Retro Mechanical Labs was first brought to my attention by a friend who asked me “Hey, have you seen that company making pedals that look like they’re off a WWII Russian submarine?” My interest was peaked from that moment on. I began researching their website, scouring the internet for deals, and seeking out demos immediately. Admittedly, it took some time to get my hands on one because I was nervous.
I come from a punk background, and tend to beat my gear up. These pedals are works of art, and I was worried I’d abuse them. After much hand-wringing I pulled the trigger on an Electron Fuzz, my maiden voyage into boutique gear.
I quickly learned the Electron Fuzz needs no babying. Rather than protect it from me, (as was the case with most of my previous pedals) I need protecting from it. It is beastly, it is loud, and it comes with several warnings.
The controls include a footswitch, OUTPUT, PAIN and HURT knobs, and a toggle labeled X1000. The info on those knobs is out there on the web, so if you’re curious, you can find that info, but here’s the scoop on the experience.
I love it. This pedal will never leave my possession. It is hands-down my favorite fuzz. From slightly overdriven to sonic mayhem, this thing covers it all. I pitted it against an ever-popular overdrive that people use compulsively, and found I can achieve a lot of the same sounds. The Electron Fuzz can go well beyond overdrive and get creamy and compressed, even going how the wizards over at RML do it but geeze Louise I’m in love.
