REVIEW: Phase One Technologies Fuzzymoto

Written by: Dan Coplan on May 10, 2010.

GROWL, FUZZYMOTO, GROWL!

The Fuzzymoto offers plug-in power only. I found this to be a bit of a bummer as it’s too bulky to comfortably fit on most pedal boards (though there is charm in the pedal’s size). This likely necessitates a dedicated power supply. I generally prefer wall power to batteries anyway, but the option would be nice. There is no indication when the pedal is on or off so you need to be aware if Fuzzy is taking a nap or awake and active. When engaged, the fuzz dial (right eye) controls a combination of tone, fuzz, and gain. At it’s lowest setting the sound is similar to turning down the tone knob on your guitar, which rolls off the higher frequencies, and adding a little grunge. Turning the dial halfway increases gain, fuzz, and balances out the tone. This is not a transparent pedal, however, as the overall sound is compressed within limits on both the bass and treble side. As the fuzz dial is turned towards max, there’s a point right around 8 (on a scale of 1 to 10) where the tonal balance favors the mid to higher frequencies and the pedal shifts over into super fuzz: maximum gain (significant boost in volume) and dirt enriched by harmonic overtones, depending on the notes being played. Lead lines are energetic and sustain like crazy. Chords can either come out rich and powerful or like a garbled mess depending on the note groupings.

I used an Epiphone ES-295 with P90′s in the bridge position running directly to the Fuzzymoto. Output was provided by the mid gain setting of a Bitmo-modified Blackheart Little Giant Half Stack which just a touch of reverb. The first audio example is a simple melody clean followed by the same line with the Fuzzymoto turned up halfway. The second half follows the same format with a basic strumming of chords.

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This next example gives you an idea of what the Fuzzymoto sounds like at full tilt.

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THE FINAL WRAP

If you’re a fan of fuzz, this pedal is worth checking out. It offers limited control and you have to work with it to tailor it to your sound, but the sustain and feedback you can get is a trip. If you’re a fan of the Muppets, this pedal is worth checking out. It will be the single most uniquely looking pedal in your arsenal – guaranteed. And if you appreciate truly unique, individually styled gear, look no further. This is a limited edition pedal. Only 40 have been made and at the time of this writing, half have been sold, but should you miss out, Phase One Technologies offers the Fuzzy Jr. which is nearly identical but in a smaller housing which includes an LED indicator, and a little less expensive.