Best Fuzz Pedals On The Market

Top 10 Best Fuzz Pedals On The Market (March 2024)

The Best Fuzz Pedals On The Market (March 2024)

Finding the best fuzz pedal for guitar can seem like an impossible task. We've done the hard work so you can find the best pedal in a snap.

It can be hard to find the best fuzz pedals for guitar players because there are so many different brands and models. A quality pedal is the cornerstone of any good guitar player's setup, but it can be difficult to know which one will suit their musical needs or taste.

Those of us who have been playing guitar for a while know how frustrating it is to have a bad sound when it's time to perform. If you're looking for a fuzz pedal, search no more. I have the solution that will help you find the best fuzz pedal for beginners

Don't go wasting time trying every pedal in the store. With this guide, you'll be able to weed through all the options and find the best fuzz pedal for your needs. We'll talk about different models and brands so that you can choose between them easily. Discovering which fuzz pedals work best for your budget, playing style, and personal sound without hours of research.

You want to find a fuzz pedal that complements your guitar sound and personality. Whether you're a no-nonsense country picker, a strat-rocking bluesman, or a stadium-filling metal shredder, this guide will have a fuzz pedal that’ll take your instrument's sound to new places.

The Best Fuzz Pedals On The Market Buyers Guide (March 2024)

  • 1. EarthQuaker Devices Hoof Reaper V2 Double
  • 2. JHS Muffuletta
  • 3. MXR Custom Shop CSP038 Brown Acid Fuzz
  • 4. Wampler Pedals Velvet Fuzz
  • 5. Catalinbread Karma Suture Silicon
  • 6. EarthQuaker Devices Hoof V2
  • 7. EarthQuaker Devices Erupter
  • 8. MXR SF01 Slash Octave Fuzz
  • 9. Dunlop FFM4 Joe Bonamassa Fuzz Face
  • 10. JHS Pedals Mini Foot Fuzz V2 Fuzz Pedal
EarthQuaker Devices Hoof Reaper V2 Double Image

EarthQuaker Devices Hoof Reaper V2 Double

  • ✔ Reintroduced - Originally A Limited Edition 2010 Pedal
  • ✔ Each Effect Can Be Used Individually Or In Series
  • ✔ Durable Metal Chassis With True Bypass
  • ✔ Handmade In Akron, Ohio, USA

The EarthQuaker Devices Hoof Reaper V2 features the popular Hoof and Tone Reaper fuzz pedals in one handy enclosure with the added bonus of an old school analog octave up.

EarthQuaker Devices Hoof Reaper V2 Double - Read Review See The Latest Price On Amazon Now

The Hoof Reaper V2 Double is a compound fuzz that takes two circuits and puts them in parallel. Giving you a sound that is organic and complex. From mild to wild this device is an excellent choice for any style of music. A 2-in-1 unit that combines the fuzz and octave of the Hoof Reaper V2D into a single package. This pedal is capable of a wide variety of tones with its combined fuzz and octave modes.

The Hoof Reaper V2D is the fuzz to end all fuzz pedals. It's a double stacked, double gated, and double voiced. It has two completely independent channels that can be used together, or each for its own task. The Reaper V2D has two internal trim pots that let you fine tune and shape the sound as you see fit. The Hoof Reaper V2D is the pedal that gets the job done.

Based on the germanium transistor circuit of the old mule pedal with some modifications to make it more user friendly. This EarthQuaker device is designed to be a very versatile pedal and works well with all basses and guitars.


JHS Muffuletta Image

JHS Muffuletta

  • ✔ 5 All Analog Recreations Of Classic Big Muff Tones
  • ✔ Plus A JHS Exclusive Take On The Historic Stomp Tone
  • ✔ Features Volume, Sustain, Tone & Mode Control Knobs
  • ✔ Handcrafted Tone Machine

The JHS Muffuletta is so stuffed with tasty tones you will have a hard time needing anything else to curb your appetite. A fuzz and overdrive pedal laced with a heavy dose of octave up/down insanity.

JHS Muffuletta - Read Review See The Latest Price On Amazon Now

The Muffuletta guitar pedal produces a classic rock tone with a hint of JHS crunch. It's been said that this is the “best fuzz pedal in the world”. But, don't just take our word for it. The JHS Muffuletta is a 60% ratio overdrive pedal with an organic sweetness not found in other overdrives. With the Muffuletta, you get a rich fuzz with sweet harmonics and tight bottom end. It works great for both clean and dirty signals. The Muffuletta is the perfect fuzz for that classic Rock and Roll sound.

The pedal features 5 classic fuzz effects as well as a JHS exclusive algorithm to add to the mix. A perfect way to add a little extra “umph” to the sound you are making. Handmade in the USA using only the highest quality components available. Hand-stuffed with vintage-style, germanium transistors and true bypass switching for a “true vintage sound”.


MXR Custom Shop CSP038 Brown Acid Fuzz Image

MXR Custom Shop CSP038 Brown Acid Fuzz

  • ✔ Analogue Fuzz Pedal
  • ✔ True Bypass Technology
  • ✔ Features Output, Tone & Fuzz Control Knobs
  • ✔ Limited Edition Pedal Sporting Design By Legendary Bay Area Artist Alan Forbes

The limited edition MXR Custom Shop CSP038 Brown Acid Fuzz is based on a classic 1970s UK fuzz circuit. This pedal's simple three-knob interface allows you to plug in and tune out in no time at all

MXR Custom Shop CSP038 Brown Acid Fuzz - Read Review See The Latest Price On Amazon Now

The CSP038 is a heavy duty, all-analog, transistor driven germanium fuzz pedal. The germanium transistors are chosen for their unique, throaty sound and the pedal's output is taken from the collector of the first transistor through a high quality audio coupling capacitor. An added tone control allows the CSP038 to be either thin and buzzy or full and fat depending on the setting.

It is a very high quality, germanium sounding vintage fuzz. It is true bypass, meaning when it is off, it is off. Has a very soft, vintage sound, with the ability to produce a nice crunch if desired. The controls are Output, Tone & Fuzz. The tone and fuzz controls work exactly like the vintage pedals, offering a very wide range of tones. The output knob controls how quickly the effect comes on. If you are looking for a classic fuzz tone, this pedal is for you.

These limited edition pedals come with the arcane renderings of legendary Bay Area artist Alan Forbes. The circuit designs belong to the '90s but the component selection and assembly is modern and top notch.


Wampler Pedals Velvet Fuzz Image

Wampler Pedals Velvet Fuzz

  • ✔ True Bypass Switching
  • ✔ Superior Sound & Response - High Grade Capacitors And Resistors
  • ✔ Two Independant Clipping Circuits
  • ✔ Features A Fuzz, Brightness Control & Volume Knob

The Wampler Pedals Velvet Fuzz has a completely original design and is hand made in the USA. A device that is able to produce tones that are warmer, louder and more aggressive than its predecessors.

Wampler Pedals Velvet Fuzz - Read Review See The Latest Price On Amazon Now

The Velvet Fuzz V2 is a pedal with an attitude. It is not just a clean effect with a pick attack. A fat, rich, exciting fuzz with a voice of its own. It was designed to be pushed into self oscillation and to break up at high volumes. It is not a Fuzz Face. Nor is it a Big Muff. It is a device that takes its own path and follows it to the end. It is an effect with a velvet finish.

Wampler Pedals Velvet Fuzz has to be heard to be believed! It's a pedal that's highly sensitive to your guitar's volume control. Giving you the ability to go from mild to wild with the turn of a knob. A classic pedal with the control layout of a Big Muff, the circuit of a Tone Bender, and the response of a Rat. It's got a smooth, warm, and thick sound that will drive your amp into completely new sonic territory.

A warm, musical sound with a very smooth and open top end. Dial in to your desired tone with the controls. The more Fuzz you dial in, the more aggressive the tones become. You can go from a mild overdrive to a crazy fuzz face-like tone. Many players feel that this is the closest a pedal has come to emulating the sound of a classic '60s pedal.


Catalinbread Karma Suture Silicon Image

Catalinbread Karma Suture Silicon

  • ✔ Silicon Version Provides More Aggressive Tones
  • ✔ Features Diodes, Density, Output & Input Control Knobs
  • ✔ Catalinbread Make Beautiful Pedals, The Karma Suture Is No Exception
  • ✔ Harmonics Leaving You Wanting More

The Karma Suture Silicon will reward your good tone intentions by lacing up your sound with awesome harmonics and unique and powerful fuzz effect that bloom. Turning your power chord into a tantric event.

Catalinbread Karma Suture Silicon - Read Review See The Latest Price On Amazon Now

The Karma Suture is an all-in-one, silicon-covered, silicon FET-based distortion, fuzz, octave and boost control. The Karma Suture incorporates two separate distortion circuits that are coupled together to create one large, cohesive sound. It also features a blend control, which allows the user to dial-in the perfect amount of fuzz to distortion. The Karma Suture also incorporates a very unique silicon circuit, which allows the user to dial in more classic fuzz tones. Its blend control allows the user to adjust the amount of fuzz volume.

The Karma Suture Si has been designed to emulate the legendary Univox Superfuzz/Safari Japanese made device used by Hendrix and others. Catalinbread's Karma Suture is a dependable and stable pedal capable of producing a range of sounds including a silicon Fuzz Face, a Big Muff and more. The pedal's input impedance is 1 meg ohm and the pedal is true bypass. The tone is a rich and warm fuzz. This is a very versatile device that can be used for a variety of sounds. It is a great pedal for going from a low end growl to a high end wah-like feel.

The Karma Suture is designed for people who want to play a guitar using an original fuzz from the 60's. It is a pedal that provides a smooth sound delivered by the silicon transistor. A fun pedal that allows the user to explore various sounds while playing the guitar. If you are looking for a way to add a little bit of shine to your band's sound, or you are looking to help your guitar solo stand out, then the Karma Suture Silicon is the pedal for you.


EarthQuaker Devices Hoof V2 Image

EarthQuaker Devices Hoof V2

  • ✔ Hybrid Germanium/Silicon Design
  • ✔ Features Level, Fuzz, Tone & Shift Control Knobs
  • ✔ Aesthetically Pleasing Pedal Decal
  • ✔ Made In Ohio, USA

EarthQuaker Devices Hoof V2 Germanium/Silicon Hybrid Fuzz Guitar Effects Pedal. The Hoof V2 is an fuzz that is designed with a tight response and a loud, robust tone.

EarthQuaker Devices Hoof V2 - Read Review See The Latest Price On Amazon Now

The Hoof V2 by EarthQuaker Devices is a fuzz pedal that is designed to provide the same biting fuzz tones as the original pedal. This redesigned classic is built using all-analog circuitry.

The Hoof V2 is a sheeplatch-inspired, silicon-domed, silicon-cased, silicon-potting, germanium-transistor fuzz-with-a-freak-out-switch. It is a Vactrol based fuzz box. Think of it as a cross between a Fuzz Face and a Big Muff. It has a similar tone to both of those classics, but has a couple of advantages over those pedals.

EarthQuaker Devices' most popular fuzz pedal, The Hoof V2 boasts insane volume and sustain. A fierce mid-range, and a smooth, high-end response. It has more in common with a distortion or overdrive than a traditional fuzz. It is used by musicians ranging from bedroom rockers to titans of the industry. Featuring a 100% analog circuit, the Hoof has an internal trimmer for perfect calibration, allowing you to fine tune the pedal to your exact rig and playing style. Also included is a noise gate that mutes your signal when the pedal is not engaged, eliminating unwanted noise. With its wide range of tones, the Hoof V2 is an indispensable tool for your pedalboard.

Whether you decide to stick with the original or go for the redesigned V2. The Hoof line from EarthQuaker Devices is a solid choice for beginners and pros alike.


EarthQuaker Devices Erupter Image

EarthQuaker Devices Erupter

  • ✔ Custom All Analog Design
  • ✔ Has Been Called "The Ultimate Classic Fuzz Pedal"
  • ✔ True Bypass, Silent Relay Based Switching
  • ✔ Lifetime Manufacturer Guarantee

The EarthQuaker Devices Erupter is the result of over two years’ worth of tweaking, and experimentation in search of the ultimate classic fuzz tone.

EarthQuaker Devices Erupter - Read Review See The Latest Price On Amazon Now

EarthQuaker Devices Erupter is one of the most innovative and creative fuzz pedals available. Featuring vintage and octave elements. Built with a big octave fuzz and fuzz sound, the pedal produces a warm and fuzzy tone. Perfect for a variety of musical genres, from rock to blues, to punk and more. Based off of the classic Klon Centaur circuit, they've crammed a ridiculous amount of gain on tap. And cranked the output to the max! The end result is a pedal that has its own sound and feel, yet retains the feel and tone of the original.

The Erupter started life as a collaboration between EarthQuaker Devices and Dweezil Zappa. It has a unique sound that's unlike anything we've ever heard before. It starts with a classic fuzz that's absolutely huge. Then it adds a very sub-octave tone that just rumbles and shakes everything around. Finally, it adds a touch of ring modulation for a just a hint of “wah” so you can be sure your octave up fuzz is doing exactly what you want it to. At the heart of the Erupter is a classic fuzz, but it's so much more.

The Erupter is EarthQuaker Devices' take on the classic fuzz pedal. Built with the same high quality components and true bypass switching as the rest of the Earthquaker Devices lineup. The Erupter is ready to play hard when you are. It's designed to rip speaker cones and shred the gnarliest of guitar solos.


MXR SF01 Slash Octave Fuzz Image

MXR SF01 Slash Octave Fuzz

  • ✔ Internal Gain & Tone Controls
  • ✔ Heavy Duty Metal Chassis
  • ✔ All Analog Circuitry
  • ✔ True Bypass Switching

The MXR SF01 Slash Octave Fuzz offers a conventional fuzz tone with a separate sub octave voice & an octave up fuzz for good measure.

MXR SF01 Slash Octave Fuzz - Read Review See The Latest Price On Amazon Now

Slash's secret weapon on “Appetite for Destruction,” the MXR pedal provides thick, powerful, sustained tone that cuts through any mix. It gives you the octave-up tone that's synonymous with Slash's legendary sound.

The device takes the raw distortion of a Fuzz Face and combines it with a super stable octave generator. Eliminating the need for a center octave cable. Famous for its work in Jimi Hendrix's “Foxy Lady” and “Castles Made of Sand,” this effect is now easily accessible with the Slash Octave Fuzz (SOF) pedal. It is called an octave fuzz because it generates an octave above the note played on the guitar. It also features a volume control and a tone control.

The SOF brings you the same effects found on Slash's tour-proven pedalboard. It's Tone knob blends the octave and fuzz together while the Level knob adjusts the output volume. The SOF also offers true bypass switching, which maintains the integrity and original tone when the pedal is disengaged.

It is a modified version of the classic MXR Distortion Plus pedal that was used by Slash on the Appetite for Destruction Tour. It is a high quality fuzz effect that provides you with the ability to effortlessly achieve the tones you want. An easy to use and durable pedal, suitable for any guitarists board.


Dunlop FFM4 Joe Bonamassa Fuzz Face Image

Dunlop FFM4 Joe Bonamassa Fuzz Face

  • ✔ True Bypass Switching
  • ✔ NOS Russian Military Germanium Transistors
  • ✔ Features Volume & Fuzz Control Knobs
  • ✔ Small Pedal In A Rich Gloss Black Finish

The Dunlop FFM4 Joe Bonamassa Fuzz Face pedal delivers the same thick, creamy tones as its big brother but in a much smaller housing.

Dunlop FFM4 Joe Bonamassa Fuzz Face - Read Review See The Latest Price On Amazon Now
  • Voiced specifically for Joe's humbucker-driven tone
  • Full of sustain rich, creamy fuzz.
  • True bypass and now ROHS compliant.
  • Pedalboard friendly size
  • True Bypass
  • NOS Russion Germanium Transistors

Now you can get Joe Bonamassa's signature fuzz while saving precious pedalboard space. The FFM4 Joe Bonamassa Fuzz Face Mini Distortion delivers the same thick, creamy fuzz tones as its big brother but in a much smaller housing with several upgrades for modern convenience. The Dunlop Joe Bonamassa Fuzz Face takes the classic voicing of a monolith effect and adds some tweaks it to the specifications of one of today's best-known blues guitarists.  Equipped with hand-selected NOS Russian military germanium transistors, the FFM4 sports a rich gloss black finish and features a bright status LED, an AC power jack, and a battery door for convenience. Like all Fuzz Face pedals, the FFM4 features true bypass switching.

Specifically designed to make humbuckers scream, this hand-wired special edition sports Russian-spec germanium transistors that send your tone straight to big, searing presence. A must-have for fans of Smokin' Joe, this is also a solid choice for those after a germanium-voiced fuzz that has no problem traipsing over to distortion with the turn of a knob.

Overall this is a high quality pedal. Very responsive to the guitar's volume and tone controls. It's best with the fuzz cranked to the max, then using guitar volume to clean up as needed. Very smooth, warm, rich, fuzz that's perfect with humbuckers. Check it out today!


JHS Pedals Mini Foot Fuzz V2 Fuzz Pedal Image

JHS Pedals Mini Foot Fuzz V2 Fuzz Pedal

  • ✔ Simple Controls - Features Volume & Fuzz Control Knobs
  • ✔ Achieve Lower Gain, Vintage Style Fuzz By Leaving The Fuzz Down
  • ✔ +/- Toggle Switch Controls The Amount Of Gain Required
  • ✔ Classic Modern High Gain Or Vintage Broken Speaker Low Gain Modes

The JHS Mini Foot Fuzz V2 fuzz effects pedal is a great piece of kit. From gated, low-gain splat to almost infinite sustaining buzz, cover a lot of ground with very little fuss and a whole lot of attitude

JHS Pedals Mini Foot Fuzz V2 Fuzz Pedal - Read Review See The Latest Price On Amazon Now
  • From gated, low-gain splat to almost infinite sustaining buzz, cover a lot of ground with very little fuss and a whole lot of attitude
  • The controls are as simple as it gets with Volume and Fuzz knobs as well as a toggle for high or low gain settings
  • Crank the Volume and leave Fuzz down low to give you lower-gain, vintage-style fuzz
  • Crank the Fuzz to find all the cutting and splatty tones you need for any riff or lead line
  • In the – mode, the toggle gives you a low-gain mode where you get vintage broken-speaker type sounds
  • Flip it into the + mode and you get a classic yet modern high-gain buzz to blow the roof off with
  • Power; Standard 9V DC Negative Power
  • Power Draw; 3 mA
  • Dimensions; 3.6" x 1.5" x 1"

Welcome to the next generation of tiny fuzz that you turn on with your foot… or the Mini Foot Fuzz V2 as we like to call it. Though this little purple guy may have a toy-like appearance, you will quickly realize the sounds that come from this box are no child’s play. From gated, low-gain splat to almost infinite sustaining buzz, the Mini Foot Fuzz V2 covers a lot of ground with very little fuss and a whole lot of attitude.

The controls on the Mini Foot Fuzz V2 are as simple as it gets with Volume and Fuzz knobs as well as a toggle for high or low gain settings. Crank the Volume and leave Fuzz down low to give you lower-gain, vintage-style fuzz. Once you start to crank the Fuzz you will find all the cutting and splatty tones you need for any riff or lead line. In the – mode, the toggle gives you a low-gain mode where you get vintage broken-speaker type sounds. Flip it into the + mode and you get a classic yet modern high-gain buzz to blow the roof off with. The gain toggle is the key to the Mini Foot's depth. Flip on to the low gain side for a broken speaker vibe. On the high gain you'll have a modern fuzz worthy of the likes of The Smashing Pumpkins or Muse.

Overall it's a pretty pedal, a nice vivid colour with a cute design. It packs a punch when you turn the fuzz way up & can achieve that vintage sound with the fuzz turned down. We think it's a winner and that's why it made the cut.


More Information Regarding Fuzz Pedals (2024)

What Is A Fuzz Pedal?

A fuzz pedal is very similar to a distortion pedal. Technically speaking, the fuzz pedals design is quite simplistic and easy to construct. This is why many different pedal brands offer some type of fuzz pedal. As the fuzz pedal hasn’t evolved much since the mid 60’s. Differences between fuzz pedals are usually down to component choice, style and design.

What Does A Fuzz Pedal Do?

Fuzz pedals generally enhance your signals frequency. They thicken your sound by combining your tone with ample sustain. A fuzz pedal will take your signal and clip it. This is referred to as 'square-wave' clipping. This compresses the tone and results in a somewhat unrecognisable sound.

Do You Need A Fuzz Pedal?

The answer is going to be different depending on your guitaring style and music genre. Generally speaking if you play alternative rock or grunge then a fuzz pedal is going to be a very useful pedal. It'll give you that added extra bite to your tone. Resulting in an sound that has a metallic edge to it.

Are Fuzz Pedals Good?

As with most things on this earth, there are good and bad examples of almost anything. Are fuzz pedals good? Sometimes they are, sometimes they aren't. Considering this guide covers the best fuzz pedals on the market we believe the examples here are all good. However we know opinion can change between people with different musical tastes. What you find 'good' others may not. So back to the question at hand. Are fuzz pedals good, we think so and countless others who have purchases them agree. Give one a try, you might just agree with us too.

What Does A Fuzz Pedal Sound Like?

These pedals produce a light yet distinct tone. A metallic like sound. Offering a sustained grunge effect to your tone. If you're serious about getting a great sounding fuzz pedal. Then get your hands on a high end model. It's far better to spend a little extra and get something nicer as these pedals can cost a fair bit. Look at the price tags and get yourself something to hold onto for the future. If that's the case then a buzz circuit is probably best suited for you.

How Does A Fuzz Pedal Work?

A fuzz pedal usually uses circuitry to manipulate the tone of your guitars input to the amp. A fuzz tone is the result of a higher attack of your tone with longer sustain. Sometimes a fuzz tone will have a rubbery and fuzzy texture to it and the sound will sound pearly or even metallic.

Famous Players

The fuzz effect is very popular with electric guitar players. This is due to the immensely aggressive, attention grabbing tone manipulation. A wide range of different fuzz effects exist. From the famous fuzz effects created by Jimi Hendrix through to the signature fuzz noises of Keith Richards. Not forgetting Roger Mayer, Eric Johnson and David Gilmour to name a few others.

High Gain Pedal

Fuzz pedals can give your tone a dirty feel. More so than many other 'gain' pedals. The fuzz characteristics created depends on their controls and components used in the particular pedal. Many fuzz pedals will use germanium made transistors while others will use silicon transistors. Selected germanium components provide a sound considered to be more 'classic' in nature. While silicon transistors can last longer as well as provide a more consistent sound to you and your guitar.

If you're after for an effect that will manipulate and change your signal completely. Giving you a heavily distorted tone, then fuzz pedals are something you definitely should look into. Just remember though, fuzz pedals are unpredictable. The waves created by fuzz pedals if not managed, can result in uncontrollable noise. Fuzz pedals can be a lot of fun though. Once you learn how to tame the beast you'll see other gain pedals as minuscule in comparison.

Conclusion

In summation, fuzz pedals saturate your tone heavily. Resulting in a fuzz like coating. It's a difficult effect to describe however it's a massively popular pedal type so you should give it a go. Fuzz effects add huge amounts of gain to your tone. Fuzz is particularly popular with those guitarists that play alternative rock, punk and metal music. So if that's you're area then what are you waiting for. Take a look at our recommendations below. Choose your price range and get yourself a gain generating monster.

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