5 Kinds of Fuzz Pedals You Should Consider Getting

Fuzz pedals can be grouped by their circuitry. The number of transistors and the components they are made of play a major part in the sound produced. 

Some players love a specific type and do not enjoy other types, so you should try out pedals from different categories to find the ones that work best for you. Explore which pedals your musical references use and try them out for yourself.

There are other types of circuits for fuzz pedals that you may encounter. Here are some of the most crucial ones to look out for:

1) Fuzz Face Style Pedals 

The Fuzz Face style is the most typical and original type of fuzz. It was made famous by British guitar players like Pete Townshend and Jimi Hendrix.

Often referred to as "clamshell" pedals due to their distinct shape, they are very simple in design. A few pedals have the Fuzz Face engraved on them, and some are even made to look like the original ones.

The sound comes from the input (low impedance) and the output (high impedance). These are usually transistors, which are turned on and off by the foot pedal. This puts a high-frequency boost on the signal. The tone is very heavy and fuzzy.

2) Big Muff Style Pedals

The Big Muff was made famous by artists like David Gilmour and Jack White. They are different than Fuzz Face pedals because they are less dependent on transistors.

The circuit contains four diodes, two resistors, and two capacitors. These components give the pedal a distinct tone and allow for more bass than a Fuzz Face.

3) Octave Fuzz

Octave fuzz pedals are a newer invention, first appearing around 1990. They were created to simulate the sound of the bass guitar but for guitar.

Octave pedals can also be modified to create different effects with distortion, like a fuzz face. Some are also made to run at higher frequencies.

4) Dual Fuzz Pedals

While not as common, a few pedals fit into this category. They usually have two pedals in one casing. One pedal handles the distortion, and the other one adds a different type of fuzz.

Some only have a boost button, and others have more complicated settings. One of the most famous pedals in this category is the Black Cat Super Fuzz.

5) Germanium Fuzz

Germanium fuzz pedals are made from germanium transistors. Germanium transistors have a very different tone than silicon transistors, making them very different from Fuzz Face pedals.

One difference is that Germanium pedals sound more like a guitar with a damaged amplifier than a buzz saw. They have a warmer and rounder sound than silicon fuzz pedals.

Most germanium fuzz pedals replicate the sound of a Big Muff.

Finding the Right One for You

As you can see, there are many options when it comes to fuzz pedals. Each type has unique components and sounds, so choosing the right one can be very difficult. Try out some of the most popular types of fuzz pedals and see which sound you like best.​​​​

Whatever you’re looking for, Musicstreet has you covered. We are a music shop in Cambridgeshire that has everything you might need. Browse through our website today to see for yourself.