The Bull is now available in a non-limited format! The new JAM Pedals Octaurus Standard used the same design as the Octaurus NOS but uses readily available components to provide continuous availability. The original Octaurus Ltd sold quickly and for good reason: It more than lived up the hype. The new Octaurus Standard makes the Bull more affordable and lets everyone join in on the fun.

But wait there are two versions, Standard and NOS. How do they differ? The standard version has a thicker tone with fatter mids, and is little more compressed sounding than the NOS version. The NOS version -- probably showing its germanium roots -- is edgier, leaner and a bit more aggressive. Both have equal amounts of overall gain potential, but side-by-side at similar settings the difference in character are apparent. 

The JAM Octaurus is a remarkably musical and usable device for a wide variety of genres. The Octaurus works so well because at its core it's an extremely good fuzz/distortion pedal. The voicing switches and clipping modes allow plenty of tonal options and even if there were no octave function it puts out some remarkably tasty crunch from mild to extreme, but never overly harsh, splatty or low-fi. 

The octave function -- analog of course and not adjustable for blend -- does not overwhelm the core note and sits somewhere in the background. However, how you set the scoop and clipping toggles will affect the emphasis of the octave note. Some octave pedals tend to sound like "effects" with an over-emphasized high octave that makes it suitable for single note runs only. The Octaurus handles power chords, double stops (and even full chords) extremely well. While this pedal is great for Hendrix fans, if you are fan of Punk Pop like Paramore and Fallout Boy you are in for a treat. Turning down the guitar volume and somewhat starving the pedal produces sort of a ring mod effect that adds another dimension to the pedal.

Which leads us to comment on the current crop of demo videos out there: They tend to be wildly over the top and don't do justice to the flexibility and available range of the pedal. When used with restraint it adds thickness and dimensionality to many styles of solo work, and as we said holds together on chords in a way we never expected. The Octaurus Standard is a great addition to the JAM lineup.

In the words of JAM Pedals....

With the Octaurus, our aim was to create an octafuzz that goes beyond being just another genre-specific one-trick pony.
We wanted a versatile powerhouse that inspires creative exploration and delivers in a wide range of musical applications.

Key Sonic Traits:

Here are some standout features we strived for, which we hope will resonate with you:

• Clear Apparent Octave: Maintains clarity across all pickup positions.

• Retained Note Body: Keeps your notes full and rich across your guitar’s entire register.

• Volume Roll-Back Magic: Roll back your guitar’s volume for a ring-mod effect without sacrificing double stops or fundamental intervals.

• Power-Chord Definition: Overdrive-like clarity for open power chords while preserving tightness and girth with a scooped voicing.

• Full Range Voicing: Offers a singing fuzz quality that soars in the mix.

• Symmetrical Clipping: For tightness and precise definition.

• Asymmetrical Clipping: Delivers a looser, more dynamic feel.