How to Find the Fuzz Pedal You Need

In this week's episode, Josh and Nick break down the four different types of fuzz pedals, and it pretty much boils down to the number of transistors. Josh also tries (again) to convince us that germanium fuzz does not sound better than silicon. Spoiler: he's right.
www.thejhsshow.com/
www.jhspedals.info/
/ thejhsshow
JHS Fresh Clips: / @jhsfreshclips7880
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:26 Understanding Fuzz Pedals
1:07 2 Transistor Fuzz
5:02 Bias Controls
9:14 3 Transistor Fuzz
14:53 4 Transistor Fuzz
19:57 Octave Fuzz
24:09 Fuzz Goes First...Usually
25:56 Record Time
26:51 Thanks For Watching!
Gear in this Episode:
Vox 816 Distortion Booster
1966 Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face
JHS Pedals Legends of Fuzz Smiley
reverb.com/p/jhs-legends-seri...
Analog.Man Sun Face
reverb.com/p/analogman-sun-fa...
JHS Pedals 3 Series Fuzz
reverb.com/p/jhs-3-series-fuz...
Maestro Fuzz-Tone
reverb.com/p/maestro-fuzz-ton...
Sola Sound Tone Bender
reverb.com/p/sola-sound-tone-...
Marshall Supa Fuzz
reverb.com/p/marshall-supa-fu...
Zonk Machine
reverb.com/p/british-pedal-co...
Fulltone Soul-Bender
reverb.com/p/fulltone-soul-be...
JHS Pedals Legends of Fuzz Bender
reverb.com/p/jhs-legends-seri...
Electro-Harmonix Triangle Big Muff
reverb.com/p/electro-harmonix...
Electro-Harmonix Rams Head Big Muff
reverb.com/p/electro-harmonix...
Ibanez Overdrive
reverb.com/p/ibanez-limited-e...
EarthQuaker Devices Cloven Hoof
reverb.com/p/earthquaker-devi...
JHS Pedals Legends of Fuzz Crimson
reverb.com/p/jhs-legends-seri...
Octavia
Blue Octavia
reverb.com/p/chicago-iron-wor...
Univox Super-Fuzz
reverb.com/p/univox-super-fuz...
Foxx Tone Machine
reverb.com/p/foxx-tone-machin...
Danelectro 3699 Fuzz
reverb.com/p/danelectro-the-3...
JHS Pedals Legends of Fuzz Supreme
reverb.com/p/jhs-legends-seri...
Seuf Guitars Blackguard Tele
www.seufguitars.com/
JHS "Loud Is More Good Amp"
www.sweetwater.com/store/deta...
Record Time:
Billy Martin and Wil Blades - Shimmy
amzn.to/3iIE7od
Josh’s record player is by U-Turn Audio:
amzn.to/34CRXjr
The jams from past episodes are on BandLab! Head over to the link below to jam with us, download the stems, and create your own samples from our sounds... or all of those things.
www.bandlab.com/jhspedals
Mini Fuzz Faces Episode: • Why Dunlop Mini Fuzz F...
#jhs #thejhsshow

[@elihansen820]

“See the word ‘Fuzz’ on a pedal. Buy it. Keep buying more, because you need all of them.” - what Josh probably means, because he’s correct

[@BRIGGS2710]

fuzz fuzz fuzz....I love fuzz!!!

[@honkytonkinson9787]

That was my take on the video: more fuzz, more transistors, more knobs, more loud, more better! Maybe Josh should make a new pedal and call it the More Fuzz

[@chaipup7045]

nope. Even had the Boss TB2w and it didn't do it for me.

[@ravenslaves]

Yup. I was thinking the exact same thing.

[@jhspedals]

This is the way.

[@Earthwormjimm]

I feel so blessed for finding my fuzz. Jhs got me curious about fuzz after hating it my entire 20 year musical career. One morning, I was messing with my pedalboard and I asked my kid to pick a pedal to use. She picked the Mxr blue box. I hate that thing. But it was her call, so I used it. Then I went to a guitar center later that afternoon and saw an Animals Fishing is as fun as fuzz pedal. The artwork reminded me of my daughter, and we were about to go camping so there was a theme. Yet another example we shop with our eyes not our ears. I plugged it in and hated myself, it was perfect. The coolest fuzz and so subtle but also huge depending on the setting. It became the most important pedal on my board. I was hooked. So thank you Josh. I didn’t know how deep the rabbit hole went and I’m glad I found my pedal on the first try.

[@jhspedals]

this is awesome!

[@Earthwormjimm]

@@jhspedals I’ll add to the awesome; on the episode Josh built a fuzz pedal he inspired me to start making my own pedals. I bought some basic supplies and I’m beginning my journey with the support of my awesome wife. Now we sit at home coming up with pedal ideas together. Thank you guys for making the seemingly impossible become completely possible!

[@Nicolas-wp4yg]

I’ve been playing fuzz pedals all my life and I think this was such an easy to understand and comprehensive Fuzz demo, because Josh used obtainable pedals instead of original super rare holy grail shit to explain the core differences. Even though this was a shameless plug of course, haha.

[@jhspedals]

😎

[@shankrl1]

You mean like “That Pedal Show”? Haha

[@citoante]

He made them sound like crap.

[@IamtheFerryMan]

@@citoante lies!

[@NoahOlive05]

​@@citoanteyou may not like his playing, but the pedals all sound great

[@cowieson]

I loved this episode. I enjoy the goofy, in-joke ironic stuff but I have missed these more history/information based episodes. They’re what made me really get into the JHS show (and pedal history) in the first place

[@jhspedals]

Great feedback, thanks so much!

[@Mu1974]

This episode is really close to what I would really love to see, namely Josh talking about circuits in general. How are time-based effects created, what makes a fuzz go *zing, how do you create which sound. I mean, this could be an awesome learning resource that could put people on the path to trying to put something together themselves

[@moddquad8362]

Josh seems to go out of his way not to use any maths in his descriptions. The octave fuzz description did not use the term absolute value, but rather resorted to using worm holes theory for some reason. Sometimes I think Josh is just trolling us.

[@Mu1974]

@@moddquad8362 I am totally clueless when it comes to circuits and electronics, but fumble with Reaktor DSP and modular synthesis. And the octave fuzz bit sounded like wavefolding and then I thought: a series of generic explanations of what is done to achieve certain sounds would enable the soldering-lings as well as DSP-anese people to build stuff

[@moddquad8362]

@@Mu1974 Having a good ear seems to be the most important attribute to make a good sounding pedal. JHS started with Josh modifying existing pedals though experimentation. His electronics chops came later.

[@Mu1974]

@@moddquad8362 yea, it's just that as I am into digital sound processing only, I can only go and take a look under the hood of digital FX (which is fun). But that notion that an octave fuzz might be wavefolding was quite exciting, because I always knew that it was not about pitch shifting, but couldn't really figure out what was going on instead. That's why I think it might be interesting to learn (from Josh) about how to approach certain FX in general, without regards for the actual physical components, if that makes sense. Kind of the mindset behind a sound, the idea behind the manipulation, you know?

[@Daniel-rg9sl]

Not sure if you purused the older JHS episodes and live streams, but he’s done some pretty good ELI5 style summaries. This channel is a treasure trove of information disguised as entertainment.

[@garyb48]

What a brilliant episode. Josh with his serious head on.

[@Ronphayes]

He did use the word “topology” a lot!

[@jhspedals]

Thank you!

[@juancarlossuarez7486]

@@Ronphayes topology is just another buzzword borrowed from geography and used to make you want to buy more pedals

[@johnrogers1777]

@@Ronphayes bottomology just isn't quite as convincing...

[@simonf5928]

@@juancarlossuarez7486 Topology seems like one of them "big words" that people use to make themselves sound very photosynthesis.

[@christopherfrancis7884]

First time I've heard someone discussing number of transistors. Usually it's a history lesson on when they were used, or silicon versus germanium. Josh's explanation makes a lot more sense and I plan on using this in better understanding and using fuzz.

[@TooPunkToBeAPodcast]

Josh you're an absolute treasure to the music world man. Brilliant video

[@JustSomeGuy]

My favorite is the Russian Big Muff. No matter what I've tried, I keep coming back to it. I got the reissue and loved it. I got the Muffuletta to play with different Big muff circuits, still went back to the Russian setting. I got the Animalizzer, which is the ultimate adjustable Big Muff-style pedal, set basically to the Russian setting. I am going to try coaxing fuzz face sounds out of the Animalizzer since it's so adjustable. That way I can justify having both that and the Muffuletta on my board.

[@gi5089]

I have it as well. It's real good! Gets those Siamese dream/Gilmour solo tones quite nicely!

[@JMohler]

But which Russian muff. There's green, there's black. There v7, v8 etc lol

[@dennismoes7281]

@@JMohlerThe russian setting is the V8 but the civil war is V7A and practicly the same as the tallfont green

[@6oundStudio]

I didn’t know you are a musician! Is there a place where i could check out your stuff maybe?

[@BockwinkleB]

@@6oundStudio it trips me out everytime I see him on a guitar video, not sure why...

[@kilgoretrout700]

I used to say the Fuzz Face was my favorite, but now I see that it changes to whichever one your playing at the moment.

[@agostino7527]

What a warm and fuzzy episode, thank Josh, very insightful too. Extra praises go out to the video editor/director's use of visual cut-aways and inserts.

[@Complicaadd0rock]

Awesome content as usual, Josh. Thank you for this amazing information on fuzzes, I needed it a lot! Congratulations on your amazing work, not only on JHS Pedals, but on this here KZbin channel!

[@mcfontaine]

Just brilliant, as always. Thanks for these deep dives, they are SO useful.

[@kedateaki]

Congratulations Josh! I've been following the channel for a long time and it's great to get to Friday after a long hard week and just enjoy a great video about pedals where you learn something and it's entertaining! Big shout out to you and your team from this Portuguese follower!

[@Russell_Optics]

Awesome & informative video. I learned more about the different fuzz pedals in 30 minutes than I learned in the past 30 years playing. Thank you Josh for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@jimmumford4733]

I've been hoping for something like this for a while... a vid that explains the 4 basic flavors of fuzz in just enough detail, & Josh is an expert who is most earnest in his desire to help people learn.

[@darrenanquist4611]

Well this was clairvoyant as I was just looking at getting the Supreme to and to the Crimson (which I absolutely love!). Thanks for the explanations and pedals!

[@jhspedals]

💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

[@ryandeklerk9553]

One of my favorite affordable fuzz pedals is the Russian big muff pi. Absolutely killer sound

[@JeffSaunders]

This was such a great video. Super informative, both as a guitarist and as someone who wants to get into building circuits. Just picked up the Muffuletta and am absolutely loving the variety of tones I can get out of it. Thanks for the wicked pedals, and all the great content!

[@davideriksen9086]

Definitely the most genius-incitefull description I've ever seen in a very long time! Awesome job of isolating and specifying where, on essential pedals, classic electric guitar tones are to be found.

[@HumbleInitiative]

I love that even with these crazy fuzz tones I can still hear the hum of Josh’s tube amp.

[@triplelindys]

I got the Op-Amp Big Muff and it sounds killer. Very happy with it. :)

[@jamesmorris7973]

Thank you Josh!! I have a much better understanding of fuzz now. The Fuzz Face(two transistor) and the Bender(three transistor) are my favorites. Seriously considering your version of both of these circuits. Thank you so much! Keep doing what you do!

[@tsarbamba642]

i always thought i wasn't interested in fuzz, that it was too aggressive and, like... fuzzy. but seeing you get these really nice sounding vintage tones out of the 3 transistor circuits specifically, got me thinking that's something I want in my arsenal.

[@tsarbamba642]

update: bought a JHS bender and I love it.

[@barnaclestval]

@@tsarbamba642 I love Fuzz & have 11 in which one of them is the Bender. My question for you is do you use yours with the red mod button pushed in or out?

[@emmettyoung7603]

the JHS bender is the only non muff fuzz i use, it’s excellent

[@barnaclestval]

@@emmettyoung7603 I have one as well. Question, do you use it more with the JHS mod button or as is?

[@emmettyoung7603]

@@barnaclestval i kinda switch back and forth, if it's going into a clean amp, as is, if the amp is slightly dirty, mod switch

[@skyviewdesign]

I’m really intrigued by the octave fuzz, but in particular what Spencer did with it in the Doom 2. The “clean blend” with an LPF to retain the fatness but keep the unique fuzz character for bass & synth applications sounds very fun. It’s a very musical circuit!

[@nitrogennick123]

Amazing that no one has ever made a video quite like this. Great job Josh!

[@watermelon1147]

This episode is a blessing. Thank you for all the fun times ❤

[@johnnyberg3979]

I've loved the velcro fuzz sound for a long time without knowing how it's created, or that the sound is actually called "velcro fuzz" until watching this video. Great episode, really informative

[@wids]

Dude same here. I came here looking for this comment lmao

[@dr.dionpeoples]

Valco or Velcro?

[@RabidChasebot]

Now I'm wondering how Jack White gets some of those gated velcro sounds when AFAIK he uses only a big muff for fuzz. Maybe it's the POG doing that idk

[@RabidChasebot]

@NDA I'm assuming the clean boost goes after the fuzz? And how does a clean boost like the micro amp help to get that velcro/gated sound?

[@RabidChasebot]

@NDA dude awesome thanks so much for the insight! I've been eyballing the fuzz factory and there's one by Danelectro that looks pretty interesting called the Eisenhower

[@Ninjametal]

Getting a Fuzz Face (Hendrix Version) may have changed my life, it probably changed my game, and it definitely changed my time strangling strats.

[@jhspedals]

Yes!

[@MAP448]

I love the episodes where u describe & compare circuits of different pedals & show us how they are either different or similar. I love nerding out on circuit descriptions. I guess I'm really weird like that & not only do I love it. I also feel like there are not a ton of people who are trustworthy with your experience & knowledge who are on KZbin & willing to share your experience & knowledge with the rest of us. It's almost like there is a total vacuum in this area. I guess people don't understand that the more we share knowledge & experience for free with the world. Then the better chance that someone else will soak it up & take it the extra mile & keep the crafts moving forward. Thank you Josh & all of your team for sharing.

[@JohnCoughlan_JAC]

Y’all are so helpful with these videos so thank you! I’ve had a big muff for years but never really knew what to do with it but now I’ve got a better idea on how to approach using it on my board. Thanks again!

[@mhicks5008]

Josh, thanks for the "Shimmy" recommend - I'd never heard it before, I like it!

[@cyr1766]

Hey Josh ! Very interesting episode ! You should make an "everything in a box fuzz" like you did with all the tube screamers which is amazing !! Thank you for your quality content !

[@levimorrison1135]

@Ameer Najarali but like, imagine one fuzz pedal with each topology in it

[@onerandombruh]

@@levimorrison1135 that's basically the Muffuletta

[@theceoofgibson2563]

@@onerandombruh No? Not at all? The muffuletta switches between a bunch of different big muffs, but they're all 90% the same. At least all the same circuit type. A fuzz face is wildly different from a big muff, as is it from a fuzz tone, or an Octavia, or any other fuzz pedal. Each topology is quite different and the muffuletta only includes the big muff. Just various versions of the big muff. As i said each big muff circuit is 90% the same, just small component changes.

[@javiermg2988]

Best JHS video! Super interesting and useful, love the technical info! Thanks Josh

[@aidanhennebry]

I am just so astounded and grateful for this channel. I have learned so much from watching these videos. Thank you JHS!!

[@bobbybrown1787]

I have an EHX Russian and Op Amp reissue, I love them both, but I’ve used them both for a bit and have been wanting to change things up just for fun for a bit. Thanks so much for this, Josh!

[@jhspedals]

Nice! What are you gonna get?

[@bobbybrown1787]

@@jhspedals I’m currently leaning towards a fuzz face clone! I have a Strat into Marshall so I think that would get me a decent vintage fuzz sound!

[@ZigbertD]

Jeez, I clicked on one of the links in the description and found out that the Analogman Sun Face NKT Red Dot fuzz pedals like the one that I bought in 2019 for $260 are listing on Reverb for $850-$1200. Apparently Mike ran out of the NOS NKT Red Dot transistors in 2020. However, he still has numerous other germanium and silicon transistor options available. Now, I love my Sun Face, it's a fantastic sounding Fuzz Face pedal, and I don't really shop on Reverb much so I have no idea if those listings in any way reflect actual selling prices of these pedals currently, but I'd have to say you'd be a fool to pay that much for one. But hey, I'm 56 years old, maybe if I hold on to mine for another ten years I can fund my retirement (or at least pay for a really nice vacation). EDIT: Oh, by the way: "🎵🎶I have the box!🎶🎵"

[@gavinw5469]

Transistor numbers really don't matter. Having matched and properly biased transistors will get you better tone. It's not like the number equates to some sort of tone magic.

[@FreddyJ120]

Freaking awesome episode, Josh. I learned more about fuzz in these few minutes than I have in 20 years playing. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!

[@donaldoryell-km1fv]

Thanks! What I’ve been looking for (without knowing how to describe it) was the bias control. I like the Velcro/tearing sound and have been trying to find something that would do it. I appreciate you, your channel, and your sense of humor. 👍

[@franktriggs]

My favourite fuzz is one I made myself, with a 47k pot on the input wired as a series variable resistor, acts like your guitar volume. Great for both Strats on full volume and Les Pauls with it dialed back. I copied the circuit from a Jen Double Sound Super Fuzz Wah, which is identical fuzz to the Vox Distortion Booster. No fuzz control, it's fixed to max, no volume control, it's fixed to unity with input volume dialed all the way back.

[@werdecurb]

We're talking about fuzz here. Don't expect the silly, joke crackin Josh today. This is some serious man stuff. #RespectTheFuzz

[@jasoncarrasco7682]

I did like the less silly/more educational tone of this video as well

[@iradflores8276]

"We talking bout fuzz man, not a drive, not a drive, but we here talking bout fuzz man"

[@werdecurb]

@@jasoncarrasco7682 Same!

[@malsanders609]

This was so good and informative. Thanks Josh and team!

[@Rodedog55]

Thanks for explaining all these aspects of these Fuzz Pedals ! It'll start me down another journey ! Best of times to you and yours mate !

[@zackstatic3988]

You did it again, how on earth is Mudhoney's classic debut EP on Sub Pop Records "Superfuzz Big Muff" not the "record time" choice?

[@johnnytwidd]

He can’t keep getting away with this!! Find me another record with not ONE but TWO classic fuzz pedals in the title

[@peterwelsh1932]

Yeah, mudhoney got corrected before you heard them, though. Live, the dude was playing with 2 bigMuffs in series. They went in two record and it sounded so terrible, the engineer had to break it down and help the guitarist figure out what he was trying to do. Cause it was unrecordable crap (do you know how noisey those beat2f#ck bigMuffs they had were? One was almost unbearable…. Then again; didn’t help the music. That engineer should have recorded all their noise and stumblings. That would have made i more timeless. Closer like something to an artist doing art. And not a failed attempt to make a Soundgarden Album. People wouldn’t hear it and go, “that smell like Stone Temple Garden in Chains

[@elarr8733]

@@peterwelsh1932 U mad, bro?

[@peterwelsh1932]

@@elarr8733 don’t make me quote Lewis Carroll at you

[@bristlefist]

@@peterwelsh1932 You're probably into prog rock and ukulele

[@gonzoduke6805]

Oh my God! The Elmo insert killed me! That was absolutely perfect, Josh loves fuzz! He is very intensely in love with fuzz. It shows on his face and in his circuit knowledge. Loved this episode! Keep them coming, please and thank you.

[@devinharwood6010]

TDWP cameo was legendary 😂. Awesome episode. Volume is definitely the biggest factor in the spectrum of tones you can get from a fuzz.

[@pricedlx]

I’ve decided to comment on old episodes as I watch them. Completely silly. But makes me feel engaged hahaha! Great content for players and for budding pedal moders/builders.

[@Abbaddonna]

This is one of the best channels on KZbin! Love it!

[@Chulpichochos]

Everyone needs just ONE fuzz pedal - the Muffaletta! Seriously, love the versatility on that guy.

[@darindipietro9141]

I run the Bender or a Big Muff into a cranked Neve preamp and straight into my DAW and that is my version of perfect fuzz tone. I hated fuzz for 30 years until I hit that combination and it’s awesome👍

[@zachary963]

Gotta try this!!

[@simon_patterson]

That was extremely enlightening and useful. Thank you!

[@PeteEllson5656]

Thanks for a great video. Been wanting to get into fuzz but really knew nothing about it. Now I think I have a handle on what I need. Thanks Josh.

[@PaulTheSkeptic]

I started this video basically knowing that I wanted a Fuzz Face. When he explained it, he confirmed that for me. That's the one I want. That's for me. But now that it's over, I want one of each.

[@the92project]

Best fuzz pedal I ever played: "Dead Man Walking" by AnalogWise. extremely versatile and tweakable and it works with any pick ups. The only way to play Hendrix on an LP, trust me!

[@HomePerformance]

Wow, very impressive explanation of the architectures of these electronics! Thanks man.

[@N7CAL]

Josh I dig how much you remind me of my uncle, the old TV repairman. Using common sense to make your point? BRILLIANT!! And a twisted sense of humor. BRILLIANT!!

[@robinsonrom]

My dad got me a FZ-2 back in the 90s and it took me until a couple years ago to really appreciate it. I almost sold it back in the mid 2000's when I was getting rid of some old gear, but I decided it would be rude to sell it since my dad gave it to me. In 2022, I'm so glad I kept it. Also, apparently they're rare now, which is cool, but I just think it's a dope pedal.

[@MrGallade475]

The fz-2 definitely sits atop the dope throne. Wait a minute...

[@whatwedointheshadows3349]

I’ve used lots of fuzz pedals deep into my pedal chain and they sound great.

[@blackrainbowfiresword177]

That was so informative and fun, love the channel! Thanks Josh..

[@El...Presidente]

Awesome episode Josh! JHS 3 Fuzz for me. It’s just absolutely my favorite, big muff is amazing too - so versatile.

[@davidmorgan9106]

The OpAmp Big Muff is my fav! More of a rhythm distortion/fuzz, Smashing Pumpkin tones. The re-issue is cheap, small footprint, and sounds amazing!

[@douchecraft3113]

Sooo helpful! I've always liked the idea of fuzz, but I've experimented and decided that it's not for me. Turns out I'm probably more of a Fuzz Face guy than a Big Muff guy. Thanks!

[@pcbullets8726]

This def answered some questions about how to use fuzz in my setup. Great video and thanks!

[@erickuentz1388]

One of my favorite episodes yet!

[@jaker.4863]

Masterfully put and the elmo bit was hilarious. I just love the way your collective minds work because it's random and perfectly in tune with the brand of humor that I wish I had the talent to communicate lol.

[@smartacus88]

I'm poor. I get by with a Moen Fuzz Moo (Rams Head Muff clone) and a Behringer SF300 (Boss Hyper Fuzz clone). The Fuzz Moo is good for 90's Alt and Grunge, but the SF300 is the superior circuit. It can be used for everything from early 1960's pop all the way through Doom and Stoner.

[@andreasdeutinger7319]

you can sound great even if you don‘t spent a ton of money. and in the end, it‘s more about what you play, than if you use expensive pedals.

[@marcosomercrest486]

I have some pretty expensive fuzzes and the SF300 is still the one I play the most. It's a monster and I love it.

[@Mark70609]

The opening two words remind me of the Ruttles movie where the black musician says he learnt everything from the Ruttles. He says, I became a musician and I’ve been starving ever since.

[@docdeens4030]

The SF300 is insane...great for punishing an audience at a reasonable price

[@Jacob-Laeby]

The Boss FZ-2 Hyper Fuzz is actually based on the Univox Superfuzz circuit, as demonstrated in the video, just with the addition of an active boost/cut Bass and Treble control. Which the name of the Behringer SF300 Super Fuzz clone quite obviously, and more directly than the Hyper Fuzz name of the Boss, hint at. And the Behringer SF300 Super Fuzz is indeed an amazing sounding fuzz, especially used with bass, and not just for the price. An amazing fuzz, period!

[@joshuaraysummey7679]

Loved this episode! Thanks guys!

[@ferguspage9112]

I'm loving these new transitions and title animations. Your video quality/layout has always been better than average, but these are all pretty and eye-catching! 17/10 everyone 🎉😘🎈

[@mthanus2291]

Love the episode, but on 2 transistors territory there's my favorite: the Vox Toneberder!!! It's not Hendrix, is not Zeppelin, it's agressive like a Tonebender, it's super feedback prone, it's the greatest combination with a Jazzmaster pickups and whammy bar, and it cleans great. Like really great. On Les Paul I prefer a Tonebender MK2 or a Fuzzface type of thing. I love the Earthquaker Dream Crusher for face type sounds.

[@christofyre]

Dream Crusher is one of my favorite fuzzes!

[@JK-gm6kk]

EVH was a big fan of starving circuits of voltage. It's alleged that the name "brown sound" to describe his tone was named as such because of the brown out term. That refers to a dip in voltage in electricity. His rig was fascinating

[@johndiloreto3738]

He used the variac to drop the voltage on his Marshalls, but not because it changed the tone, just because it lowered the volume. Anything else was secondary, he just wanted to dime everything on his Super Lead Plexis without pissing off club engineers. Ed was also the one that coined the term "brown sound" but was referring to the sound of Alex's drum, which he said sounded like he was pounding on a log

[@TheKitchenerLeslie]

A brown out is the same as a pressed ham. Has nothing to do with guitars.

[@somethinghumblestudios]

@@TheKitchenerLeslie Just great. It's already Pressed Hams season, and I still have my Steamed Hams decorations up.

[@TheKitchenerLeslie]

@@somethinghumblestudios But do you know what it is?

[@ErnestoGarcia-pu2cq]

amazing rundown

[@moraywatson001]

This is a great video, it explains fuzz really well. Your explanation about the big muff helped me a lot. I always had it second on my board after the compressor, it did work but after watching this I put it first in the chain and it is much better, I think.

[@ileutur6863]

I just recently realised that I've bought more fuzz pedals than anything else. Every other effect I wanted, I managed to nail within 1-2 purchases and it stayed on my board, but right now I'm on my 6th fuzz pedal and I'm still having second thoughts. Getting fuzz to sound right on bass is hard

[@jasoncarrasco7682]

Im thr same way! Ive tried them all. Currently playing a Fuzz Face and still thinking "Yeah but what about....?"

[@Ninjametal]

Russian Big Muff is my recommendation

[@ileutur6863]

@@Ninjametal Tried it, sounds amazing on its own but its wayy too muddy in the mix. Right now I'm using a DOD carcosa and its kinda doing what I want

[@hotaction]

Also a bass player who loves fuzz: my main go-to is a big muff (favorite cheapie is either the honeypot fuzz or ultra cheap, dolamo d2) but I’ve also added a harmonic percolator clone to the lineup as well. As clean or as mean as you want. I love it

[@Ninjametal]

@@ileutur6863 gotcha, totally makes sense. ...Maybe an eq pedal post fuzz could dial in more precisely what you want

[@gabrielledebourg2487]

I had a Havalina (Germanium) and switched to a Hendrix Mini Fuzz, partially because the heat sensitivity of Germanium drove me nuts, so take that Germanium snobs!

[@jhspedals]

That temperature thing is so real!

[@BluesyGibby]

I have the Supreme and the Bender for now. In my pedal chain, the Bender comes first and the Supreme just after it, and one thing I can tell you is that the Supreme sounds amazing when the Bender is engaged before. What a massive sound. This combination blew my mind away first time I tried it. Thank you Josh for your work and your videos. Cheers from France.

[@robreustle]

I will basically watch everything you guys make because you are awesome, but this was soooo helpful. I bought an op amp big muff because I always loved hearing other people play it, but then couldn’t seem to get the setting right. Now I actually understand how it works (imagine that) and I’ve got it dialed in just right. Thanks!

[@jhspedals]

Thank you!

[@caleshtcincredibles]

Josh you did it again , prior to viewing this video fuzz to me = farts. The voodoo of diming the fuzz pedal and backing down the volume knob on the guitar is magical ....period

[@troyspencer712]

New to fuzz here and so far Ive had a fuzzface type and now a Muff style on my small board. The newer, a TLpedals StingerFuzz ( Rams Head) is really allowing me to get close to the Black Keys type tone I like when not playing blues. I did enjoy cleaning up the Fuzzface though and may have to put both on the board. Of your Legends of Fuzz line, its the Supreme that as always caught my attention. Its on the wishlist.

[@dylandenney3980]

@@hiltonseawright it really is the best $25 you could ever spend

[@StryngsMagee]

Josh, excellent descriptions and demos of each fuzz! Learned a ton about pedals I've had for a long while. Been following for a while and please, louder is better.

[@angelofurlan1889]

Great show! I always learn a few things watching and listening to your videos. Right now, my favorites are the JHS 3 series Fuzz and Fender's The Pelt (which I got about a week ago). My very first pedal was a Big Muff (1978 - I feel old).

[@turdferguson51586]

I literally bought my first fuzz pedal today, a JDF2, so this is quite the coincidence that you post this. I've been playing for 20 years and never bought one. I don't know what the hell took me so long, this thing is awesome!

[@harryguitar8506]

I love my jdf2 took me a while to figure it out but its so versatile

[@turdferguson51586]

@@harryguitar8506 It took me a little bit too. I have the germanium one, and like they say, they can be a little temperamental. I like keeping both knobs dimed and adding some overdrive. I use my Boss OD-3 with the drive at 12 o’clock and it sounds awesome. I’ll also use the overdrive channel on my Blackstar which sounds great as well. I like both knobs dimed on my clean channel, too. The only time I’ve found it sounding less-than-desirable is adding a lot of distortion, but it’s still fun to goof around with!

[@asims1066]

Was really hoping you would mention Jesus and Mary Chain and their possibly broken Shin-Ei Companion Fuzz-Wah. Supposedly the treadle had broken in such a manner that the wah was always half-cocked, and whenever Jim Reid paused in his playing, his rig would feedback like a MFer

[@ebstooge]

Basically a Super-Fuzz in those things, yeah? My god I want one so bad

[@matthewtop]

I use a Dwarfcraft Necromancer to get Psychocandy tones. Its a Superfuzz with an EQ and an absurd ammount of gain

[@kevinanastacio8529]

Great Ep! this explains everything so well!

[@Daggy007]

Amazing Info! Very Well Done!

[@thebreakfastmenu]

I always preferred silicon. BC109 Silicon Fuzz Faces is what David Gilmour used for Echoes at Pompeii and the Time solo.

[@stuminnis4050]

…which happen to be my two favorite Gilmour solos. Thanks for that knowledge!

[@joshbommer3771]

In my opinion, I pictured a light layer of overdrive making each of these demos sound better. You don’t have to run into a dirty amp though, Josh himself has recommended running overdrives in front of fuzzes. That is the sound I seem to prefer

[@seamusthedawg2456]

funny you mention this, i was goofing around with my pedal board the other day and on a whim put my tube screamer in front of the big muff, and holy shit was there (in my opinion) noticeable and positive change in my tone

[@justingoers]

Despite what a lot of people say I LOVE putting pedals in front of fuzz. Especially reverbs.

[@shermanbaker]

He says at the end not to put anything in front of a fuzz even a tuner…

[@mikequinlivan8842]

@@shermanbaker if you like the sound, I say do it. Nothing is a hard and fast rule with pedals.

[@almessinger1834]

Really good episode!

[@goldwold]

Dude thank you so much! I'm always learning on your channel!

[@michaelmoore7975]

I built my own fuzz with 2 germanium and 2 silicone transistors and made them switchable and biased to use either paired or combination of the 2 types. I call it the *_Fuzzy Mug._* Germaniums are smoother, but I like the silicones because they're more abrupt and distorted and "spitty". Also, I the decay on the silicones better.

[@TinkerToneworks]

is it 4 transitors cascading or do you just switch between the two different pairs of transistors?

[@michaelmoore7975]

@@TinkerToneworks I also put in the 4 trimpots as well.

[@michaelmoore7975]

@@TinkerToneworks Sorry, I had another reply, but the algorithm took it off because I had a hyperlink to the article where I got my idea. Yes, it's just 2 switches with 2 transistors per switch. I guess it could be cascadable? I'll try to add the link another way.

[@michaelmoore7975]

​@@TinkerToneworks /guides

[@michaelmoore7975]

​@@TinkerToneworks/diy-workshop

[@nicholasberndt6224]

Not really into fuzz. But I recently bought a TC Rusty Fuzz because it’s the only one that really spoke to me. I now realize why fuzz circuits re recommended as beginner DIY pedals. The simplicity makes it pretty easy to build.

[@joellebrodeur1015]

I had the TC Honey Pot fuzz but sold it (too bulky). Those TC pedals are killer but damn the enclosures to too big for the circuit.

[@demerit5]

What a video, holy moly! Thank you for the awesome upload

[@pjrodz]

Awesome video about fuzz pedals! I learned a lot! Thank you ☺️

[@edbrito-swdev]

Can we have Addie go through fuzz pedals on bass? Pretty please?

[@flux1968]

My favorite fuzz is the DOD Carcosa, based on the Maestro circuit that Josh says doesn't sound good LOL In all fairness, it's modified, but it's still a Maestro at its base. After that, I love Tone Bender MKII and MKIII sounds.

[@dezionlion]

The only maestro is the”fuzztain”

[@CaevanOShite]

Good talk! Thanks for the tip on 'Shimmy', too!

[@minyanGH]

Loved this episode!!! 3-transistor was my favorite

[@greenpicks88]

Question for JHS: which category does your Cheese Ball fit in? I’ve got it on my board and I love it. Just curious about its typology.

[@kennethknowles8922]

Same question!

[@danielbell4007]

I frequently enjoy the sound of other players using fuzz, but have yet to find a fuzz that I enjoy playing.

[@MrAntifed]

Can't go wrong with a swollen pickle. Versatile af

[@darvinclement3250]

I agree, it's one of those effects you have to play to know which one is "it".

[@lepus6511]

I frequently enjoy the sound of other players using pedals, but have yet to buy one :/

[@gliddofglood]

Are you playing loud enough?

[@robotandgirl1170]

I’ll let you in on a secret… with fuzzes especially, your guitar’s Volume knob is an extension of the pedal.

[@Tanglangfa]

Very helpful video and great album recommendation. Thank you!

[@Esrom_music]

I truly needed this