I think there’s something in the water in the United Kingdom that is making pedal builders over there produce some of the fattest, tastiest and meatiest fuzzes we’ve ever seen. I’ve reviewed a number of fuzzes recently that hail from overseas, and they just keep sounding better and better. Another shining example of what’s coming at you from across the pond is a pedal we’ll take a look at today: the Marquis Fuzz from Faceless FX.
Based on one of the most classic and sought-after fuzz boxes of all time, the Tone Bender MkI, the Marquis Fuzz has the same tasty elements that the MkI has, but with a couple of modern upgrades and higher-quality enhancements. Let’s start with the controls: More is the overall output volume of the pedal, and you won’t be at a loss for loudness here, trust me. The Sore knob adjusts the amount of sustain present, while Soar is an attack control. These 2 knobs work in conjunction to create a seemingly endless parade of fuzz tones, from a stuttering, spitting, break-up fuzz to a sustaining, mix-cutting, kick-in-the-teeth buzzsaw that’s sure to awaken your crowd and gets your bandmates’ heads to turn.
As far as the modern amenities are concerned, the gang at Faceless FX uses high-quality parts and sophisticated wiring techniques to make this a pedal that’s sure to last a lifetime…and then some. Placing the germanium transistors in a negative ground circuit allows the Marquis to link up to other pedals with ease, and without fear of one pedal stepping on the other one’s toes. They use shielded cable, hand-picked transistors and RF and power filtering to achieve an incredibly high standard and build quality, something that really shines through on the outside, inside and the sound coming through your amplifier.
With it’s shiny chrome enclosure, bold and beautiful control knobs and hand-etched “Lute Smasher” graphic, the Marquis Fuzz is not only a throwback to a classic fuzz pedal, it’s a window into the future of pedal building as we know it. A new and improved-upon take on an old gem of a pedal, this fuzz takes us both back to the past and hurtles us into the not-so-distant future at the same time. Thanks so much to Tim over at Faceless FX for sending one of these awesome fuzz boxes across the pond to us. Looking forward to what the future holds for this company, and what new effects they will unleash on us all in the near future.
Specs:
– Based on the venerable Tone Bender MkI
– Sounds from gated velcro splatter, to “Satisfaction” buzz, right up to soaring full-bodied singing, sustaining fuzz
– Cuts through in any mix – this sound will not get lost
– Uses three hand picked and tested NOS germanium transistors – usually Mil spec CV7351 and/or Mullard/Philips OC141
– True bypass
– Power from 9V battery or Boss™ style centre negative power supply
– Can be daisy chained with modern pedals
Submitted by Mike B, Website
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