TYT Review: Simplicity at its Best is Perfection
Upon receiving the Mythos Argonaut Octave Up, its azure paint finish and cream font exude a retro elegance. Its palm-sized dimensions (93×39×27mm) are extremely friendly for crowded pedalboards. As a “minimalist” octave-up effect pedal with no knobs and a single button, it is core equipped with hand-matched NOS germanium diodes. Testing reveals that when used alone, it can generate bizarre high-frequency overtones similar to a ring modulator, with a bit of grit and unexpected liveliness, especially during clean picking, adding a sci-fi soundtrack-like fun; however, its true power is unleashed in signal chain combinations—when placed after the Velvet Fuzz, it instantly activates that iconic screaming octave tone reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix’s Band of Gypsys era, where the intensity of the pick attack directly influences the tearing quality of the overtones, with extremely sensitive dynamic response. When combined with overdrive pedals (like Tumnus), it presents a different vintage texture, enhancing mid-range solidity without drowning out the main tone. It must be emphasized: its octave effect covers the entire fretboard, unlike traditional octaves that only work at specific positions, creating controllable chaotic sounds when playing chords, which is a plus for players seeking unique tones. The ultra-minimalist design with no knobs, in my opinion, “no adjustment options promote focus on playing”—if you already own fuzz or overdrive pedals, the Argonaut is like the finishing touch, enhancing tonal dimensions at minimal spatial cost.
Official Website Information▼
Argonaut Octave Up (Octave Up Effect Pedal)
The Argonaut is a simple yet effective pedal that provides a relatively clean octave-up effect. When used alone, it produces a raw, trendy tone similar to a ring modulator, which is quite interesting. The real fun begins when you combine it with your favorite overdrive or fuzz effects. Once stacked, the iconic octave tones we know and love burst forth from your signal. It is touch-sensitive, tonally quirky, and full of fun, all packed into a compact box. The Argonaut uses a pair of handmatched NOS germanium diodes, allowing it to produce the most significant octave-up effects across the entire guitar fretboard. Unlike traditional octave effects, this octave effect is clearly audible across the entire fretboard, so be prepared to embark on a bizarre journey once you add this little gem to your pedalboard.
We love placing the Argonaut after fuzz effects and before overdrive effects. However, as with all things, results may vary, and there is no standard answer for guitar tones. Experimenting will help you find the best effect combinations for your setup and playing style.
Technical Specifications
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Handmatched NOS Germanium Diodes
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Gnarly octave up tones
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Pairs with your fave drive or fuzz!
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Top quality jacks, switch, pots, and components throughout.
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Input Impedance: 100 kΩ
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Output Impedance: <1 kΩ
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Approx. 10 mA Current Draw
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True Bypass Wiring
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Enclosure size: 3.65” x 1.53” x 1.07” (approx. 93mm x 39mm x 27mm)
Sound Samples
The red-cased version in the video is an exclusive color from Russomusic, and besides this, there are different printed versions of the old-style casing. These three versions have different appearances, but the circuit tones are identical.
Additional Information from Russomusic▼
Description
The Mythos Argonaut octave-up pedal is a single-button, knob-less octave-up effect pedal, a perennial favorite in the Mythos product line. We decided to give this unassuming (yet exceptionally practical) pedal a Russo Music twist, featuring an exclusive red casing with cream printing.
The Argonaut octave-up effect pedal may be a one-trick pony, but it does that trick exceptionally well. The Argonaut performs nicely on its own, producing wild tones similar to a ring modulator on a clean signal. However, it truly shines when stacked with overdrive and fuzz effects. This pedal is touch-sensitive, tonally unique, and a lot of fun to play. Its compact footprint saves valuable space on your pedalboard, and the single-button design makes operation simple and intuitive. The Argonaut uses hand-matched NOS germanium diodes and top-quality internal components.
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This pedal is the exclusive color version from Russo Music. All components are the same as the standard Mythos Argonaut. All Mythos pedals are handcrafted by Zach Broyles and his team in Nashville, Tennessee.
Thomann Buyer Reviews (Excerpt)▼
Can’t fuzz, no control, no problem.
I have tried several octave fuzz pedals and owned a few, but I never liked them much because the fuzz tone always sounded too “rough” to me.
This pedal works great with all my distortion pedals (OCD, Riot, RAT, Direct Drive, Velvet Fuzz, Duke of Tone, Tumnus), and the effect is not only prominent in the high range but also clearly audible across the entire fretboard.
I really like that it has no adjustment options—just line it up (in series), hit play, perfect!
The clean signal (when used alone) sounds interesting, but it’s not really my thing. What really amazed me was connecting it with my Micro-POG (only using the low octave) into the Velvet Fuzz—wow!
For me, it’s a keeper, even if I only use it occasionally, it has earned a permanent spot on my board.——andideesk (Germany)
Perfect.
This circuit is usually only used with fuzz pedals. But if you just want that natural and slightly murky high octave sound, then go for it; it sounds like a ring modulator, only (thankfully) it harmonizes with every note.
This pedal is simply amazing: compact, zero parameters.
It delivers on its promise, sounding like Jimi Hendrix’s Gypsy Band……
Be careful when playing multiple notes at once; it can get a bit crazy…… but is that a problem? I love it so much!!
——Grutboy (France)
It really does what it says.
The simple design means it’s hard to go wrong. It focuses on one thing and does it well. If you want to add some punch to a riff but like your own distortion effects, then it’s a great choice.
——Grif (USA)
Mythos Argonaut Octave Up
Retail Price in China: 1399 RMB
Please contact TYT Music dealers or major online platforms for purchase
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