics that give it the look and style of Ghostbusters, and they have continued the theme onto the main PCB, which has a Keymaster-inspired layout and also uses true bypass switching.
It has the standard Volume, Tone, and Sustain controls that we all expect from a Big Muff, so it’s simple to use.
Halloween
If you want a modern take on a classic Muff, then this Ghostbusters/Halloween-themed version is a little more friendly to pedalboard than Mythos’ original pedal. Inspired by their Positron Collider and Positron, both released during Halloween.
Then, in 2024, they created a limited run of the Big Puft, a ‘big box’ version of the design, and now there is this smaller, more manageable version as a production version at last!
This means you can now get this new, smaller version with a tweaked EQ setting and a smaller enclosure, powered via an external power supply (rather than a battery clip).
Mythos Pedals Big Puft Fuzz at Thomann, priced $186/£167/€189
CompIQ Yuna Pro Compressor
Becos FX has released the CompIQ Pro Yuna, a new compressor that distills the core functionality of its flagship CompIQ Pro Stella into a more immediate and user-friendly pedal. It takes its inspiration from the legendary DBX 163X “Over Easy” compressor, the Yuna delivers a smooth, soft-knee Blackmer VCA Studio style compression.
Hand assembled in Vienna, Austria these pedals offer high-end compression in a compact format.
Simplified Controls
While the Stella has 13 surface controls, the Yuna manages with just 8, relegating some deeper customisation options to internal jumper switches. The separate High and Low Side-Chain Filter (SCF) controls on the Stella are also streamlined into a single universal SCF knob on the Yuna.
The result is a powerful compressor that retains about 95% of Stella’s core functionality but offers significantly easier and quicker dial-in for players who found Stella’s depth a bit intimidating.
Analog Compression
At its core is a high-performance Blackmer VCA compression engine, offering a smooth Soft-Knee compression style. It uses a True RMS-level detector and is set up by default for instrument level (-20dBu), though you can adjust this internally.
The main ‘Comp’ control simplifies operation by combining both the ratio and threshold settings. You have a generous Make-up Gain range from 0dB up to +26dB to restore volume lost during compression.
It’s great for both bass and guitar, and this simplified control layout should make it far more immediate to dial in. The analog design uses premium components like Burr-Brown FET audio ICs and high-quality film capacitors, so it should sound pretty decent whatever you put through it.
Studio-quality compression in a pedal format is becoming more popular and this pricing for this model is about right for this one.
MSRP – €349
Godzilla Stratocasters!
Fender Japan has announced its most ambitious collaboration ever, partnering with the legendary Godzilla to launch a series of Stratocasters celebrating the monster’s 70th anniversary.
Unfortunatley, they are a highly limited run and probably won’t make it outside of the Japanese market.
Masterbuilt Godzilla Stratocaster
There is a Limited Edition Masterbuilt Godzilla Stratocaster, hand-crafted by Master Builder Andy Hicks of the Fender Custom Shop. Only one exists currently, priced at about $36,000, (with potentially four more available for custom order).
It has two humbuckers, whereas the standard version just have a single bridge humbucker.
Black & Blue Standard Editions
For players seeking a more accessible model, two Made-in-Japan versions are available: the Godzilla Stratocaster Blue and Godzilla Stratocaster Black, retailing for approximately $3,250 each. They also have the G.L.O. (Gain-Linked Optics) Circuit.
Roar Button
A small green button near the volume knob activates an onboard sound effect that plays Godzilla’s iconic roar. The body features custom artwork by Tom Neely, including a front graphic inspired by the Heisei films and a back montage of seven Godzillas from across the decades, rendered in neon paint that glows under black light.
Each guitar has that cool Godzilla graphic on the rear, plus a 70th Anniversary neck plate to commemorate the occasion.
Heat Ray!
When the distortion circuit is engaged by pushing the Tone 2 knob, a Godzilla outline on the pickguard illuminates like a heat ray. The light’s brightness dynamically changes based on the gain level.
70th Anniversary
These single humbucker versions both have a custom Godzilla humbucker for a heavy tone, the striking Godzilla 12th-fret inlay, and come in a custom hard case.
More Godzilla Goodies
As it’s Japan they also have a Fender Godzilla Distortion pedal, plectrums and even a Godzilla Latte being sold in the Tokyo Flaghip store!
These guitars look great and are certianly fun. It’s just a pity Fender’s standard releases outside of Japan are often so dull in comparison. I really want to hear the Godzilla roar effect being used on some songs now!
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