Staple sixties sounds modelled
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Guitarist, Wed 4 Nov 2009, 12:07 pm UTC
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The FZ-5 uses COSM modelling to recreate three classic sixties stompboxes: an early Germanium-transistor Fuzz Face, a Maestro FZ-1A and an Octavia.
Light fuzz:
Heavy fuzz:
There’s plenty of gain available and setting the Fuzz knob past 12 o’clock boosts the distortion to higher levels than the originals were capable of. The Fuzz Face model sounds pretty authentic, albeit a little less rich sounding and responsive than the real deal, while the Octavia offers a useful extra dimension to single notes. The Maestro flies the flag for cheesy fuzz – all farty and trebly. All in all, it offers three quite different fuzz sounds in one pedal for the budget-conscious.
PROS: Build. Compact size. Three sounds in one box.
CONS: Modelling doesn't totally capture the vibe of the real thing.

Available here: Andertons Music Co. | Thomann | Hartnoll Guitars | Red Dog Music
Fuzz pedal round-up
7 great valve combos: review round-up
Free music software round-up: Week 8