Gear Review: Conan Guitarist and Vocalist Jon Davis on His Dunwich Amplification Fuzz Throne Pedal

The Liverpool, UK-based doom trio Conan is quickly gearing up to release their sophomore full-length, Blood Eagle, on February 28, 2014 via Napalm Records. As is to be expected from the group, this new record is slow, brooding, fuzzed-out, and mega fucking intense. In order to bring you some insight into the band’s signature sound, we asked guitarist and vocalist Jon Davis some gear-related questions in an attempt to pick his brain and determine just how the hell these guys sound so damned heavy! Check it out.

What one piece of gear do you use to obtain your signature sound?
Davis: I would say the item that does that is probably my fuzz pedals. On this latest album I use a custom made Fuzz Throne pedal by Dunwich Amplification. It’s a bit like a Fuzz Face vlone but with an extra gain stage to drive the amp really hard. That plus my late 70’s Matamp GT120 and I have the perfect match.

What about it makes it so important to you?
Davis: Well, whatever amp I use it with, it drives the front end really hard and gets me this super thick distorted fuzz. It makes any note I play sound 10 times heavier.

What are the major pros and cons?
Davis: Ummmm, there are no cons aside from that it’s a pretty big pedal – it’s got a lot going for it though as it has a few different options to shape the sound just how you want it.

How long have you had it, how do you use it, would you ever change it?
Davis: I got it about 8 months ago actually and it’s been my main fuzz pedal ever since. I use it for the Conan sound – it’s loud and angry and really sweet sounding. I don’t think I would change it but of course you never can tell for sure. I might try one of his Volt Thrower pedals and see if I like them too.

Any final thoughts or comments on the gear?
Davis: I go for old valve amps and have set up really well, it’s important to me that my equipment is reliable and working at its full capacity. I like to tune low so the amps I use must be powerful to support the low end of my sound.

Check out the song “Foehammer”