Catalog

guitar effect pedal FUZZ limited edition reissue

A faithful reproduction of our original 1960s unit using the same circuit configuration as the original design, combined with modern resistors, capacitors and original germanium transistors. The new pedal combines yesterday’s mojo and tone flavour with the reliability and stability of today’s technology.

In the ‘60s, there were no ‘sound-alike’ pedals and the tones associated with the folklore of the time were a demonstration of how ‘in-tune’ musicians became with the most basic of effects whilst reflecting their own unique playing style. The Rotosound RFB1 fuzz pedal features a footswitch and three ‘no-nonsense’ controls. Each control has a simple, separate and independent function, and it is this feature that allows the infinite variety of fuzz tones possible with this pedal. So, let’s get started getting those dream tones of yesteryear...

POWER
This unit is powered by a PP3 9V battery. The current drain is very low and should last a while, dependent on use. As the battery dies out you will notice that the fuzz sound becomes more spluttery, a much-loved quirk of this original fuzz design. The INSTRUMENT socket also acts as a power switch. To preserve battery life, leave it unplugged when not in use. Please be aware Germanium devices are very temperature sensitive and will change their sound as they heat up. Try to keep the pedal at a normal temperature before and during use.

CONNECTIONS
Plug a guitar into the INSTRUMENT socket. To optimise performance, the RFB1 fuzz pedal should be connected directly after the guitar, allowing you to interact with the fuzz effect by rolling down the guitar‘s volume control or altering playing dynamics. Connecting a buffered pedal before a vintage-style fuzz pedal inhibits this and can make the effect thin and trebly. Connect the AMPLIFIER socket to the next effects unit in the signal path or directly to a guitar amplifier.

CONTROLS
The VOLUME control sets the output level of the pedal. The FUZZ control adjusts the amount of signal driving the fuzz circuitry. Set anti-clockwise for a valve-like overdrive. Turning the control clockwise delivers thick distortion and sustain, but still with that round Germanium sound. The TREBLE control is an interesting one, taking its name from the original pedal. In reality, this control acts like a combined tone control, boosting bass when fully anti-clockwise, and treble at the fully clockwise position. Set it to 12 o’clock for a fairly neutral tone.