10 Best Fuzz Pedals Compared & Reviewed

 

Best Fuzz Pedal Review – Top Rated Models with Buying Guide

 

If your musical goals call for the best fuzz pedal, yet you have little time at disposal to browse all the options available for sale these days, this paragraph might be of help. Given the many products, finding the right fuzz pedal for your needs might prove to be challenging. To simplify your shopping session, we have examined some of the most popular models in this line and concluded that the first option to consider is the Donner Guitar Classic Effects Pedal. This unit promises to deliver full and sweet tones, durability, and ease of operation. Thanks to the various function knobs featured, you can make the necessary adjustments effortlessly. Plus, the materials used for its construction are committed to providing you with stability and keeping up with extended use. In case this product is temporarily out of stock, a reliable alternative in terms of quality and performance is the JHS Mini Foot Fuzz V2.

 

 

Comparison table

 

 

 

10 Best Fuzz Pedals (Updated Reviews) in 2021

 

 

Using the best fuzz pedals for your guitar performance will impact your sonic output significantly. Finding the right model for your particular interests might take lots of time and browsing, though. To ease your decision-making process, we have compiled below a list of fuzz pedal reviews. Check it out before ordering.

 

 

1. Donner Guitar Classic Effects Pedal

 

Compact, lightweight, and easy to use, this guitar fuzz pedal is worth taking into account if you want to spice up your performance with rich and sweet tones. The unit was designed to flavor your guitar sessions with plump fuzz effects and do so without requiring too much of your effort.

To enable you to enjoy its benefits easily, the unit comes with three knobs. You will get a volume knob to control the sound volume, a sustain knob to control the degree of the Fuzz sound, and a tone knob to adjust the fuzz tone depth.

What’s more, the true bypass will make sure you get zero tone coloration whereas the LED light will show the working state. The aluminum-alloy shell will keep up with extended use whereas the small and lightweight body will make it easy for you to add the unit to your travel gear.

 

Pros

If you’re on the lookout for a classic fuzz pedal that is easy to use and add to your travel gear, this compact model might be right up your alley.

The product was built to nuance your sonic output with full and sweet tones and do so for a long time.

Thanks to the way it was designed and the controls featured, employing and adjusting it won’t be difficult, even if you are a beginner.

The item has three knobs that will help you control the volume, depth, and degree of the fuzz sound produced.

Durability is ensured by the aluminum-alloy shell used; moreover, the product is compact and lightweight, which means that you can easily transport it.

The true bypass will provide you with a transparent tone while the LED light will show you the working state.

 

Cons

The pack does not include the power adapter, so you will have to buy it separately.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($32.99)

 

 

 

2. JHS Mini Foot Fuzz V2

 

Bound to flavor your performance and help you explore your creativity, this mini fuzz pedal from JHS shouldn’t go unchecked before you make your final decision. It boasts a stylish and colorful construction and features that will help you dive into new sonic realms and do so easily and comfortably.

What’s outstanding about this particular model is that it will help you play with the sounds you produce and adjust the output according to your needs easily. The knobs featured are thus committed to simplifying your experience. You will get volume and fuzz controls that will help you enjoy lower-gain fuzz, “splatty” tones, and vintage-inspired sonic outputs.

The +/- switch further enhances the versatility of this product. If you use it in the “-” mode, the toggle will create vintage sounds whereas, in the “+” mode, it will provide you with a mixture of classic and modern high-gain fuzz.

 

Pros

Boasting a nice and durable purple body, this compact fuzz pedal is an option you might want to take into account before hitting the order button.

Thanks to the way it was designed and the controls featured, you can employ the unit to explore your personality and translate it beautifully.

The volume and fuzz knobs are accompanied by a +/- toggle to enable you to color your sonic outputs not only with vintage sounds but also with modern high-gain fuzz.

The two-way gain mode will enable you to fine-tune the sounds produced even more; thanks to all the features mentioned above, users will get rich harmonics, impressive headroom, and thick overdrive.

The pedal measures only 6 x 4 x 3 inches and thus takes little space on a pedalboard and can be used with basses as well.

 

Cons

Even though the product performs nicely and is packed with noteworthy features, it still might be a bit pricey.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($135)

 

 

 

3. VSN Fuzz Traditional Rich L-325

 

In case you’re interested in getting a fuzz pedal that not only performs admirably from a sonic point of view but that also makes a nice visual addition to your performance, this product might be cut out for you. The pedal was built to ensure musical versatility and stand the test of time.

It features a high-quality zinc alloy body that is bound to ensure durability and stability and a stylish design that adds a nice visual touch to your gigs. The product delivers a rich and plump fuzz effect and the true bypass ensures zero tone coloration.

Due to the knobs featured, translating your musical goals and interests faithfully is significantly easier. The fuzz knob enables you to adjust the degree of the fuzz sound whereas the volume knob allows you to adjust the volume of the fuzz sound created. The pack includes a user manual to help you get the most out of this pedal with ease.

 

Pros

Designed to provide users with the traditional fuzz effect, this model from VSN is worth adding to your list of options.

The rich and plump fuzz effect produced will help you explore more and enjoy greater versatility, and, thanks to the true bypass, the tone is transparent and there is zero tone coloration.

To make sure that you enjoy a personalized experience, the item comes with volume and fuzz knobs, so you can control the volume and degree of the fuzz sounds created.

The pedal boasts an LED indicator that shows the working state and a small and lightweight body that ensures easy storage and transportation.

The high-quality zinc alloy construction promises to withstand many practice sessions and gigs and provide stability.

The user manual included in the pack will help you enjoy the benefits ensured by this pedal with greater ease.

 

Cons

The knobs might not deliver too much room for change, yet keep in mind that this is a small fuzz pedal.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($30.98)

 

 

 

4. BOSS FZ-5 Fuzz Guitar Pedal

 

Many guitar fuzz pedals can help you create vintage effects that will nuance your performance with pure retro sounds and this model from BOSS stands out when it comes to such results. Using cutting-edge technology, this product is ideal for guitarists interested in recreating the sounds and effects of the ’60s and ’70s.

The Boost knob enables players to produce the fuzz-filled sounds of the first effects pedals created and produce even more aggressive tones. The sonic capacities of this unit are paired with a durable body that won’t break anytime soon.

The item measures only 6 x 4 x 3 inches and weighs 1.1 pounds, which means it won’t take up too much space on your pedalboard. Moreover, the metal construction makes it a nice option for on-the-road musicians. The 9V battery needed for the product to work is included in the pack.

 

Pros

In case you’re more into retro-shaped sounds, this fuzz pedal is an option you might want to pay attention to before you make your final decision.

Thanks to the BOSS proprietary technology used, the FZ-5 can recreate the fuzz effects of the first fuzz distortion pedal models and thus flavor your performance with the retro sounds of the ‘60s and ‘70s.

The Boost knob takes the sonic capacities of this pedal one step further as it can create more aggressive tones.

The tough metal construction renders it ideal for outdoor gigs and on-the-road players while the compact build makes it easy to add the unit to your pedalboard.

The pedal comes with the 9V battery required to work and a design that ensures ease of operation.

 

Cons

Despite the quality materials used to build this product, the on-off switch might not be that durable.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($102.99)

 

 

 

5. Electro-Harmonix Op-amp Big Muff

 

What you get with this fuzz pedal is not only a durable unit but also the iconic fuzz sound of Billy Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins). This unit is a recreation of the 1978 Op-Amp Fuzz circuit and is built to produce the crushing muff tone of Corgan’s Siamese Dream.

To enable players to personalize their performance, the unit is packed with various controls. The pedal thus boasts volume, tone, and sustain knobs that you can employ according to your goals and preferences. You can use the tone bypass switch to temporarily toggle the tone circuit and add more power.

The die-cast build promises to provide you with many hours of use whereas the compact size renders it great for musicians on the road and easy to add to your pedalboard. The 9-volt battery required for the unit to work is included in the pack.

 

Pros

Durable and capable of noteworthy sonic outputs, this product is worth paying attention to whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned musician.

The unit was built based on the late-’70s Op-Amp equipped V4 IC Big Muff Pi and can thus recreate the fuzz-filled and explosive textures that have shaped the music of that era.

The volume, sustain, and tone knobs featured will enable you to easily and quickly dial in the textures you’re interested in getting.

To keep up with countless practice sessions, this product boasts a die-cast construction; what’s more, the item is compact to ensure easy transportation and storage.

The pack includes the 9-volt battery needed to power the pedal, which makes this bundle an affordable option.

 

Cons

The 9V DC power supply needed for this pedal to work is sold separately, which adds to the final price.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($108)

 

 

 

6. Mooer Triangle Buff

 

If durability, ease of use, and the possibility to personalize your gigs are the things you’re interested in, this model from Mooer should not be ignored before you decide on a particular product. The unit is compact and easy to use thanks to the way it was designed.

The sustain, volume, and tone controls featured enable players to adjust the sounds created and take the output one step closer to their goals. The volume knob will help you control the volume of the fuzz effects created while the tone knob will make it possible for you to adjust the tone color of the fuzz produced.

Thanks to the sustain knob, you can add gain to the fuzz effect. You don’t have to worry about losing the sonic integrity of your guitar as the true bypass featured will stop that from happening. The metal case and quality materials featured will make sure that extended use is not a problem.

 

Pros

With this fuzz pedal, contouring your sounds will be an enjoyable activity as the product was designed to ensure rich and creamy sounds and easy operation.

The unit has three knobs that will allow you to adjust the tone, gain, and volume of the fuzz created.

Thanks to the true bypass, there is no tone coloration; therefore, rest assured that you will not lose the sonic integrity of your instrument.

The metal shell promises to stand many practice sessions and gigs whereas the design provides the user with easy operation.

The pedal measures 1.8 x 4.2 x 2.2 inches and weighs 5.6 ounces, which ensures easy storage and transportation; also, the item won’t require too much space when added to your pedalboard.

 

Cons

Just like other units in this line, this one requires a 9V center negative power supply that is sold separately.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($88)

 

 

 

7. CNZ Audio True Bypass

 

Packed with features that will provide your gigs with fuzzy distortion, this unit is ideal for beginners and advanced players alike thanks to its design. The easy-to-use pedal is committed to ensuring extra harmonic richness and long sustains while its knobs make it easier for players to adjust the sonic benefits of this unit according to their needs.

The volume knob allows you to adjust the output from this product altogether while the sustain knob enables you to control the distortion level and sensitivity coming from the unit. If you want to achieve louder and dirtier tones with sensitive pickup, simply adjust the sustain knob to the higher levels.

Due to the tone knob, you can change the tone of the effect provided by the pedal. The unit has a solid build that will stand the test of time. Despite that, the pedal is lightweight and small, so you can easily add it to your pedalboard or travel gear.

 

Pros

Whether you’re a beginner or a more advanced guitarist, this fuzz pedal will help you explore a variety of sounds and do so effortlessly.

The unit is packed with features that will help you customize your experience and create sounds that will translate your personality faithfully.

The three knobs featured will help you play with the sonic capacities of this pedal and adjust the output based on your preferences; you will get volume, tone, and sustain knobs.

The sustain knob enhances the versatility of this product as it can get you from loud and dirty tones to clean ones.

The pedal measures only 3.8 x 1.8 x 1.9 inches and weighs 4 ounces, which means that you can easily add it to your pedalboard and transport it.

 

Cons

Although it is advertised as a great option for both beginners and more seasoned players, the unit might not meet the expectations of some advanced guitarists.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($44.99)

 

 

 

8. AZOR AP-303 Aluminium Alloy

 

Durability, ease of use, and full and sweet tones are the benefits you get to enjoy when using this fuzz pedal from Azor. The compact unit was built in such a way to make it easy for beginners and advanced players alike to personalize their performance.

It has a classic design and a solid build that will make sure employing it for hours on end won’t be a problem. When the effect is disengaged, the true bypass will make it possible for your instrument’s signal to reach the amp unaltered. The aluminum-alloy shell ensures stability whereas the LED light shows the working state.

Due to the three knobs featured, you can easily take your sonic output where you want it to be. The level knob allows you to control the sound volume and the tone knob enables you to adjust the fuzz tone depth. The degree of the fuzz sound can be controlled with the fuzz knob.

 

Pros

The pedal is built to ensure ease of use and fuzz effects that will take your performance to a new level of sonic versatility.

To enable guitarists to play with the sounds they create according to their needs and preferences, the pedal has three knobs.

You can adjust the degree of the fuzz sound with the dedicated knob, its volume with the volume knob, and the depth with the tone control.

Thanks to the aluminum-alloy case used, you can rest assured that this unit will serve your needs for a long time.

The item measures 3.7 x 1.7 x 1.3 inches and weighs 10.4 ounces, so it will leave plenty of room on your pedalboard for other units.

 

Cons

Even if it is best for such units to be small and thus pedalboard-friendly, some users might find this particular model to be too small.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($23.99)

 

 

 

9. Coolmusic C-FC1 Fuzzster

 

Good fuzz pedals are a combination of nice effects, enhanced control over the sonic output, ease of use, and durability, or the features you get with this model from Coolmusic. The product comes with a solid build as well as a design that provides the user with various benefits.

The sustain knob allows you to control the distortion and sustain whereas the fuzz knob will allow you to adjust the fuzz effect. The pedal also comes with a clean control for volume adjustment and a tone knob that you can use to play with the tone of the output signal.

The stylish pedal features a LED light that shows the bypass and effects status, so you can use it even in darker places. The unit is small and compact and can be employed for basses, electric guitars, and keyboards. The metal used promises to last.

 

Pros

If you’re interested in getting a multipurpose pedal that can be used with electric guitars, keyboards, and other instruments, this unit might be right up your alley.

The versatile and easy-to-use unit boasts various knobs that will simplify your experience and enable you to personalize it even more.

You will get clean, tone, sustain, and fuzz knobs, so you can make various adjustments and tailor the sounds produced.

Thanks to the LED light that indicates the bypass and effects pedal, you can use the unit even at night or in darker places.

The unit is pedalboard-friendly and easy to transport and storage as it measures 4.5 x 2.4 x 0.8 inches and weighs 8.6 ounces.

 

Cons

The knobs might be too close to each other and your fingers might bump into the other knobs when you try to fully rotate one of them.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($35.99)

 

 

 

10. Donner Octave Fuzz Seeker

 

Ideal for many music styles, this octave fuzz pedal from Donner comes equipped with quality materials and features that will take your performance one step further as far as versatility is concerned. The unit is suitable for both guitars and basses and promises to recreate the octave fuzz sounds of the ‘70s, yet do so with greater flexibility.

What makes this product stand out is the variety of controls provided. Besides the usual volume and tone knobs featured, the item also has a fluffy knob that allows you to adjust the fuzz gain amount, an SCP/FAT toggle that you can use to choose between two sound modes, and an Octa knob to adjust the amount of the upper octave overtone.

Moreover, the unit boasts an Octa footswitch that will switch the upper octave overtone on/off. The unit thus ensures enhanced flexibility and is easy to use. Plus, a user manual is provided to help you get started.

 

Pros

Whether you’re looking for a thick and fat fuzz tone or a brighter one, with this pedal you can easily add it to the sounds you produce.

The item will help you create octave fuzz sounds and enjoy enhanced flexibility when it comes to shaping the effects produced by this unit.

The various knobs it comes with set the pedal apart from other models in this line and allow for great control over the sonic output.

Besides the tone, fluffy, and volume knobs featured, the pedal has a toggle that lets you choose between scooped and fat tones as well as an Octa knob, an Octa footswitch, and an ON/OFF footswitch.

 

Cons

Considering its price, the product is an affordable fuzz pedal and the performance is on par with its price; in case you’re a professional looking for a high-end unit, you might want to check out other models as well.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($43.99)

 

 

 

Our Comprehensive Buying Guide

 

The choices guitarists have as far as effects pedals are concerned come in plenty, which might make it a bit difficult and time-consuming to find the right product for your requirements. In case your pedalboard needs a fuzz pedal and you don’t know where to start, this short buying guide might be of help.

There are various features to pay attention to in order to make sure only the best cheap fuzz pedal reaches your shopping cart. We have highlighted them below to simplify your shopping process and help you make a more informed decision. Reading a fuzz pedal review is also recommended before your purchase.

Fuzz pedal types

Fuzz pedals started to nuance rock performances in the early ‘60s and have been part of many guitarists’ gear ever since. These pedals can be divided into two types based on the transistors they use. You will thus find silicon or germanium fuzz pedals. Each type comes with pros and cons, but choosing between them is, after all, a matter of preference.

The first fuzz pedals created used germanium transistors, a reason why there is some sort of nostalgia when it comes to these units. Germanium fuzz pedals create creamier and warmer tones with a strong mid-range and they react well to the guitarist’s playing style and picking dynamics.

The thing with germanium transistors is that they also react to temperature changes, which will affect the sound created when using them. These units will sound differently depending on where they are used.

An alternative to this pedal type is the silicon fuzz pedal. This model is more reliable and ensures enhanced consistency. Silicon fuzz pedals create a brighter sound and high amounts of gain. Most fuzz pedals available for sale these days use silicon transistors. Also, they are cheaper.

 

Knobs and ease of use

Whether this is your first fuzz pedal or you’ve already had one and you want to upgrade, you might want to consider the tone-shaping options you need and want. Most fuzz pedals come with three knobs for volume, tone, and fuzz adjustments. The well-known Big Muff has only three of them and that feature has probably contributed to the great success this unit had.

However, this is a matter of preference. The market now offers units that have even five or seven knobs. Don’t overlook the pedal design. Some models might have the knobs too close to each other, which might affect your comfort when trying to rotate one of them fully. Also, you might want to look for a true-bypass pedal if you want zero tone coloration.

Durability and budget

While some of the best octave fuzz pedals out there can reach even $200, you can find pretty decent models under $100. A cheap fuzz pedal might have its drawbacks, though. Think of the overall performance and durability ensured by a specific model and your particular needs before you buy it.

Check out the product dimensions as well to see if your pedalboard can accommodate it. Most fuzz pedals are compact and lightweight to make it easy for you to add it to the rest of your gear. Plus, consider the power supply and polarity required by a certain model.

In case you share a power supply with other pedals, the fuzz pedal you want to buy should have the same polarity to avoid any damage.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: What is a fuzz pedal and how does it work?

Fuzz pedals fall in the category of effects pedals guitarists and musicians use to tailor the sound produced by the instruments they use. They are designed to heavily saturate the tone of your instrument and add a fuzzy feel to it.

The pedal will process your signal greatly and offer an impressive amount of sustain, which creates an artificial tone. Many players feel that this tone makes their amp sound broken and this peculiarity has become associated with fuzz pedals and the way they nuance the sounds produced by an instrument.

To achieve such results, the pedal uses two or more transistors that amplify the signal so much that it starts to sound fuzzy and distorted with lots of sustain. The first fuzz pedals featured germanium transistors, yet today’s market offers many models built with silicon transistors.

Germanium transistors are affected by humidity and temperature changes and thus behave differently when such changes occur.

Q: What is the difference between an overdrive pedal and a distortion pedal?

When listening to these types of pedals for the first time, you might not notice significant differences in what they do, yet with time and practice, the nuances of their sonic outputs and contribution will get a clearer contour.

When approached as an effect, distortion refers to any process that alters the sound; therefore, overdrive is a subset or type of distortion. These two terms, distortion and overdrive, are frequently used interchangeably, but there are differences in the meaning.

Overdrive pedals are designed to simulate the creamy and warm sounds of an overdriven tube amp. They create warm overtones at lower volumes and produce harsher distortion when the gain is increased. However, they produce a cleaner sound when compared to distortion pedals.

Distortion pedals create almost the same amount of distortion regardless of the volume used. They alter the sound more intensely, which makes them ideal for players interested in more distorted sounds.

 

Q: What does a fuzz pedal sound like?

If you’ve listened to the psychedelic rock of the ‘60s, then you’ve most probably listened to the effects produced by a fuzz pedal. The history of these devices starts in that era where distortion pedals were coloring the performances of legends such as Jimi Hendrix.

While fuzz pedals fall into the class of distortion pedals, they do stand out through the particular sounds they produce. When using such a pedal, you will get sounds that are closer to the ones of a broken amplifier. What is also remarkable about these pedals is the incredible sustain they ensure.

They alter the audio signal to a point where they create an artificial tone that is entirely their own and offer a noteworthy amount of sustain. The heavily saturated tone is covered in a fuzzy feel, hence the name of this type of pedals.