When I was growing up and getting into music, I would get excited each month when the new guitar magazine arrived. Since there was no internet, the only way to learn about the latest gear was to browse through guitar and bass magazines, read interviews, and discover some new licks. One ad always stood out to me: it featured a person holding a guitar and a bass, but with four arms. The ad read, “Ever wish you could play two guitars at the same time?” At that moment, I knew I had to have that pedal. Once I finally got my hands on it, I realized it had the sound I had been searching for.
I’m talking about the DOD FX35 Octoplus pedal.
The DOD FX35 Octoplus, released in 1986, was a monophonic analog octave pedal that delivered a thick, synth-like sub-octave below the original signal. Unlike digital octave pedals that came later, the FX35 had a raw, organic tone with a distinct analog warmth and glitchy tracking that gave it character. The sub-octave was deep and rumbling, almost bass synth-like, making it a favorite for guitarists looking to fatten up their riffs or explore heavier, fuzzier territory. It worked especially well when paired with distortion or fuzz, creating a gnarly, growling sound that was as much felt as heard.
What made the FX35 unique was its simplicity and the unmistakable voice it gave the instrument. With only three knobs—Octave Level, Tone, and Direct Level—it was easy to dial in, yet its effect was anything but subtle. It would handle chords poorly, like most monophonic octavers, but single-note lines exploded with weight and presence. Unlike cleaner or more hi-fi octave pedals, the FX35 embraced its analog quirks, with slight tracking imperfections that gave it a gritty, vintage charm. For players wanting to thicken their sound or explore synth-like textures without digital gloss, the FX35 stood out as a bold, no-nonsense choice that turned even basic riffs into something primal and massive.
Check out this bass video I found showing some of the killer synth like sounds you can get using the DOD FX35 Octoplus pedal.