We’ve got a real treat for you all today, one of the most anticipated and highly-hyped effects pedals of the year…maybe the decade. A collaboration between Boss and Sola Sound, the TB-2W Waza Craft Tone Bender is a fuzz pedal that brings vintage tone into the modern world. Based on the classic Tone Bender MKII, the TB-2W has been painstakingly scrutinized and researched, to bring you possibly the finest Tone Bender...
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Like a lot of you out there, we can’t get enough of a good fuzz tone, especially one that’s based around the classic Tone Bender circuit. Today’s pedal, the Minotaur Sonic Terrors Evil Eye MKIII Tone Aggravator, is based on the Sola Sound Professional MKII Tone Bender, but with some modern tweaking done under the hood. Instant amp-crushing is in the very near future – prepare for total annihilation. The Evil...
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There have been a lot of Tone Bender-ish pedals coming through the shop as of late, and we couldn’t be happier about it. We’ve got another one for you today, this time coming from our friends at Animals Pedal. The Sunday Afternoon Is Infinity Bender, despite having a wildly long and potentially confusing moniker, is a fairly simple and straightforward fuzz. That said, there’s still plenty here to investigate. Another...
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We love a good, simple, one or two-knob fuzz pedal, for sure, but we also love a versatile effect with a ton of options. Today’s featured pedal definitely falls into the latter category, as it is a fuzz full of tones, differing sounds and unique features. The Stone Blender from Red Noise Pedals is an interesting and exciting Fuzz Engine, not just a pedal, that will make you question everything you thought you knew about this...
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If you’re a fuzz lover, when you hear the words “Tone Bender,” an instant smile creeps over your face. Used on countless classic rock recordings and live shows by everyone from Pete Townshend to Jeff Beck to Paul McCartney and more, these gray boxes from Sola Sound defined the latter half of the 1960’s. The MkII Professional version of the Tone Bender was made popular by Jimmy Page, having used it on the first...
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After being able to check out the revered White Pedal from Jext Telez, we were excited to see what dirty effect they had for us this go-round – color us impressed again. The Buzz Tone is a germanium fuzz that also has trace elements of overdrive packed right in, for an all-encompassing tonal spectrum of sounds. The easy controls hide a wide dimension of tones, and the secret weapon here really pushes the envelope on what a...
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We love the simplicity of the line of effects pedals coming out of Pittsburgh, PA, from our pal Clayton and American Wizard Toneworks. That said, it was nice to see today’s pedal step up the game a little bit, and add some much-appreciated controls into the mix, making the Blk Fuzz Plus a true powerhouse in the world of fuzz pedals. Containing an extra channel and some tone-shaping capabilities, this black beauty gives you all...
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Hailing from the Endangered Audio Research family, today’s featured piece of gear comes to us under the moniker of Moxtronix, and is entitled the TransTone Fuzz. This small grey beauty has a TON of options and sounds just waiting to be dialed in, explored, abused and left for dead, all of which you’ll have no problem doing as your ears bask in the glow of a magnificent, fuzzy wonderland. But, first things first,...
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Sometimes, you don’t actually have to spend a ton of cash to get a great-sounding pedal…no, seriously! Today’s featured pedal, the Mind Bender Vibrato/Chorus from BBE Sound proves that fact over and over again, combining monetary efficiency with some excellent tones that are sure to make you and your amp happy. Let’s take a gander at this blue beauty, shall we? The controls are nice and easy to use on the Mind...
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We see a lot of fuzz pedals come through the shop, and today’s pedal is another representation of how we live in a marvelous and fuzzy age. Having recently reviewed their Rat Fink Distortion, we were excited to check out another pedal from Cathouse Pedals, especially since this time around it was gonna be a fuzz. The Bender Fuzz is a seemingly simple three-knob effect, but has some internal secrets and bold tones abound. Fuzz,...
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Today’s wicked rad and partially insane pedal is of the delay variety – a shocker, I’m sure, given how much we love delay around here. This one really steps it up a notch, though, and introduces some great features to accentuate and exasperate your delayed tone, feel and sound. DigiTech has been immersed in the delay world for years now, and the TimeBender Digital Delay might just be their most complex and...
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The Lumpy’s Tone Shop 7 Series Lemon Drop Overdrive is a fantastic but unusual overdrive. It’s great for what it does but it’s not for everyone. There are so many overdrives out there; it’s very difficult to figure out the difference between each, let alone which to choose. Broadly speaking, the most popular categories of overdrives are (there are definitely other categories but I’ll keep it simple):...
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It’s no secret that Analog.man chief Mike Piera has an ear for tone. His famous King of Tone overdrive can be found on a laundry list of star guitarist pedalboards, and his company builds top-quality offerings in most categories of effect types. I have been particularly drawn to his fuzz pedals; in fact, all of the fuzz on my board bears the Analog.man brand (Astrotone, Dark Peppermint, and Sunbender). Each of the pedals excels at a...
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First off, to be perfectly honest, I’m not entirely sure why the TimeBender from Digitech is not on the delay pedal A-list. This thing is super powerful, sounds great and is relatively inexpensive. DigiTech has a prolonged history of making incredibly innovative pedals. The TimeBender combines conventional effects with some nutty, yet still sweet delay effects. The interface is great, and the ability that it gives you to...
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We’re super excited for today’s complete PEDAL LINEUP: that’s right, we’re taking a look at ALL 5 newly released ROSS Electronics effects! In collaboration with Josh Scott and JHS Pedals, these five units bring back the flagship pedals (and one brand new creation) from a company responsible for some of the best vintage effects out there. Coming full circle and releasing this new group of effects, ROSS brings...
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After the wild success of their Germanium Fuzz pedal a few years ago, Chris and the crew at Benson Amps decided to take the genre one more step further. Building off of the classic Tone Bender MkI circuit, the Stonk Box attempts to take a classic 1960’s fuzz design, and bring the sound into the modern world, without bringing any along the flaws and inconsistencies of the original. This one’s a beast, let’s get right to it!...
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After checking out the incredible 432k Rev2 Distortion a couple months ago, we couldn’t wait to jump back into some more gear from Retro Mechanical Labs. Today’s powerful piece is the Mig Fuzz Special Edition, another big box effects with a ton of options, great dirt tones and, of course, a vintage VU meter on board. Providing a modern sound using vintage parts, this unique creation really gets the musical creativity...
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Our friends over at Poison Noises are releasing new versions of their entire lineup of effects pedals, and have asked us to help showcase these overhauled creations. We’re looking at 2 pedals a week for the next couple months, continuing today with the Glut Cheeks Fuzz V2. Feast your eyes on the newest addition to their fuzz menu – there’s never been a better time to consume all the fuzz you can handle… The...
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Richard Fortus St. Louis Guns N’ Roses https://www.4tus.com/ https://www.gunsnroses.com/ Past bands – Pale Divine, Psychedelic Furs, Love Spit Love, Thin Lizzy, Honky Toast, Rihanna How long have you been a musician? How did you get into it in the first place? Started on violin when I was 5 and studied the Suzuki method. Also started playing drums around the same time. Started on guitar around 12. My father was an accountant,...
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Greg Loiacono & Tim Bluhm Marin County, CA / Fairfax, CA The Mother Hips motherhips.com Greg Loiacono Band gregloiacono.com Green Leaf Rustlers Tim Bluhm w/ The Coffis Brothers timbluhm.com How long have you been a musician? How did you get into it in the first place? Greg Loiacono: I started playing guitar at age 11. I wanted to learn as soon as I heard “Purple Haze” for the first time. I stopped for a bit and got back...
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The effects coming from our Norwegian friends at Fjord Fuzz focus on, well, FUZZ, of course, but each unit has its own unique set of skills. After the BJØRN, BIFROST and ODIN V2, we didn’t know what to expect from today’s fuzz-filled pedal. Well, the BERSERK Fuzz (unsurprisingly) delivers once again, combining two vintage fuzz circuits with some modern updates, for a powerful and wide-ranging wall of fuzz… Taking...
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Vintage Fuzz. Plug in, turn it up and rock. Done and Done. Today’s pedal achieves exactly these checkpoints, bringing a warm and classic sound into the fold. The Bad Penny FX Wireless Germanium Fuzz has a simple control section, but adds in a couple of tasty options to really dial in and solidify your favorite fuzz tones. Let’s see what this one brings to the table, shall we? A classic unit that follows the Tone Bender...
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We’ve all heard the classic Tone Bender Fuzz so many times, on so many timeless songs, whether we knew what it was or not. Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Mick Ronson, Pete Townshend…the list goes on of great guitarists who utilized this fuzzy effect. However, they are now rare and extremely expensive to obtain if you can find one, so many pedal companies have taken it upon themselves to re-create affordable (and updated) versions...
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We’ve been checking out effects pedals from our friend Pat Garland down in Houston, Texas since 2014 (HTX Active Drive, Pink Drive, Dos Armas Combo, etc), and we’re excited to bring you another one of his concoctions today. The Garland FX Zero Distortion combines all your favorite dirt sounds in one aesthetically-pleasing, bright enclosure. With hints of Tone Bender, Big Muff and wild, fuzzy abandon, there’s a lot to...
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Sometimes, pedals come through our office that are fairly loud. Sometimes, we get pedals that are REALLY loud. Today’s pedal might just be the loudest one we’ve ever encountered, and let us tell you, loud doesn’t even really begin to describe it. The Black Drone Wasp from Jext Telez is an absolute monster of a fuzz, and, while it can get extremely high in the volume department, it never gets shrill or too...
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Once again, Chris and the crew at JPTR FX have managed to outdo themselves with today’s featured pedal. The Silbermaschine Fuzz combines two gain stages in a parallel circuit, resulting in an unrefined and unbuffered vintage fuzz conquest. This LARGE pedal has the look and feel of a classic unit, but somehow brings a bit of modern touch along for the ride. Not for the weak or faint of heart, let’s check out this effect in...
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Today we’ve got another collaboration pedal from some friends in Japan and a pedal builder in Nevada, one with a heap of fuzz tones, as well as some overdrive and distortion thrown in just because. The Rover Fuzz comes to us from Animals Pedal, via Skreddy Pedals, easily creating big, fat and tone-filled walls of sound. Touch-sensitive and stable in any temperature, this pedal is gonna shock and surprise you, we promise…...
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Michael Parker Seattle, WA – The People’s Republic of the USA I play guitar & keys in the band Pickwick www.pickwickmusic.com How long have you been a musician? How did you get into it in the first place? I started playing guitar when I was in the 8th grade on a whim. I had a friend who was a drummer and needed some people to jam with. He recruited me basically because I was in the room and had nothing better to do. He...
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Fuzzzzz…..we dig it, as do a lot of you players out there. While fuzz might not be for everyone, those of us that like it like it a LOT, and today’s featured pedal is a fuzz to end all fuzzes (if that’s actually possible). You probably know the name Scotty ProAnalog, and we’re going to take a look at his MkII Fuzz V2 pedal, which replicates everything from timeless 60’s British fuzz tones to medium-gained...
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We can get behind any good fuzz pedal around here, so we were pretty stoked when the cats over at Way Huge Electronics sent over their Havalina™ Germanium Fuzz for us to check out. Featuring a basic three-knob control configuration, this fuzz does what a good fuzz pedal should do: produce copious amounts of fuzz. With a hint of old-school Tone Bender fuzz sound found within it, this is a fun fuzz that will get you groovin’ with...
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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...
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(This article comes from our friends at GuitarTricks.com – check out their site for tons of guitar-related tips and tricks!!) Guitar Tricks presents A Look at the Vintage Pedal Market By Shawn Leonhardt for Guitar Tricks and 30 Day Singer, the original platform for online guitar lessons. Vintage pedals are so popular that many modern manufacturers attempt to replicate them so there are more to go around! Not only do some pedals...
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We love today’s fuzz pedal, plain and simple. The Bun Runner from JHS Pedals is a sonic marvel, and one of the most versatile and useful fuzzes we have ever had the privilege of playing. With two quite different sides to this 2-in-1 pedal, many fuzzy tones are easily accessible, ranging from slightly overdriven to all-out crazy, gooey, fuzzy goodness. Let’s check out this rare, discontinued beauty, shall we? The left side...
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As their name suggests, the makers of fine pedals at Fjord Fuzz are relatively obsessed with, well, FUZZ. Having had the privilege of reviewing their gear over the last 2 years, it’s safe to say we’re fairly obsessed with it as well. Today’s fuzzy gem comes to us as the EMBLA Overdrive Fuzz, a mix of circuits that present a wide range of dirt to experiment with, and we’ll probably be obsessed with this one,...
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We eagerly await each new release from our pals at Strymon, as many of you do, and their latest is an absolute mindbender. The Zelzah Multidimensional Phaser, aside from having a wicked rad name, is a modulation pedal like no other. Focusing on phasing, it also sports elements of chorus, vibrato, flanger and tremolo, all while sweeping an enormous range of phaser tones, modern and vintage. Grab your headphones and strap in,...
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Ahh, the Tonebender. A classic fuzz heard on countless records, and one that’s been replicated and duplicated to varying degrees of success by numerous companies around the world. We’ve got another one for you today, and it’s a good one: the PedalFarm F-2 Professional Fuzz is based on the MKII Tonebender circuit, and has been re-imagined with silicon transistors and a bias control, for a wide range of fuzzy textures....
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The Legends of Fuzz series from JHS Pedals is a tribute to the world’s most historic, rare, and sought after fuzz circuits. Since the originals are extremely hard-to-find, extremely expensive when you do and prone to the problems electronics might have after 50 years, this series brings these sounds and tones to the masses, for all to enjoy. There are four pedals in all, and we’re going to run through each one, what they...
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Ori Naftaly Southern Avenue www.southernavenuemusic.com https://facebook.com/SouthernAvenueMusic/ https://www.instagram.com/southernavenuemusic/ How long have you been a musician? How did you get into it in the first place? I started playing guitar when I was 5 years old. I remember listening to my dads record collection that was full of Jazz, Blues, Funk and British rock from the 60s and 70s. I had an amazing mentor called Tony...
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Scott Metzger New York City Joe Russo’s Almost Dead WOLF! The Showdown Kids www.scottmetzger.com How long have you been a musician? How did you get into it in the first place? I started playing saxophone in the third grade and I kept that up all through high school. A love of early Metallica led to the guitar when I was about 14-ish. Who have been some of your major musical influences, past or present? Tons of Motown &...
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Johnny Hiland Nashville, TN http://www.johnnyhiland.net/ It is a sincere pleasure, and honor, to be doing this interview. I am a huge fan of Pedal of the Day, on Twitter, as I am truly a pedal nut. I just want everybody to know that you can find out anything you may want to know about me on my website, www.johnnyhiland.net. How long have you been a musician? How did you get into it in the first place? I have been a musician now for...
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Although we reviewed this guy a while back, it was V1, and we weren’t doing demo videos at the time, so we decided to revisit one of our favorite fuzz pedals, and update it a bit as well. We’ve included excerpts from our original review, as well as the sweet, sweet demo… We love this fuzz. The Bun Runner from JHS Pedals is a sonic marvel, and one of the most versatile and useful fuzzes we have ever had the privilege...
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Jesse Aycock (Tulsa, OK) www.jesseaycock.com / www.facebook.com/jesseaycockband Hard Working Americans (everywhere USA) www.thehardworkingamericans.com Paul Benjaman Band (Tulsa, OK) www.paulbenjamanband.com / www.facebook.com/paulbenjamanband Lauren Barth (Tulsa, OK) www.laurenbarth.com / www.facebook.com/laurenbarthmusic How long have you been a musician? How did you get into it in the first place? I guess I’ve been a...
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Neal Casal nealcasal.com Chris Robinson Brotherhood www.chrisrobinsonbrotherhood.com Hard Working Americans www.thehardworkingamericans.com Circles Around The Sun Skiffle Players (with Cass McCombs) Phil Lesh And Friends Gospelbeach How long have you been a musician? How did you get into it in the first place? I started playing guitar in 1981. I was obsessed with the Rolling Stones and the bands I saw in the Gimme Shelter film....
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Today’s guest review comes to us from Rob H. – you can find him on Instagram (@studio.rh), Twitter (@Rob_Hildreth) or on his website (Studio RH). Magnetic Effects are a London (UK) based boutique pedal manufacturer. All of the effects are designed and built by Christian Livingstone, who also happens to be the riff monster from NZ garage rockers The Datsuns. You only need to listen to his guitar work to realise this guy...
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The Firefly from JHS Pedals caught my eye well before it’s release, and I was just itching to give it a spin in the old home studio. Low and behold, it finally appeared on my doorstep, and I was anxious and excited as I tore the package open. Looking sleek and sophisticated from the get-go, I knew the Firefly was gonna win me over about 3 seconds after I plugged it in. This is JHS’ take on the Tonebender MKIII, a classic...
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I love this fuzz, I gotta say. The Bun Runner from JHS Pedals is a sonic marvel, and one of the most versatile and useful fuzzes I have ever had the privilege of playing. With two quite different sides to this 2-in-1 pedal, many fuzzy tones are easily accessible, ranging from slightly overdriven to all-out crazy, gooey, fuzzy goodness. The left side of the (now-discontinued) Bun Runner is the (now discontinued) JHS Astro Mess Fuzz,...
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Godlyke, Inc. is pleased to announce the release of the Maxon Fuzz Elements – seven new models designed to reproduce the classic and unique sounds of the World’s most desirable vintage Fuzz pedals. Using modern software technology, Maxon has modeled and mapped the complex elements that make up the core sounds of these legendary effect units, reproducing them using advanced analog circuitry that is both accurate and stable. Each Fuzz...
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