This evening belonged to Niko, and the new JHS Bender (of the Legend of Fuzz series).
After a full day of getting to know the new fuzz, I let her take centre stage—no overthinking, just playing through what felt right.
The Chain
First pass:
- JHS Legend of Fuzz Bender
- H.B.E. Mimic Mock I
Second pass:
- Clean
- H.B.E. Mimic Mock I
- Danelectro Cool Cat Tremolo
All into the Fender Pro Junior IV.
The Session
Niko’s single humbucker had no trouble speaking.
With the Bender engaged, she didn’t just push sound—she sang.
There was bite, there was texture, but more importantly, there was clarity. Notes held their shape even as they sustained, with that slight wobble dancing at the edges.
I pushed her a little:
- harder strumming
- softer touches
- switching between rhythm and melody
And she responded every time.
No fighting the pedal. No forcing the tone. Just a conversation.
The Clean Side
Then I pulled the Bender out.
Clean tone, Mimic on, tremolo gently moving underneath.
Different voice entirely—lighter, more open, but still musical.
The delay gave it body, the trem gave it motion. Nothing excessive, just enough to keep things alive.
The Realisation
What stood out wasn’t just the sound.
It was how easily everything settled into place.
The Bender didn’t dominate—she fitted.
The Mimic didn’t distract—she supported.
The Pro Junior didn’t colour—she revealed.
And Niko? She handled all of it without hesitation.
Closing Thought
A new pedal always has a honeymoon phase.
But this didn’t feel like that.
The Bender felt… usable. Repeatable. Musical.
One line to carry:
A good first day isn’t about being impressed—it’s about knowing you’ll come back tomorrow.