Tru-Fi Floyd Fuzz and Colordriver review

Tru-Fi Floyd Fuzz and Colordriver review
Guitar: Fender Stratocaster with D Allen Voodoo 69 neck and middle and S Duncan SSL5 pickups
Amp - Reeves Custom 50, Laney LT212 cabinet with Celestion V30 speakers
Amp settings: linked input, normal volume 12:00, bright volume 11:00, bass 12:00, treble 9:00, mids 1:00, presence 12:00
Mic - Sennheiser e906 mic
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www.bjornriis.com
______________________________
Rarely have I received so many requests for me reviewing pedals as with the Floyd Fuzz and Colordriver from Tru-Fi. Perhaps because they’re so obviously aimed at David Gilmour fans but there’s also a buzz out there suggesting these are worth checking out. Here’s my review.
As probably all of you know, David Gilmour started using Big Muffs and the Ram’s Head in particular, around the recording of Animals in 1975-76. It’s been his main distortion ever since in various forms.
In early 1972 Pink Floyd premiered a new suite called Eclipse, which would later turn into Dark Side of the Moon. The piece was worked out during their extensive touring the same year and part of the sound was David’s new booster/overdrive pedal, the Colorsound Powerboost. The pedal was used throughout the 70s and later replaced by a Cornish ST-2 and the Tube Driver.
Tru-Fi is new to me. I understand they’ve been around for some time but I was introduced to them sometime last summer and the first thing that caught my eye was the super cool pedal designs. Very original and man do these look great on the pedalboard! Size-wise they’re slightly bigger than a Boss pedal.
Both pedals are based on original specs. This is authentic and vintage all the way, with familiar controls and sounds. Both runs on 9V and feature true bypass switching.
Read the full review here
www.gilmourish....

[@dylansdad987]

Bjorn, you sound so much like David Gilmour it's scary. I'm not not just talking sound here, your phrasing is absolutely spot on. Absolutely mind blowing. Well done

[@gilmourishofficial]

Thank you!

[@jimcombra3099]

To be honest, at the 3:30 mark, I tuned out the pedals and was just zoned in on the sweetness of your playing !! I know I'm late to the party, but Great Demo Bjorn !!

[@gilmourishofficial]

Thank you!

[@fpsknifer9906]

Those tru-fi enclosures all look so great! I really love the crazy bowling ball color swirl finish option they offer.

[@dubshockmedia1110]

yes! I have the Colordriver and it is unbelievably good. It works really well on it's own, but stacks equally well before or after drive. I use it to goose my Hudson Broadcast and Greer Light speed. It's actually so good, I'd like to add another so I can boost with one and run one with the gain up. WICKED!

[@YVIL65]

Damned, I already wanted that ColorDriver after having seen it on TPS, but combined with the fuzz, it’s heaven! You nailed that sound again Bjørn, congrats 👍🎸

[@gilmourishofficial]

Thank you!

[@Smurfman256]

Own one. If you haven't already bought one, you absolutely want to buy one.

[@flyinpigmusic331]

I just got my Colordriver. My wife surprised me with it. I'm in love! The clean boost is amazing. It nails David's clean tones, such as in Coming Back To Life. It packs a HUGE punch. Makes my fender practice amp sound like a damn Hiwatt! Perfect for playing Pigs(3 different ones), Sheep, Dogs. Thanks Bjorn!

[@gilmourishofficial]

Awesome! Great pedal indeed!

[@montag4516]

Did you go with the 9v or 18v model? 9v still has some ample clean headroom to it?

[@flyinpigmusic331]

@@montag4516 9v. Tons of clean headroom. Works amazingly well as a clean boost. Los of sustain

[@montag4516]

Excellent. Thanks.

[@johnroberts838]

Hi Bjorn, Brilliant Video 👍👍👍. I really think that the David Gilmour Tone is 90% in the hands, which you nail every time you Play! The Pedals sound okay, I personally prefer the EHX Rams Head reissue, the Green Russian and the Skeedy K19 Take care♥️👍. Melbourne, Australia.

[@oldmanofcotati]

Beautiful playing with marvelous tone. So glad you shared this. Thank you.

[@gilmourishofficial]

Thanks!

[@nicholausdyer9587]

Bjorn! Always stoked to hear from you !

[@gilmourishofficial]

Thanks!

[@neilfish7358]

Awesome demo! Both sound amazing. The colordriver cops a bit of that early Joe Walsh sound here to me too! Nice.

[@AliKiani7887]

"No Way" very similar IMPROVISATION, NICE JOB

[@gilmourishofficial]

Thank you!

[@montag4516]

You think DG was using his color driver on some or most of his first solo album?

[@michaelmcginnis3552]

Another stellar demo, thank you Björn.

[@gilmourishofficial]

Thank you!

[@periloustemple8290]

Fantastic sounding - of course. Teddy does great work. There is a universe of sound available on that Colordriver. If the Floyd Fuzz is a bit less gainy than its contemporaries. I think it with the Colordriver in front is killer - and quite lovely. Great playing as usual, Bjorn

[@gilmourishofficial]

Thank you!

[@periloustemple8290]

gilmourish RIIS so if you were about to play out with a muff, would you get the EHX rams head reissue or the TruFi? Would live to know your opinion.

[@k1w1karl]

I could listen to you play all day. Downloaded all your albums

[@gilmourishofficial]

Awesome! Thanks!

[@elkthroer]

I just bought the Colordriver and really like it.

[@xtculater3213]

Sounds great as always bjorn

[@gilmourishofficial]

Thank you!

[@dapperdanman1956]

Great likeness Bjorn fantastic examples

[@gilmourishofficial]

Thank you!

[@flyinpigmusic331]

Great job as usual, Bjorn. That Floyd fuzz pedal sure does a fine job of replicating David's Big Muff tone. I would've loved to hear the colordriver pedal be fed through a rotary pedal to get the tone from Sheep. But now I'm being nitpicky. Keep it up!

[@gilmourishofficial]

Thanks! It sure sounds more authentic when you add modulation effects but then you wouldn't hear how these pedals actually sound :)

[@patriotpizzaman]

I love your videos for the great reviews and informative host but, the solos on these are freaking awesome! I can't wait for the new Airbag album! I hope you hit Baltimore Maryland in support of the album!

[@gilmourishofficial]

Thank you!

[@pinkanimals]

Bjorn more and more becoming Santa Claus. Good Santa, please come this Xmas and bring Hiwatt amplifiers and Yamaha Leslies to my door! *please don't drop down the chimney*

[@lousekoya1803]

Wow ,...........what a great demo and playing !......thanks from Quebec

[@gilmourishofficial]

Thanks!

[@jlgis77]

like the quality of your vids....other people,s vids you have to turn up to hear them talk and grab the volume nob and turn it down when they play......and another good vid.....

[@gilmourishofficial]

Thank you!

[@kosmicwizard]

This is great. I was a little sad that I didn't get to hear the coloursound as a standalone fuzz pedal though. Cheers.

[@toby8261]

Hi Bjorn, are you running the colordriver after the fuzz as an EQ/Boost or is it placed before the fuzz in the pedal chain?

[@gilmourishofficial]

After, like an EQ.

[@gilmourishhhhh71]

Sounds very great love 2 pedals combined

[@michael_caz_nyc]

I'd love to hear the Floyd Fuzz vs. EHX The Green Russian vs. The Thorpy Cloud - all very articulate muff/fuzz pedals. Sounds great though.

[@fillmorejives2284]

Hey, you seem to be one of the only gear demonstrators I know of that uses a laney Lionheart. I'm thinking of getting one, and was wondering what drives and overdrives work for it. Not neccecerrily looking to recreate Gilmour but just looking for something versatile, maybe a Rat and a tube screamer? Or is that too much mids? Thank you!

[@gilmourishofficial]

The Lionheart can pretty much take anything. I often usen use the clean channel with an OCD but the RAT works great too. I wouldn't use a TS alone with cleans but it sounds great as a boost for the gain channel.

[@NotQuiteSemi]

Hey Bjorn, is that a neck from an Eric Johnson strat? I haven't seen too many bound rosewood Fender necks, apart from the Johnson strat.

[@gilmourishofficial]

This is a mid 2000s Fender CIJ Japan '65 reissue. I guess it's based on the EC neck but it's not THE neck.

[@montyburnsger]

Good shit, Bjorn! I’ve been in the market for a color sound clone for a while but have had trouble finding one that plays well with bedroom setups. How would you say this one does at lower volumes when compared to something like a Buffalo FX Power Booster or Throbak Overdrive Boost?

[@gilmourishofficial]

I think the Buffalo is better with lower volume. It's got slightly more compression and a smoother top. This one is perhaps more authentic sounding but it needs a powerful amp.

[@adamscottv]

These pedals look great. Oh, and awesome playing...

[@berke123123]

Hİ Bjorn you made awesome job again (as always haha) I have a question. What program or plugins do you use for drum tracks? Thank you!

[@gilmourishofficial]

Thanks! Logic’s drummer plug in.

[@newkindofviking6701]

Yes, Bjørn! Dejligt at der er kommet gang i flere uploads. Du gør det skidegodt! ;)

[@newkindofviking6701]

Tager du til London 2 april? :)

[@gilmourishofficial]

Takk!

[@flyinpigmusic331]

Hi Bjorn. I was curious about the Floyd Fuzz as my next purchase, so I went to the tru-fi website and read the product description. It turns out that you can custom order your Floyd Fuzz to be a clone of either the tri-angle, rams head, creamy dreamer, red army, or Russian Big Muff. They say they use the original transistors that came in the original Big Muffs that they are cloning. I don't suppose you have had the chance to do a Floyd Fuzz shoot out? Perhaps in the future you can give your review on the differences of each Floyd Fuzz model, and see how true they are to the originals. Thanks again. You're research is greatly appreciated!

[@gilmourishofficial]

Yes, they can make pretty much what you want and the design too. I'll make a shootout if they send me all the different versions.

[@jaimeramirezsolano685]

Hi bjorn! This pedal or pastfx power booster?? I’m torn between those two.

[@jaimeramirezsolano685]

Are those previous mentioned on my last comment any different from Vick Audio Overdriver which I already got, is it worth buying one of those? Thx

[@gilmourishofficial]

They’re all very similar so you’re covered.

[@stevengriffin1676]

Hey Bjorn, nice playing, nice pedals and the way you set them up!! I see your Black Strat doesn't have the bridge pickup switch..? Not for you..?

[@gilmourishofficial]

I've never liked the switch.

[@PerroConBufanda]

Hi Bjorn ✌✌✌ hope your doing well. You think the colordriver will work with my vox ac15 for overdriven the amp? Thanks 😁

[@gilmourishofficial]

Depends on how you set the amp. The ACs can be a bit trebly but rolling back the treble and a bit of volume that will push the speakers, will also create some mids and compression. You might find the Colordriver to be a bit too bright on that amp. Check out this feature of my site for some tip on how to choose the right pedals for different types of amps www.gilmourish.com/?p=7115

[@PerroConBufanda]

@@gilmourishofficial thanks for your help 😁😁😁

[@volodymyrkaplin8978]

Thanks from Ukraine, for your great work.

[@gilmourishofficial]

Thank you!

[@BADCAT1]

Great sounds all around. What is the neck radius on that strat? Just curious if you play 7.25 like DG.

[@gilmourishofficial]

It's a 7.25"

[@ransombaggins9301]

Great stuff! I wish these had top/rear mounted jacks. :(

[@vl292]

How does it work that master volume adds headroom? Usually it is other way around, mastervolume allows to amplify signal up to a point where it becomes distorted while keeping the volume down..

[@gilmourishofficial]

The original late 60s Power Boost circuit has a level control that controls the amount of gain. Newer models and clones often has a master, which allow for more clean boost or headroom, while keeping the level/gain down. So, with a master, the pedal is capable of anything between clean to fuzz and not just overdrive to fuzz.

[@vl292]

I think it's other way around. Not having master volume is close to same as maxing out the mv. In other words, modern version can be set to fuzz without the enormous volume boost original circuit would provide when it starts to distort. The powerboost really has high output and headroom. So I'm not sure Gilmour used powerboost as an overdrive in the 70s. I think when powerboost was built into cornish board it did not have mastervolume and only St-2 had mastervolume added. Available overdrive on st-2 is very low even gain maxed out. If he used PB as an overdrive, why Pete built essentially a cleanboost with tone controls instead of building something that would offer comparable amount of distortion with manageable output level.. it is possible he had volume pedal there as a master volume, but what a cumbersome setup that would be..

[@frankburuato8110]

This is a great freaking pedal man Rock on

[@nomadicexplorers]

Do you think these would pair with a sv20 plexi? Cheers Bjorn!

[@gilmourishofficial]

Yes

[@splitwesti]

I'm on the waiting list at Macaris for a Colorsound Powerboost. Do I wait or do I pick this up? Is there a real noticeable difference from the Boss BD2 that's already on my board??? I don't care about having certain names on my equipment. I also don't like buying pedals just to buy pedals. Cheap Floyd likes to save money. If it sounds good and saves me money, Cheap Floyd is happy. So is Cheap Floyd's cheap wife. Colorsound powerboost, Tru Fi colordriver or stick with the Boss BD2? Thanks Bjørn

[@gilmourishofficial]

Depends on your amp. The BD2 has a hint more mids and compression and works great on pretty much any amp. The Power Boost, in all its forms and clones, is a much more scooped and open sounding pedal and it needs an amp with a bit of compression and mids to get that smooth tone.

[@Macmax7077]

Lord I love that thing!

[@mattgilbert7347]

Can't decide between the Tru-Fi Colourdriver and the Vick Audio Overdriver... Both are Power Booster clones with master volume..both sound good in demos... Tru-Fi is around $80 more...

[@gilmourishofficial]

Between those two I really like the Tru-Fi. Both sound great but the Tru-Fi just sound closer to the original Power Boost.

[@wesleyplaysguitar]

I think the pickups in the guitar are the most important piece of this sound puzzle. I have tried a lot of these pedals, have the cub amp, and never quite sound like the demos. But, my pickups are fairly different than vintage voice like these.

[@absinha6209]

Awesome jam!

[@gilmourishofficial]

Thank you!

[@marveo3384]

Hi Bjorn, great demo as always ! Briliant! How would you compare these 2 pedals combined vs Buffalo Evo + Supa + M1 ? using a custom 20 Hiwatt amp. Thanks a lot for your time and great work ! Cheers

[@gilmourishofficial]

The Evo is more of a Rat style pedal, with much more mids and compression. The closest would be the M1 or Patriot. These are more vintage sounding, while the Buffalos are slightly more updated versions tweaked for a wider range of pickups and amps.

[@marveo3384]

@@gilmourishofficial Thanks for your answer Bjorn! I'm upgrating my pedalboard for a floyd tribute and I'm hesitating between (Floyd Fuzz+Colordriver) or (M1 + Supa Driver) or (Pig hoof+colorsound power boost reissue) which will you go more with ? using a strat with gilmour specs Thanks for your help ! :-)

[@francoisdallaire5424]

The Tru-Fi Colordriver or Vick Audio Overdriver ? I have already Vick Audio 73 Ram's head pedal. 👍

[@periloustemple8290]

That's a challenge. They are both so good. You can't make a bad choice. I encourage you to try the Tru-Fi, but my bias is that I enjoyed interacting with Teddy during and after the build.

[@Nacoinini]

Thanks for the video Bjorn, great as usual, I know this query is not completely related to this topic but I wonder if you could help me out. I use gain when playing the electric guitar through the Big Muff and Seymour Duncan SSL-5 on my MIJ Fender Strat's Bridge PUP however not at exaggerated levels, just enough to attempt getting as close as I can to David (I wish), would you know how to get rid of that unwanted noise that occurs as the pick hits the string. This is the noise that you hear before the actual intended note played. I hear professional guitar players including David playing live and never hear that awful noise. I also noticed that it does not happen to you either.....I tried to find resolutions on-line however recommendations included that I lower the volume on the guitar itself, use EQ or Noise Gate pedals....nothing of these things worked....Any suggestions ? 🎸😎 🎼

[@alexanderyarovoy8033]

1) more volume on the amp and you stop hearing the strings 2) if you have hard picking strings . try to change the pick you use to one thats thinner then now!

[@Nacoinini]

@@alexanderyarovoy8033 Thank you for your reply. as for 1) I hear this pick noise through the amp as for 2) I tried about 50 different picks and no joy, was wondering if it has to do with string gauge?, I am using 9s at the moment, do you think it would help if I went with 10s? This is very frustrating because I have a great enough tone, and I am very happy with it, but this pick noise spoils it for me :( It happens mostly on the High E string on the high frets.

[@alexanderyarovoy8033]

@@Nacoinini try different materials of picks it may help, string gauge is a matter of personal preference , and maybe even you have a fret buzz ? Or strings too low on frets! Or tennsion is very low

[@alexmurphy5289]

You're such a damn good guitarist that it's hard for me to tell when pedals aren't good lol. These sound phenomenal though! Is the color driver basically a blues driver?

[@lifetimewc]

I agree. Awesome playing and tone. The "color driver" question I believe is too complex to answer here. If you want to go down the rabbit-hole: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXzZd5aGmJ2pY5Y. That should provide answers.

[@gilmourishofficial]

Thanks! In short the BD2 has slightly more compression and mids but they're very similar.

[@gilmouring]

Cool I had seen these on TPS and wanted to check them out! Good choices!

[@JayWater]

Wow unbelievable tone .. if I heard this I would think it was David gilmour

[@gilmourishofficial]

Thank you!

[@thebreakfastmenu]

Sounds great. But now that EHX has the Rams Head available for only a hundred bucks, and other reissues for even less, I don't know how any muff clones that are more expensive are going to compete.

[@gilmourishofficial]

Depends on what you're looking for. If price is the only criteria, then the EXH pedals are very hard to beat and they sound very very good. You can find reviews of all of them here on my channel. However, all these clones have different qualities so you can't really compare them. Something for everyone I guess :)

[@Gibsder13]

Great sound !!!!

[@gilmourishofficial]

Thanks!

[@FloydColor]

Well. I find it more interesting when they are both on.

[@morfeus753]

and which monitor you use for the backing track

[@gilmourishofficial]

Headphones while recording.

[@morfeus753]

@@gilmourishofficial The Headphones ist's a SHURE 57? But My questions was another in your Home recording witch kind a monitor studio you use? Tanks

[@toby8261]

Backing track sounds incredible, is it in the website?

[@gilmourishofficial]

No, that's a clip I recorded losely based on David Gilmour's Cr From the Streets.

[@Tahsink44]

Great sound

[@gilmourishofficial]

Thank you!

[@johnmundt7834]

I just sold the Colordriver, but not because it’s a bad pedal. It’s probably the best PowerBoost type pedal I’ve tried, I just have another boost that can do something similar. If you’re thinking about trying one, do it

[@gilmourishhhhh71]

The backing track you use is available on the internet or is à personal track ? Love it and inspired me

[@gilmourishofficial]

It's one that I recorded based on David Gilmour's No Way from 1978.

[@gilmourishhhhh71]

@@gilmourishofficial OK sorry for my ignorance I admit I know a little less solo albums. I'm going to listen them ! Thanks

[@gilmourishhhhh71]

And it s possible To add it on gilmourish.com ?

[@dmitrimartirosian]

i am thinking to download all Bjorn's videos and create 1 hour mood track, for just any car trip. Just need idea how to transfer from one to another clip

[@8BRInteractive]

Hi Bjorn, from your experience, what makes an overdrive, muff, distortion, or fuzz pedal work well with "bedroom" set-ups and low-power amps? Thanks!

[@gilmourishofficial]

Check out this feature on my site www.gilmourish.com/?p=7115

[@leonardodaloisio5552]

Veeery very nice!!!

[@gilmourishofficial]

Thank you!

[@RobinsBookClub]

Sounds fantastic, but you always do :)

[@gilmourishofficial]

Thank you!

[@neudan7788]

At 3:40 I jizzed in my pants..

[@thatfellarosto]

You should do a video on the new Blammo Electronics Voltage Booster, it has a switch for 9 and 18 volts

[@zurkel1098]

I dont know if it's just me, but the pickguard screw next to the trem arm looks like it's missing.

[@gilmourishofficial]

Indeed.

[@topopops]

More like an overdrive than a fuzz IMO. I would buy a Cornell 1st fuzz for that real 60’s fuzz sound 10/10 peda

[@gilmourishofficial]

Fuzz is a bit misleading as this is a ram’s head Big Muff.

[@riccardomusiu510]

Pure magic! 👏👏👏🎸❤️👍👍

[@gilmourishofficial]

Thank you!

[@riccardomusiu510]

@@gilmourishofficial Thanks to you dear friend, you are great 👍😉✌🎸 Greetings from Italy

[@saldeevaabeh3727]

bjorn what do you think the color driver compare to crowthorne hot cake , by the way nice playing as always 🔥

[@gilmourishofficial]

Thanks! Haven't compared them.

[@lucasmaciel79]

Please Review the Deep Trip Muffassaur! Incredible big muff here from Brasil!

[@oansun]

killer tho

[@LysanderLH]

I heard gain but not that 70s Floyd tone. I have a Thorpy Muffroom and an original Colorsound Powerboost (orange), so maybe i’m a bit spoilt for comparisons.

[@moyogichris1731]

Floyd fuzz are better sound for my ears

[@gilmourishofficial]

Two different pedals.

[@morfeus753]

what backing track you are using

[@gilmourishofficial]

It's a short piece I recorded for this review loosely based on David Gilmour's No Way.