Buyer’s Gear Guide fuzz
Fuzz has always fascinated guitarists. From the early days when you would pin a whole in your speaker, to the wide range of clones and boutiques that are available today. In this feature we’ll look at a handful of models and how to incorporate these in your rig, with David Gilmour’s tones in mind.
When David joined Pink Floyd in early 1968, guitarists had only a few pedals to choose from. The fuzz was a staple in most setups and like Jimi Hendrix, David also relied on the Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face for his overdrive and lead tones. In early 1971 he swapped the germanium transistor model, with the slightly more aggressive, and more reliable, silicon transistor model. The pedal was featured on classic songs like Echoes, Time and Money. In 1976, David replaced his old fuzz pedals with the Big Muff.
Fuzz or distortion?
The typical two-transistor fuzz circuit is recognized by its raw and uncompressed tone. It’s dirty and sometimes hard to tame, yet incredibly responsive and dynamic. Just by adjusting the gain with the guitar volume, a single pedal could produce anything from boosted cleans to warm overdrive and thunderous growl.
Big Muffs are often referred to as fuzz but both the Muff circuit and its tone is quite different from the fuzz pedals. The Big Muff has a much more saturated tone, with a smoother character and sustain. The distortion pedal appeared in the late 70s. While fuzz and Big Muffs were designed to push tube amps into powerful tube distortion, the distortion pedal was designed to give guitarists a chance to get those tones on whatever amp and volume they would utilize.
Fuzz on the pedal board
The vintage circuit fuzz are perhaps the most demanding pedals you can feature on a pedal board. They don’t like active pickups and buffered pedals and digital circuits can mess up the tone pretty bad. They’re best left alone in the chain but at least be sure to place them first in the chain, keep them 2-3 pedals away from any buffers and allow them to be powered by 9V carbon batteries. That will ensure the best signal and tone.
Fuzz pedals can sound harsh and thin on smaller setups and low volume levels. They need a minimum of volume, and preferably a bit of tube break up, to open up and get that dynamic tone. You can compensate to some extent with a transparent true bypass booster placed behind it, like the Colorsound Power Boost or TC Electronics Spark Booster. However, in most cases, you’re probably better off with a more versatile pedal, like the RAT, which is capable of producing a wide range of different fuzz and distortion tones. Read more here.
Using fuzz pedals
It’s easy to dismiss a fuzz pedal for being too wild, harsh and thin but once you get to know the pedal, finding its sweetspot on your rig, they’re really some of the most fun pedals to play around with. The vintage fuzz circuit is incredibly versatile.
Hendrix and Gilmour mastered them perfectly and knew how to combine the sheer power of their amps with the gain and volume of the pedals. By using the guitar volume control, they could control the signal feed from the guitar to the pedal and get just the right amount of gain for different tones and passages in the music.
What I love about the fuzz are all the harmonics, the weird sounds and that slightly unpredictable nature. You never really know what to get when you pick a string. The fuzz circuit is far from perfect, which I think, makes it all more unique. The germanium transistor can change in tone in different temperatures and humidity. The silicon transistor will produce all kinds of wild oscillation sounds if you push it too hard. Both will react differently to different types (and brands!) of batteries. Love them or hate them.
All pedals listed below were tested on a Stratocaster featuring D Allen Voodoo 69 neck and middle pickups and a Seymour Duncan SSL5 bridge pickups and a Radix Deluxe PRS model with Seymour Duncan Phat Cat P90s into Reeves Custom 50 and Laney Lionheart L20h tube stacks.
Germanium fuzz
The first generation fuzz pedals were based on the germanium transistor. Recognized by its warm and extremely dynamic and responsive character, the germanium fuzz is still a favourite among many guitarists.
Dunlop JDF2 Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face
Dunlop’s standard Fuzz Face model is based on the late 60 germanium transistor circuit, producing a warm, saturated tone with overdrive qualities. Although capable of delivering some nice Hendrix, Johnson and early Gilmour tones, the JDF2 sounds a bit too muddy and dark and doesn’t quite match up to the more authentic sounding clones.
Power: 9V battery
Gilmour tones: ASoS – Meddle
S
maller amps/bedroom level: 3/10
MJM London Fuzz red
The red London Fuzz is one of my all time favourites. Featuring two matched germanium transistors, this one’s tweaked for a bit more gain and low end, placing the pedal somewhere between most germanium and silicon models. Using the guitar volume control, you can get anything from warm cleans to growling fuzz, with all those lovely fuzz harmonics. The pedal stands well on its own but but you should also try it in combo with a transparent booster.
Power: 9V battery and adapter (positive!)
Gilmour tones: ASoS – DSotM
Smaller amps/bedroom level: 6/10
Jam Pedals Fuzz Phrase
Again, one of my favourite sounding fuzz pedals. The Fuzz Phrase feature a matched pair of the OC44 germanium transistors. Of all the germanium fuzzes I’ve tried, this is definitely the most dynamic one. Roll down the guitar volume for a cleaner tone and it still maintains its character and tone. Set it to full blown fuzz on a hot tube amp and you’ll get tones right up there in the Big Muff territory. Like the red London Fuzz, the Fuzz Phrase also has a bit more gain and lower end than most other germaniums.
Power: 9V battery and adapter (positive!)
Gilmour tones: ASoS – Meddle
Smaller amps/bedroom level: 7/10
AnalogMan SunFace NKT275
Featuring a pair of NKT275 germanium transistors, this is perhaps the most authentic sounding germanium Fuzz Face on the market. Classic Hendrix and early Gilmour with just the right amount of gain, top and lower end. The SunFace cleans up incredibly well, allowing the pedal to act as a booster and overdrive, as well as classic fuzz. The current version of the NKT275 also feature a Sundial, a third control that basically acts like a bias control. Definitely the smoothest and most authentic sounding of the germaniums listed here.
Power: 9V battery
Gilmour tones: ASoS – Meddle
Smaller amps/bedroom level: 7/10
Fulltone 69 MKII
Classic germanium circuit with a pair of PNP transistors, producing warm and smooth fuzz with lots of rich harmonics. In addition to the usual level and fuzz controls, the MKII also feature a contour control, adding a bit of mid boost, and an input/bias control, adjusting the amount of gain produced. The pedal sounds great and the contour mid range booster comes in handy on smaller setups and lower volume but if you’re like me, preferring your fuzz as basic as possible, you might find it hard to dial in the right, vintage tones with this one.
Power: 9V battery and adapter (positive)
Gilmour tones: ASoS – Meddle
Smaller amps/bedroom level: 8/10
Silicon fuzz
Compared to the germanium transistor circuit, the silicon transistor fuzz has more gain and sustain, brighter top and fatter lower end. Some find these a bit too wild and hard to tame and often with good reason. However, with some tweaking and the right amp for the job, you can make a silicon fuzz sing like a Big Muff.
Dunlop JHF1 Jimi Hendrix Fuzz Face
This is a faithful clone of the 1969-70 Hendrix era Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face with the BC108 silicon transistors, a handwired brown circuit board and the classic looking hammertone chassis. Of all the current Dunlop reissues and signature models, this is the most vintage sounding, with an open and dynamic tone, lots of gain and a well balanced frequency spectrum.
Power: 9V battery only
Gilmour tones: Pompeii – DSotM
Smaller amps/bedroom level: 7/10
MJM London Fuzz blue
This appropriately coloured blue fuzz has a bright and fairly aggressive tone with lots of gain. Compared to most other silicon fuzz, the blue London Fuzz has a smoother tone and an internal trimmer allows you to tweak the tone even further. The pedal cleans up nicely with the guitar volume control and it also work better than most on lower volume and bedroom setups.
Power: 9V battery and adapter (positive)
Gilmour tones: Pompeii – DSotM
Smaller amps/bedroom level: 8/10
MXR Classic 108 Fuzz
The Classic 108 feature, as the name implies, BC108 silicon transistors. The pedal produce a bright, saturated gain with lots of sustain and character. An additional buffer switch, eliminates the strange oscillation sounds you get from placing wahs in front of fuzz pedals. Although this pedal is very similar to the Hendrix JHF-1, I don’t think it sounds nearly as open and dynamic as neither the Hendrix nor other clones. Nevertheless, classic fuzz tones and a pedalboard friendly circuit.
Power: 9V battery and adapter
Gilmour tones: Pompeii – DSotM
Smaller amps/bedroom level: 6/10
Boss FZ-5 Fuzz
The FZ-5 isn’t really a fuzz in the vintage sense of things but rather a modelling pedal based on Boss’ COSM technology. You can choose from different kinds of fuzz tones and models, including the classic germanium Fuzz Face and Hendrix’s Octavia. All in all an OK fuzz pedal but far from as vintage and authentic sounding as the many clones available. Still though, pairing this one up with a transparent booster, will smooth out most of those harsh digital overtones and add a bit of that vintage flavour.
Power: 9V battery and adapter
Gilmour tones: ASoS – DSotM
Smaller amps/bedroom level: 4/10
Analogman Sun Face BC108
The SunFace 108 has been my main fuzz for years and whenever I replace it, I soon return to it. Like the SunFace NKT275 germanium fuzz, the BC108 has that authentic vintage flavour and authentic circuit. The tone is bright and smooth, with rich harmonics and sustain. The 108 stands well on its own but pair it up with a Colorsound Powerboost for even more sweet smoothness and gain.
Power: 9V battery
Gilmour tones: Pompeii – DSotM
Smaller amps/bedroom level: 7/10
Analogman Sun Face BC109
Compared to the BC108, the BC109 transistor has a bit more of everything – more gain, lower end, growl and dirt. Definitely not the pedal if you want something easy going and mild! On a loud tube stack this one will sound and feel like a wild horse but with some practice, you’ll learn how to tame it and make it produce a wide range of different tones, from crunchy rhythms (Childhood’s End, Money) to wild fuzz (Echoes, Time).
Power: 9V battery
Gilmour tones: Pompeii – DSotM
Smaller amps/bedroom level: 6/10
Fulltone 70-BC Fuzz
The latest version of the ’70 Fuzz feature a mids control for a bit more presence and apparently, a mismatched pair of BC108 silicon transistors for extra dirt and grit. This is no doubt one of the more nasty and heavier sounding fuzz pedal I’ve played and combining it with a booster or an overdriven tube amp, will make your ears bleed. You can dial in a wide range of tones with this one but it doesn’t quite sound as open and clean and the SunFace silicons. Personally, I also prefer fuzz pedals that cleans up better with the guitar volume.
Power: 9V battery and adapter
Gilmour tones: Pompeii – DSotM
S
maller amps/bedroom level: 6/10
Caroline Guitar Company Olympia Fuzz
The Olympia is perhaps not your typical Gilmour fuzz but it’s damn cool anyway. Designed to sound somewhere between a Tonebender, Fuzz Face and Big Muff, this pedal doesn’t really sound like anything else I’ve tried. It’s loud and aggressive with a huge amount of gain and lower end. Still, it’s very easy to dial in great, vintage sounding tones and tame it with the guitar volume. The Olympia stands bets on its own and works very well on lower levels and bedroom setups. Highly recommended if you’re looking for something slightly different that the usual fuzz.
Power: 9V battery and adapter
Gilmour tones: Pompeii – DSotM
Smaller amps/bedroom level: 8/10
Feel free to use the comments field below and share your experience, recommendations and tips!
Related features: Classic tone – Echoes and Classic tone – Time.
Thanks Bjorn, very useful info! Just wondering if you’ve tried any of the BYOC Fuzz kits, and if you’d recommend any.
[Haven't had the chance to try them out yet so I can't really comment on that. - Bjorn]
This is great!
Surely the Skreddy Lunar Module deserves some attention here
[I guess so but I haven't had the chance to try it out yet... - Bjorn]
Hello Bjorn, just Wow! Thank you very much for these reviews, it is a day that begins well;-)! I waited just for this article in order analogman! My last pedal before I finish my pedalboard.
Again thank you very much,
[Thank you! - Bjorn]
Hi Bjorn, thank you for this great guide and your great website. Why did you put a 4/10 score for the Boss Fz-5 on smaller amps/bedroom level and lower volume? Can you explain me much, please? I thought that the volume was unimportant with digital/modelling pedal. Is it Wrong? (excuse me for my bad english, i’m french!).
[Not quite. Modelling means that a pedal or processor is designed to produce a certain tone based often based on familiar. Pedals that are based on amps also tries to replicate mic types and positions, cabinets etc. Still, the physics of a real setup will always apply. A modelling fuzz like the FZ5 is modelling certain fuzz models and not necessarily how these fuzz pedal will act on different amps. Fuzz are especially sensitive to which setup you use since the circuit is very basic and relies on loud amps to get their tone... or at least the tone we are familiar with. - Bjorn]
Hi Bjorn! Nice news from your website :P
I’ve got a question for you. Which of these should should i get between the lonodon fuzz or the jam pedals, i’ve got a jam official dealer in my town but i don’t mind to order th other one online. I just want your favorite of the two since the description is quite similar. And also which one should I get for the Silicon transistor fuzz: the Analogman BC !08 or 109? They say on their website that David maybe used the 109 but i’m not sure. Which one would you recommend for pure Gilmourish tone because I think the BC 108 is probably the most acclaimed one out here!
[The Jam Pedals Fuzz Phrase is perhaps the most vintage sounding and I guess it's my fav germanium fuzz at the moment. The red London Fuzz has a bit more gain and lower end. David did use 109s and the SunFace is awesome. Not that much difference between the 108 and 109 but as the review says, the 109 has a bit more of everything. - Bjorn]
The Fulltone ´69 seems not very aggressive (at least as I thought in comparision with the silicon, this is obvious clearly). How it works a Fulltone ´69 MkII with a crunchy/overdriven booster before?. I´m looking for Hendrix/Bramhall/Mayer/Gilmour tones in a soft,pure mode but sophisticated and powerful at the same time.
Another question: What´s about the Roger Mayer Voodoo axe and the PeachFuzz Frantone? Have you tried them?.
Thank you for your help and thank you very much for your guide fuzz , it´s very helpful.
[The 69 works nicely with a booster - both before and after, although I prefer boosters after the fuzz. I haven't tried the two others you mention. - Bjorn]
Have to agree with Daniel…The Lunar Module needs to get to Bjorn and on the list…too classic a Gilmour Fuzz to not have made the list:) Thanks for the great article Bjorn!
[Well, Mr Skreddy have to send me one then :) - Bjorn]
I have both the Fulltone pedals mentioned. They both kick ass, clean up nicely, and work equally well with humbuckers and single coils, which is something I’ve found rare with fuzz pedals. The 69 is great for more mellow singing stuff, and the 70 is a gnarly, spitting nasty sound that is just awe inspiring.
[All of the pedals are tested on my rig and the scores are based on my very subjective opinion. I totally understand that you and others have different opinions. Thanks for sharing! - Bjorn]
I was thinking to buy a Mxr Fuzz Bc108 because it looks to the JHF1 more or less. Also it has three trimpots inside, Have you tried them?. I want a definitely fuzz to my pedalboard and since this moment I´m thinking seriously about it. I don´t want a fuzz for a loud sound (the limit for me would be ´´Time´´-PF), I´m looking for a natural and organic sound. Any alternatives to an Analogman?.
Thank you very much.
V
[Depends on your guitar and amp. The MXR Classic and the Boss FZ5 are perhaps the most setup friendly in the sense that they can handle buffered pedals and they stay pretty well in character on most setups. If you're not sure whether your amp can handle a fuzz you're probably better off with a RAT or similar. - Bjorn]
Fair enough Bjorn, I wrote Marc at Skreddy, can’t do more than that…perhaps there is a solution…hope so. If you have not yet chatted with Marc Skreddy I have to say he is a great guy and makes great products. The Pink Flesh (long out of production) now is iconic and far too pricey and as you say noisier than many but the Lunar Module is a great pedal and I have heard awesome reviews on the P19 as well. Well I have done all I can do at my end…hope that the two of you find one another sometime:)
Cheers
[Thanks! Mark is indeed a great guy and he knows how to make pedals :) - Bjorn]
Hi Bjorn,
Great feature on fuzz pedals! One of my favourite subjects ;) I’ve just bought an Oxfuzz Hybrid Fuzz, a really great pedal and the sole dirt pedal on my board at the moment. They’ve combined an old,rare NKT275 with a silicon transistor(not sure which it is, it looks like a BC183) and the combination sounds pretty good to my ears. I don’t know if you know of them but if not, I can highly recommend them and their customer service is fantastic.
[Thanks for the tip! I'll check it out :) - Bjorn]
Thank you Bjorn for your answer. Have you ever try the Voodoo Lab superfuzz wich is a replica of the 1968 jordan electronic bosstone? I have a Classic Player 50′ strat, a laney cub12r and i mostly play at home, so i can’t play as loud as i want… I know you recommand the RAT 2 but i really love Fuzz tone so which Fuzz do you recommand me?
[I haven't tried the VoodooLab so I can't really comment on that. The Cub handles most fuzz pedals pretty well although you might want to add a transparent booster after it to smoothen things out. Make sure it's true bypass! Check out the Electronic Orange Banana Boost, TC Electronic Spark Booster and the ThroBak Overdriveboost. Germanium fuzzes might be the best choice. Check out the blue London Fuzz and Jam Pedals Fuzz Phrase. - Bjorn]
I love my Sunface BC108! I agree it’s the go to pedal a lot of the time, great for guitar solos, try to throw it in whenever I can for recordings. I did have Analogman put a 9V adapter option for mine (it was like 5-10 US more, can’t remember) and I have tried it with batteries and the adapter, I haven’t really noticed a huge difference between the two, but maybe my ear is not as discerning to it. Good info on the Germanium Fuzz, I need one of those, sounds like the Fulltone 69 MKII is the way to go, it’s not super expensive either. Thanks once again for a great article!
[Thanks, Eric! - Bjorn]
Hey Bjorn, great article as always! I’ve got a question about a handmade fuzz face clone sold in my city actually, it’s by a company called Dingotone and the thing is that apparently they buy components in bulk and actually test them, after building the pedal it comes out at (last time I checked) about $65. From the youtube clips it sounds pretty damn good, maybe I could get your opinion on it?
[Hard to tell. I think you just need to test it yourself. Fuzz pedals are always hard to judge based on clips because you rarely get all the harmonics and nuances recorded properly. - Bjorn]
Hey Bjorn, thanks for the great update. If you could answer a quick question, I’ve started playing/gigging again and I have basically decided there are too many version of the Muff that I cannot settle on something I think would be useful to me. The Musket Fuzz looked good for a while, then the Iron Bell, but I think I would be best fit choosing between germanium/silicon fuzzes. I am leaning towards silicon, but out of these fuzzes, is the Sunface what you would recommend overall? I’m not too worried about price as long as its <=350 (US dollars).
[The silicons and the SunFace 108/109 are the closest to the Muff and traditional distortion sounds. Paired with a transparent booster you'll be able to nail a wide range of tones and not only fuzz. If you want something slightly more mellow, check out the red London Fuzz or the Jam Pedals Fuzz Phrase. - Bjorn]
I had the Throbak Fuzz Haze, a very nice Ge Fuzz Face clone.
However, for all of you thinking about this one, one characteristic that is not easy to get from demos is that this pedal is EXTREMELY LOUD!
For example, with the fuzz knob at 3:00 (o’clock), unity volume (or output) is at 7:00 (o’clock). This is with Fender cs 69 pickups! Naturally when the fuzz is maxed out, then it is nearly impossible to get unity gain/volume… good if you want to push your amp but a bit too much for playing at home.
Just a quick contribution to this list.
[Thanks! - Bjorn]
Look into the Plum Audio ‘Fuzzy Lady’, Bjorn. Great stuff as it features a bias pot to allow you to shape the sound. Seems like it would be top of the list in regards to early Floyd fuzz tones
[Thanks for the tip! I'll check it out :) - Bjorn]
Hey, can you explane, why do you put 5\10 to MXR Classic Fuzz? Its a bad pedal, or what? Do you think that with this pedal I can achieve Dark Side Of the moon sound really near? Thanks
[It's not a bad pedal at all. All of the fuzz models I've reviewed here are very good but I didn't like the MXR as much as the others. The scores are purely based on tests on my setup so I'm sure others will have different experiences than I. You can definitely use it for David's mid 70s tones. - Bjorn]
Hi Bjorn:
I was just wondering if you have had a chance to try the (farely) new MXR script Distortion+ pedal (CSP- 104). I have had one for a few months now and quite like it. I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks for your comment(s); as well a big thank you for all the work you have done. You’re saving a lot of people time and $.
Brent
[Thanks Brent! I love the new script reissue. Use it all time... Haven't quite managed to appreciate it as a stand alone so I'm pairing it up with a Wampler Plexi Drive set for a very mild crunch... The 104 sounds warm and creamy with a bit of that germanium break up. - Bjorn]
Thanks again for you feedback Bjorn. I started using the 104 with a MXR GT-OD but found that quite limited, as the range from low to mild OD is very short with the GT-OD (there is almost no mild drive-it’s either low or lots). I have now placed the 104 after a Fulltone OCD but am still experimenting. So far I like to OCD much better than the GT-OD.
Brent
[Agree with that but I find the OCD a bit too dark and mid range for the 104. About taste, I guess :) - Bjorn]
Hi Bjorn
I was also checking your reviews of the Big Muff clones and I noticed there’s a great fuzz among them, The Musket Fuzz from Blackout Effectors. Is this pedal more of a big muff than a fuzz? And what do you think of the Blunderbuss Fuzz and the Seriously Special Twosome double fuzz? They are from Blackout Effectors as well. Thanks for posting the great reviews!!
[The Musket isn't a fuzz but more a Muff... although it's really much more than that. Fuzz is a term that's often used to describe fuzz sounding pedals but technically, neither of these three are fuzz as in vintage circuit fuzz. The Musket is based on the Sovtek Muff. The Blunderbuss is based on the Musket with a hybrid circuit with both silicon and germanium transistors - much like the EarthQuaker Hoof Fuzz. The Twosome Double has a Musket circuit and a second gain circuit for more tone sculpting. Depends on what tones you want. I think the Musket is the best sounding and the most Gilmourish but the other two are great too. - Bjorn]
Hi Bjorn,
I am pleased with my mojohand fx colossus which gives a great gilmour style muff tone. But I’d like a proper fuzz to get the echoes solo sound and the fizzing album sounding time solo. Seen a mjh Huckleberry v2 going cheap. Do you have any experience of this one Bjorn? Thank you.
[Never tried it but from what I understand it's a hybrid with both silicon and germanium transistors. I would imagine it sounding similar to the Hoof Fuzz, which is more a Muff than a fuzz. If you want authentic fuzz tones for the mentioned era, I'd go for one of the AnalogMan SunFace silicons or the MJM red London, which is a very aggressive germanium. - Bjorn]
Hey Bjorn,
Can I tweak a large beaver triangle to sound like a fuzz face?
[Not really. The Big Muff and the triangle in particular, has a very different character. Much warmer, smoother and saturated. You could set the tone and gain high and perhaps use a booster or overdrive to bring out more of those overtones. - Bjorn]
Hello Bjorn Riis,
What would be your advice as the best alternative for Germanium Fuzz Face and BC 108 Silicoon Fuzz face, for a bedroom use? At lower 1 W volumes with a Laney Cub head?
Thank you!
Uwe
[Fuzz pedals doesn't really go that well on smaller setups. They tend to sound harsh and thin, silicons especially. The Fuzz Phrase and blue London Fuzz, both germanium, works nicely and pairing them up with a transparent true bypass booster, sounds even better. In regards to the silicons, the AnalogMans works OK but you might want to look into some of the hybrid Muffs, like the Earthquaker Hoof Fuzz. I also recommend the Carolina Olympia Fuzz, which sounds like a mix between an aggressive 109 and Muff. - Bjorn]
Hey Bjorn, I was wondering… do you consider the MJM London Fuzz II (Silicon) a good alternative to the Analogman BC108? I would buy the Analogman if the shipping weren’t so high ($42!) and since I’m in Canada it’s very hard to find used listings. I know it’s really worth it, but money is very tight and I am aching for a silicon fuzz that will get me those Dark Side tones.
Another thing, you mention that the MJM London Fuzz (Germanium) can do ASoS – DSotM tones, is that true? Can it get the sustain and raspiness that a Si fuzz could? And finally do you recommend it mostly for Dark Side tones?
And one last thing… sorry – I’m considering two other pedals, the Mojo Hand FX Crosstown & the Monsterpiece NPN fuzz, if you have any knowledge about them, please do share :)
Again sorry for being a PITA! lol
[No worries, Mike. The LF II is very similar to the BC108. It's down to nuances and preference. Both are great pedals. The LF germanium has a lot more gain and saturation than most germaniums so it works nicely for DSotM as well. Perhaps not as bright and smooth and silicons but pair it up with a transparent booster for rolling off those overtones. I haven't tried the Monsterpiece but but the Crosstown is great. - Bjorn]
U ever tried the Dunlop Jimi Hendrix Ltd. Fuzz Face? If yes any comments? keep up the great work.
[Not the new anniversary model, no. - Bjorn]
Thanks for the reply, it really helped a lot.
Cheers.
@Stef, I have the new tribute Hendrix Fuzz Face, and find that it is quieter than the big blue JH-F1, has an led, which isn’t really needed for fuzz, but nice anyway, but the biggest difference I’ve noticed is the taper of the pots. There is a much smoother transition from no fuzz to full blast, whereas the JH-F1 seemed to have a very limited range, with all of the gain in about 1/3 of the sweep. I think it’s a definite improvement, bring it closer to some of the more sought after fuzz faces, and the MXR size makes it so pedalboard friendly. I love mine!
Peace, Love, and Gilmourish, Keith.
Hey Bjorn, I feel that gassy feeling coming on for that Effectrode, can’t wait for your review! :)
[Sorry to hear you've got gas problems Keith but the Tube-Vibe sounds awesome... just a warning LOL :) - Bjorn]
Hey Bjorn!
Love this article, great and very informative. What in your opinion is the brightest, most aggressive fuzz (Think Money and Time). I already have a BYOC Triangle and I want something thats really different from the Muff so it can add some more versatility to my pedalboard. I’m torn between the BC108/109, (I love that handmade look they have to them, looks authentic), and from what I’ve heard they sound loud and wild. But with the new Olympia review and some Lunar Module videos I’ve seen, I’m starting to doubt. Thanks for your help!
[The Olympia is definitely the wildest sounding and perhaps the brightest too. Tonewise, it's right between a fuzz and Muff. Among the fuzz pedals, I think I'd go for the BC109. Very true to Dark Side and Pompeii. - Bjorn]
Hey Bjorn – ever try a Fulltone Soul Bender? Thoughts on its usefulness? I can coax some nice sounds out of it using the tone control.
[Never tried it but the reviews and clips sounds very promising. - Bjorn]
Speaking of Fuzz, I mentioned I had ordered the 70th anniversary Octavio, and where to put it. Well, I only really bought it as a collectable, and finally picked it up today. I think this may be very collectable indeed, as I got #78 of 1300! I would think if tucked nicely away for several years, the low number would have to helo it’s value. One can only hope, cause it ain’t going on my board, ha-ha!
Peace, Keith
[Lucky you! - Bjorn]
What about the Iron Bell Fuzz by Mojo Hand?
[See my review of the Iron Bell here. - Bjorn]
One more day, and my MO goes to MJM for the AVS. Michael said that if I loved your clip of the original, I’d be blown away by the AVS. $345.00 seems like alot for a Ge Fuzz, but after looking at the price of some of the other builders, and considering the rarity of NOS “Holy Grails”, and all the other vintage components, not to mention there are only 45 of them, it starts sounding cheap. Man have I got GAS! Don’t worry Bjorn, you can borrow mine anytime you like! Ha-ha!
Peace me brother, Postmater K~
[Yeah, well price is always an issue. I think $345 is fair considering the smalle scale of the production, labour and parts costs etc. You're very lucky to get one of these! - Bjorn]
I took all pedals off my board to rearrange, and rewire them. I had accidentally left my 70th anniversary Hendrix FF plugged in, and when I removed the cover, I found two trimpots. I’ve seen very little about theze, and no definitive explanation. Some believe the lower to be bias, while some say they are fuzz, and volume. Anyone know hiw to figure this out? They could be very usful in making this pedal magical as Dunlop claims. It’s not as cheaply made as the $129.00 price would suggest, and no surface mount components are visible. One guy on PGS claimed his sounded horrible, and wouldn’t clean up with the guitar volume. He said that a 1/8 CW turn of the lowrer pot, and he was in BC-108 heaven. I must find out about these trimpots!!!
Postmaster K~
[Hmmm... I would assume that one is the bias. You don't really need that on a SI fuzz but mark the factory settings and tweak them. See what happens :) - Bjorn]
I think the lower pot is bias, and I’m sure the upper is volume, or gain. However,and this may be the volume pot in Cymbaline, but when I roll the volume back it’s like it just goes from heavy fuzz, to clean in a jump, instead off rolling off. Are there other things besides the pot that would cause this? It is smooth rolling the volume back clean. I really need to get this amp out of the bedroom. I can play loud because the houses are far apart, but I hear a definite buzz of some kind, and I need to figure out if it’s a vibration from something in my room, or something in my amp. I wish I had time to play through it alot the first few days, as I may have sent it back for a non-ps model. It’s not as usful thus far as I thought, and the dirt it does give is not Live at Leeds, buf opening a soda! I by no means think ill of the amp, I love it, but just not convinced the PS was worth it, and hope the rattle is the room, and not the amp!
Peace all, KC
[Hope you figure out the rattling. SI fuzz doesn't clean up as well as GE and the sudden fuzz to clean jump you experience is normal. This will be very different with the LF you might be getting, which, being a GE, has a much smoother roll off. - Bjorn]
I have already sent the first of two payments, the AVS is mine,Bwahaha!
I know I’ve left alot if posts this past week, but alots been happening to me musically. You will see a post where I saw Mike@ Analogman praise the Hendrix reissue FuzzFace. When I got the Tribute, I gave them my JH-F1 and $29.00, which meant they gave ne $100.00 for a 1 year old pedal I paid $139.00 for. Yesterday, I went in, asked my manager friend Sara if I could buy it back,( it was on the wall for $149.00, she let me get it back for a one hundred dollar bill, bo tax! What a good deal. Now I have both. I wasn’t clear which pedal Mike was talking about, but he said he was setting the Sunface bc-108 closer to the Hendrix Reissue, so regardless of if he meant the F1, or M1, I have both! Not a bad deal at all! Waiting to hear back which one he was talking about, and how best to tweak them.
Peace, Postmaster K
[No worries Keith. I would assume that Mike was talking about the JHF1 but it will be interesting to hear his reply. - Bjorn]
Okay, I’ve heard from you, Michael@MJM, Mike @ Analogman, and Jon at Dunlop that what I’m experiencing with my volume attenuation is normal for a Hendrix SiFuzzFace. Also it was the JH-F1 Analogman is modeling the sound of the nc-108 after. But if it’s normal for Si FFs to work this way, and you said DG used Si for Pompeii, why does it sound so smooth when he does the volume swells in the solo? Also, an interesting story from Dunlop’s tech dept. They supposedly got access to Jimi’s Si FF from the Hendrix Museum to A/B when designing the JH-F1, and it is supposedly modeled to the eay his was set up! Interesting, if it’s true. But I guess Si’s are supposed to clean up all at once, and Ge’s attenuate smoother, but Davids sure is smooth at Pompeii!
Peace All, and what say you master? Postmaster K
[David's smooth tones on Pompeii is part due to his insanely loud volume and the fact that the soundtrack from that film was heavily tampered with. Most of what you hear is actually overdubs and there was a lot of studio work after the recordings. So, what you hear is hardly any reference for how David's guitars actually sounded like. The newly released Wembley 74 show is a much more honest and accurate documentation of how David's tones sounded at the time. In regards to the smooth swells... when you play that loud the fuzz range is a bit wider but again, what you hear is most likely a studio recording with a mix fade. It's also a bit inaccurate to say that the SI and GE were made to respectively have a smooth and instant roll off. It's just how the circuit affects your guitar or vice versa. Thanks for the follow-up on the JH-F1! - Bjorn]
Oh, almost forgot, JH-M1 should sound exactly like the H1 according to Dunlop.
I was going to send an email but Bjorn shut his email down – I understand.
Macaris has 18v Power Boost pedals back in stock. No idea how many but I emailed this morning about when they might have them again – listed as out of stock. I got an email a couple minutes later saying they would open the sales page for them because they just got more in stock.
Hope this is helpful to all of the Gilmour tone fans who are missing that one last piece in their setup.
MWG
Hey Bjorn, I recently forwarded an email to you, Stephen, and Michael @MJM from Joe in Dunlop’s tech department. I’ve not heard back from anyone, and just wondering if you got it, and believe the Hendrix museum FuzzFace story? I need advice on a Univibe with a speed pedal, I like the setup of the Fulltone that looks like a wah, do you kniw anything about it, and I’m not clear if it’s still in production. If not, can you suggest one that sounds right, has the speed control, and is in the $250 or less range. Once I get a Univibe, and the Echorec, I believe I’ll have everything I need for my tonal desires, and once my RMCIII is finished getting repaired, and gets it’s FoxRox FFT from analogman, I should be ready to line them back up on the board, having decided to keep the treadle type pedals such as volume, wah, and expression, or speed pedals off the board, and learned the hard way, that it’s best to run my power cords inside my board, but keep all my patch cords ontop, where they stay away from power, and make it so much easier to move around, or change out a pedal at will. Also eliminates goining into the board when a patch cable acts up! Live, listen, read, experiment, listen some more, and lastly, learn!!!
Peace my friend, Postmaster K
[Got the mail. Thanks! I've no doubt they got to look inside the real deal. They have the licence to use his name for their pedals so why not? The Fulltone is a great sounding UniVibe. Personally I think there are better sounding models on the market but they don't have the sweep. I also love the Dunlop Rotovibe. It's voiced slightly different but very cool sounding nevertheless. - Bjorn]
On second thought, it may be a little more than I’d like to spend, but after listening to your Vibe Machine clip again, is there really anything as close to the original for less? I kinda doubt it, and this years batch has new photocells that are supposdly better than the first run! What say you master?
Postmaster K, strike until I’m SATISFIED!
[I'll have a Buyer's Gear Guide for UniVibes up soon. The complex circuitry and often small production, makes UNiVibes expensive. There are a few budget models on the market but they doesn't sound good enough IMO. My top scores goes to the DryBell Vibe Machine, MJM 60s Vibe and the Effectrode Tube Vibe. - Bjorn]
After much research, and several emails, including the ine from Dunlop, I’ve come to the conclusion that the ONLY difference between the JH-F1, and an original ’69-70 Si FuzzFace is Roger Mayers tuning of the pedal. I believe the pedal would be spot on Dallas -Arbiter, if the two pots on the underside of the board were set back to the stock settings that were on the DA’s. The originals didn’t have the trimpots as far as I can tell, and it seems that either Mayer added them to tweak Jimi’s, or Dunlop added them to emulate whatever Mayer did to Jimi’s. Either way, I believe someone who knows,could tweak the trimmers to sound and work exactly like the original Dallas-Arbiters. My issue with the JH series, F1, or M1, is they are set with higher gain, and biased to throb during sustained notes, and feedback. If you’re play a stack of Marshalls at near full volume, and want Jimi’s wild, loud stage sound, it’s there, but for anything less than ear piercing volume, it’s just not the set up, and needs tweaking. I think were it trimmed closer to the DA, the Gilmourish score would go up a point or two!
Just trying to give out what I’ve found, Postmaster K :)
[Thanks for the input, Keith! Fuzz pedals are strange beasts and it's amazing how different two seemingly identical units can sound. One thing most of the vintage circuit models have in common is that they need a lot of amp power and volume to open up. Of course, it always depends on what tones you want but that smooth violin-like sustain can only be obtained on loud tube amps and full blown speakers. It's about physics and how the amp, speaker and pedal interacts. Keep in mind too that a cranked Marshall can't be compared to a Hiwatt. Naturally, a Mashall sounds very different from a Hiwatt but most Marshalls also have low wattage speakers, which will have a huge impact on the smootheness of the fuzz, compared to the high wattage Fanes, Webers etc. I will argue that in most of the cases it's not the fuzz but the amp that's causing the differences. - Bjorn]
The Sweetsound Ultra Vibe/ Mojo Vibe and the MJM Sixties Vibe are pretty stellar too…the Effectrode Tube-Vibe seems like a pretty amazing option too but with a price tag along with it, but Effectrode makes some stellar pedals! Well as Bjorn said Vibe pedals are a bit pricier due to expensive components. The Vibe Machine is a great sounding pedal and with such a compact size but I really like having the control of speed made possible by the large speed knob on many other units. I guess you can add an expression pedal but then you have defeated the great size benefit of the unit. In the end bite the bullet…once you have a great Univibe pedal you will find yourself using it much more than you imagined.
{Indeed :) – Bjorn]
Very excited, my MJM AUTHENTIC VINTAGE SERIES LONDON FUZZ should be here in about a week! The more you think about a planet with 7 billion people, and only 45 of these, the more excited, and soecial it feels. Can’t wait to get it on the board!
KC
[Looking forward to your verdict! - Bjorn]
Hey Keith so what is the verdict with the Wah??? Psyched to hear about the MJM!
Quick question, will carbon batteries make any difference in the TC Spark, or Carbon Copy? Also, I believe you said they might improve the ’76 Dynacomp RI, or was it The Phase 90 RI?. I know all vintage Fuzz circuits like Carbon Zinc best, just trying to figure what other pedals benefit from them. Like, do you power your Crybaby with batteries, or power supply?
Thanks in advance Bjorn, I am really starting to reap so many benefits from the knowledge you’ve given me, and the inspiration to research, and lean from other sources. You Rock my FRIEND! Keith
[No, it won't. Both runs nicely on adapters. The Dynacomp 76 sounds a bit smoother to my ears with carbon but I haven' noticed much difference with the 74 Phase 90. My Cry Baby runs off a TRex Fuel Tank. In essence I think that all vintage circuit fuzz and overdrive/boosters sound better with carbon batteries but how much difference there is depends on the transparency of your signal, from the guitar to the amp. - Bjorn]
@Stephen, I’m sending it to Analogman, Brian said they change the switch,( already TB), add the FoxRox Fuzz Friendly circuit, and go through the pedal to fix the issue with the hum I get with any adapter, even in bypass, all for $110.00. I think for a tuneable Teese, that has the FFT, and being a ’98, having a total of $245.00 in it is okay, as long as it does what it’s supposed to when I get it back. A new one is $255-$265.00, so why waste the $135 I have in it so far. It sounds great when it’s working!
Hi Bjorn,
I was wondering if the Blue London Fuzz would be able to cover the tones from the KQED TV sessions? Also would it be able to achieve the tones heard on More?
[That's a silicon fuzz. I think you'll be better off with the red germanium, which is very close to what David used in that periode. - BJorn]
Cool Keith. Sounds like a great plan!
Hi Bjorn,
Thanks for the quick reply. I have determined that the Blue London Fuzz is out as is the Red London Fuzz. Which pedal would cover the KQED TV Sessions, More plus Meddle to Wish You Were Here?
[KQED and Meddle is germanium fuzz, while on WYWH he used the Colorsound Powerboost, which is a silicon overdrive. I guess the Jam Pedals Fuzz Phrase or AnalogMan NKT 275 would do the job. - Bjorn]
Bjorn! I must mention that I finally received my confirmation, and tracking number from MJM yesterday morning, and should receive my AVS LONDON FUZZ by Monday or Tuesday at the latest! I will try to throw some kind of sample clip together ASAP!
KEITH
[Nice! Keep us posted :) - Bjorn]
Hi Bjorn,
I am new to pedals but have made a pact with myself to only buy hand wired. I own the JHF1 fuzz face and a MXR custom shop hand wired phase 90. I have figured out how to dial up a pretty good DSOTM tone thanks to your amazing website but I am struggling to find the 1969-1971 Floyd tones. I love my fuzz face so much I am hoping to add my collection with yet another fuzz face. This time an Eric Johnson Fuzz face and I was hoping you could answer some questions. 1) Have you tried the Eric Johnson fuzz face? 2) Do you think it would fit some of the earlier Floyd tones?
Thanks, Gavin
[The Eric Johnson feature silicon transistors, same as the JHF1, so I don't think that would fit the early Gilmour tones that well. You want germanium transistors for David's 1968-71 tones, Hendrix etc... Check out the Joe Bonamassa signature, Analogman NKT275 or the excellent MJM red London Fuzz. - Bjorn]
Great info, but no cool videos like the “muff” reviews to experience their capabilities.
Thank you for your dedication in edifying those of us trying to make wise decisions
with our hard earned. This has opened my eyes and inspired me to build the sound
I have always been looking for. Cheers!
[Thanks Jeff! I haven't done that many fuzz reviews but check out my reviews for the London Fuzz, AnalogMan BC109 and Carolina Olympia - all with YouTube clips. - BJorn]
Okay Bjorn, here we go! I decided to wait until I had at least a good workout with the AVS London Fuzz by itself, no other pedals, before I commented, and I have just blown my eardrums, as well as rattling the widows for the surrounding block or two, and here’s the verdict. OH MY GOODNESS! !! I was expecting something much less agressive than this Hendrix/Gilmour style Fuzz in a box. It is dead silent, with miles of gain, especially in the bottom end, without any muddiness. The bias had me a little perplexed at first,( no instructions included), but since the pedal has been siiting at a comfortable 72 degrees for several days, I found that the CCW position smoothed it right out! At full fuzz, it approaches Silicon territory as far as gain goes, but no noticable hum at all, and just rolling the fuzz back a smidge, and you can get a great control over it with the guitar volume very smoothly. At full fuzz, it will still clean up completely, but there isn’t as much of a long, smooth roll off. I also noticed that turning up the bias requires a volume adjustment, as it definitely adds some gain, but I can see that I will find great use of the bias in exceptionally hot, or cold venues. I’m in love! I haven’t tested it at bedroom levels yet, but will. I started with the
main solo of the first part of Echoes, and had no problem dialing it in, then cranked the amp to Ludicrous volume, and played Third Stone From the Sun, without ever using my right hand! Just playing the octaves from the sustain, and controlled feedback of moving my hand up and down the neck. I’ll have to give it a Keith score of 11/10, because it’s the best sounding gain pedal I’ve acquired. If there are any left, and you’re looking for a Germanium Fuzz, look no more, it’s
the Bomb! I’ll post a gut shot on the Gilmourish Facebook page, as it is truly a thing of beauty, and built like a tank!
Thanks for turning me on to my go to fuzz, Keith
[Glad you liked it Keith and congrats! Sounds like an awesome pedal. I love the stock version so I can only imagine how good this one must sound! - Bjorn]
Hey Bjorn, wanted to let everyone know that should they be in the market for a Germanium Fuzz Face clone, there is only one that I’d consider, and after a follow up with Michael, I learned that there are still a couple available. I wouldn’t wait long though, considering there are only 45 on the planet, they won’t be available for long! Strike while you can, it’s by far the quietest, most wonderful sounding gain pedal I’ve ever heard, and quite aggressive for a Ge fuzz if you want, but perfectly capable of those subtle, early Ge fuzz tones! Step on it, or lose out forever! How many truly matched pairs of 275′s are left?
Peace y’all, Keith
Hi Bjorn.
Congratulations for your site, i think i consult it every day.
I would like to ask you for some advices.
I play with a strat with duncan antiquity (texas hot for the neck and surf for the middle and the bridge) on a hiwatt t20. I play with a band at moderate volume, the drummer play often with an electronic set. For the moment i use a boss me 70 for all the effects, but i want make my completely analogic pedalboard little by little.
Which one of those two pedals, costalab custom muff or analogman sunface bc 108/109 recommand you for a tone near to the david’s tone from meddle to the wall?
Like a lot of floyd’s fans my two favorites albums are dsotm and wywh.
I play too with a LesPaul with dimarzio paf 36, do one of these pedals match with this kind of guitar for playing led zep, or slash?
I will very happy if you take some time to answer me.
Thank you for all.
Sorry for my english, but i’m french, and like almost all the french, i speak only french…
[No problem, Julien :) In terms of David's 70s tones the SunFace is the closest mastch. However, if you want a more versatile pedal that'll cover other genres as well, then the Custom Muff will be a better choice. You might also want to look into a RAT, which won't sound 100% authentic but it will give you great tones for almost any style and genre. - Bjorn]
Great article, great site! I was wondering if you can test and review the new Joyo Voodoo Octave. It’s silicon (I guess) fuzz with midcut switch and octaver. Was wondering if I can get something like David with it. Thanks!
[Sorry for my late reply. Thanks for your kind words! It sounds very cool but perhaps not what I'd use for David's tones. A bit too middy and modern sounding. Check out the new Fuzz Face minis for some great budget tones! - Bjorn]
Hi Bjorn!
Have you ever tried pedals from these two Italian manufacturers:
1) http://www.madhattersb.it/
2) http://www.t-pedals.com/
It’s only my opinion (and I’m not an expert but…) I owe the Rat clone by MadHatter and I think it sounds great!
(There’s also a Tube Screamer clone called “Twin Screamer” which combines two Tube Screamers in a single pedal.
I heard opinion the T-fuzz by T-pedals is a good pedal too).
Cheers!
P.S.
When shall we see your newly updated guides about stompboxes and budget-rig?
[I haven't tried neither of those. Thanks for the tip! The budget guide is coming soon :) - Bjorn]
Thank’s for the reply Bjorn!
Waiting for the new guides then.
By the way, here’s another interesting Italian manufacturer:
http://www.masottiamp.it/
Greetings from Italy!
[Thanks! - Bjorn]
And here’s another one:
http://www.costalab.com
(there would be even another one: Giovanetti Handwired but he hasn’t a multilingual website at the moment…)
Greetings from Italy!
[Yep! Great fan of CostaLab. Check out my reviews of their Custom Muff and the ChorusLab. - Bjorn]