Shin-ei Companion FY-2 explained

The Shin-ei Companion FY-2 is a discontinued fuzz pedal, made by the Japanese Shin-ei effects pedal company from the late 1960s to the early 1970s. The pedal is known for its raw, distinctive, gated fuzz. FY-2 pedals are now rare.

Different versions were made, most using silicon transistors. These had a mid-cutting tone circuit, which lowered the volume. An earlier, rarer, version used germanium transistors. These did not have the tone circuit, and therefore had a louder output. The sound from this version is very rich, fluid and thick.

The pedal has two knobs:

• "Volume" (controls overall level)
• "Fuzz" (tone)

FY-2 Users

Notable musicians who have used the FY-2 include:

• Colin Greenwood of Radiohead, who used the pedal on "Exit Music (For a Film)" from the album OK Computer, and on "Myxomatosis" from Hail to the Thief.
• Graham Coxon
• Dan Auerbach
• Stephen Morris of Joy Division and New Order
• Ross Knight of Cosmic Psychos
• Nick Tyler of Driveblind
• Andrew Wilson of Die! Die! Die!
• Christian Bland of The Black Angels
• Ian Chestnutt of Percolator and Art Slug
• Kevin Bayly of The Dance Party
• William Reid of The Jesus and Mary Chain

External links

• A guide to the FY-2
• Discofreq's Effects Database entry for the FY-2, with modern clones and variations
• New Order interview- Melody Maker 1986