PREORDER - New model. Expected ready for shipping in June/July 2025. Available to preorder now!

A bass player’s dream-come-true pedal. Basically a three channel ultra-flexible dirt pedal, allowing you to mix any amount of fuzz, overdrive and clean sound

The fuzz and overdrive runs in parallel and the instrument signal is split at the input and enters both circuits (versus seriel or 'stacked' where one effect runs into the other). The two outputs are mixed via the “DIRT MIX” control. This makes any mix of drive and fuzz sounds possible. The distorted signal can then be mixed with any amount of strong clean sound via the “CLEAN MIX” control. Mixing in clean sound helps preserving low-end punch and tightness, which is important for a bass pedal. These features gives the  Submerge an unparalleled level of flexibility. It is capable of everything from subtle, amp-like overdrive to full-on, crazy fuzz mayhem.

The overdrive is a very natural and ‘amp-like’, with slightly scooped mids (think Fender amp). We have modified the circuit for bass by lowering the frequency response one octave. This feature is switchable inside the pedal, making it possible to put it into 'guitar mode' too. The clipping diodes are vintage new old stock Panasonic MA150s, which has a softer ‘knee’ than modern silicon diodes, giving the pedal a smoother sounding overdrive.

The muff fuzz is based on the old ‘Triangle’ version, and we have customized it for bass by lowering the ‘notch’ frequency of the tone control one octave down to suit bass frequencies better. Like the bass modification of the overdrive circuit, this is also switchable inside the pedal, so the pedal can be preset it for guitar too. We have equipped the fuzz circuit with a ‘Big Bender’ modification which omits one clipping stage from the circuit, making it tighter and very much like an old Jumbo Tonebender ( and Reuss Big Bender). The fuzz circuit is made with BC184 transistors which are the same as found in many of the best sounding vintage BM pedals.

The CLEAN MIX signal of the Submerge can pre pre-set inside the pedal for +12, 18 and 20 dB, depending on how much clean sound you need at tap for your mix. +20 db makes the pedal very loud and useful even as a clean boost too.  

The Submerge is a close cousin to the Reuss Epic Overdrive, with the TS circuit replaced by a BM fuzz. The Epic Overdrive can also be preset for bass via internal switches, so if you'd rather have a super flexible, dedicated bass overdrive pedal, that pedal might be the one for you.

Electronically, The Submerge is identical to the discontinued 'Subsonic Why' pedal, only difference is, it is no longer an artist signature pedal - and the clipping diodes in the Submerge are vintage new old stock Panasonic MA150s. The circuit boards inside the pedal still says 'Subsonic Why'.

We only printed 15 enclosures for the initial release in February 2025, so this is a very limited first edition. If they sell well, we might do more at a later point in time.

Demo video (artist signature version)

Demo of the pedal in guitar mode

Subsonic Why features and specifications

• Classic overdrive and fuzz circuits in parallel to mix freely
• The ability to mix the combined drive/fuzz sound with clean sound
• Custom settings for clean boost level via DIP switches inside
• Both overdrive and fuzz circuit can be pre-set individually for bass or guitar via DIP switches inside the pedal
• User defineable range of the DRIVE control via trimmer pot inside the pedal
  
• Vintage new old stock Panasonic MA150 clipping diodes
  
• Extremely high build quality. Completely handmade in the European Union
• Powder coated enclosure in metallic teal blue with real silk screen printed graphics
• Runs on a standard ‘Boss-type’ guitar pedal 9V power supply or 9V battery (not included). The pedal handles up to 18V from an external power supply for increased headroom.
• High quality Neutrik jacks
• Upgrade quality 'Alpha' brand footswitch (good for at least 30000 stomps)
• Runs on a standard ’Boss-style’ 9V DC guitar pedal power supply or a 9V battery
• 24 months warranty against manufacturing faults
• Packed in a cardboard box and linen draw-string bag
• Worldwide shipping from Denmark. Orders posted before 2:00 PM Central European Time on weekdays ships same day

Download the manual here (subsonic why version)

VERY IMPORTANT NOTICE: The prices at the webshop are listed without taxes. For customers in the European Union VAT is added at check-out. For pedals shipped to other countries, including the US and UK, local taxes and tariffs etc. will be charged by the local authorities. In some cases, these taxes, tariffs and clearance fees etc. will be claimed by the shipping company while the pedal is still in transit to the destination country, for a smooth and fast delivery without delays for custom's clearance. Different rules and regulations applies in different countries, so please check what the terms are where you live before posting an order, to avoid unpleasant surprises and disappointments. These things are beyond the powers of Reuss Musical Instruments to control.