Rarely am I at an immediate loss for words when plugging in a new pedal for a review, but that was absolutely the case with the Grizzly Fuzz from Stonefly Effects. This is one of the fuzziest, quirkiest, glitchiest fuzz pedals I have ever come across, and getting it to play nice was an awesome challenge.
First off, there’s no power input: battery only. That should give you a hint as to how this pedal was conceived, and what it may be capable of. A big old orange box, uniquely shaped and designed, with big fat control knobs on the top of the pedal, and wicked, almost sci-fi graphics from David Paul Seymour on the front plate, in the background of the footswitch. The Grizzly Fuzz LOOKS intimidating, and then you turn it on. Fuzz sounds galore come absolutely barreling out of this thing, and it took me by surprise, I gotta tell you. I immediately began turning and twisting knobs to try and control the monster, but to no avail. The only way to tame the beast is to PLAY YOUR GUITAR. Even then, it doesn’t really tone down too much, but enough to get some cool tones and crazy sounds streaming out of its belly.
Based on the classic Baldwin Burns Buzzaround, the Grizzly Fuzz utilizes 3 NKT213 Germanium transistors, and sports 3 main controls: Sustain, Balance and Timbre. Sustain is exactly that: this thing sustains for days, almost uncontrollably. The Balance knob acts as a bias control, and Timbre is a volume/tone control. These 3 work in conjunction with each other to make squeaks and squeals, while adding an overlay of fuzz tones and random noise that really is only reeled in by plucking your strings. Almost regardless of where you have the settings (unless they’re turned all the way down), the Grizzly Fuzz is growling at you, in some form or another. Heavy but melodic, warm but biting, this orange box will push the limits of fuzzdom to the edge…and just may injure your amp in the process (just kidding).
With only 12 of these being sold in a Limited Run, you’ll need to act fast to get on for yourself and give it a whirl. I, personally, hope that Stonefly Effects come out with some more awesome pedals like this – original, festive, new and exciting. I would love this to become a trend in pedal building, putting out ambitious and bold effects that really push the boundaries of our sonic soundscape. I wish there was a 9V plug to use instead of the batteries, but I think that might be what gives this pedal a lot of it’s character, so I’m ok with it. Unique design, scary graphics, odd control layout – it all works here. Thanks to Marc-Eric and Stonefly Effects for allowing me to attempt to tame this beast…I think the verdict is still out.
Specs:
NKT213 Germanium transistors
1 Watt Carbon composition resistors
Wima polyester capacitors
Sprague & Nihicon axial electrolytic capacitors
Germanium diode
Brimal tag board
Cliff audio jacks
Submitted by Mike B, Website
