Top 14 Best Guitar Fuzz Pedals & Octave Fuzz Pedals 2021

Guitar Fuzz is a term which commonly describes a distortion effect produced on a guitar signal.

The term fuzz is often used interchangeably with distortion and overdrive, however, we believe that there is a distinct difference between fuzz, overdrive and distortion, with guitar overdrive pedals and guitar distortion pedals providing a more overdriven, dirtier sounding distortion.

However, none-the-less, the fuzz pedal still overdrives the preamp and as a result, provides a lovely warm analog-sounding fuzz.

Fuzz effects pedals have been created since the 1960s, in what was the common term ‘fuzzbox’ effects units.

What does a Guitar Fuzz Pedal do?

As previously touched on, a guitar fuzz processor will usually have an internal preamp and analog circuitry (unless it’s a digital pedal).

Therefore, the fuzz sound is created when the gain dB is increased to a level in which the preamp begins to struggle to cope, hence it’s ‘overdriven’.

This overdriven effect also adds sustain, harmonic and inharmonic overtones to the guitar signal, making it sound more compressed and adding an overall warmth and ‘fuzzy’ character to its tone.

What are the most popular types of Guitar Fuzz?

As with all effects, there are sub-categories and criteria to other related effects. An example of some popular types of fuzz unit is Octave Fuzz, sub-octave fuzz, variac fuzz, etc.

What is an Octave Fuzz Pedal?

Octave fuzz pedals are ones that not only provide fuzz on the input signal’s frequency, but they provide additional accompanying frequencies, 1 which is 12 semitones (1 octave) above and is referred to as an ‘upper octave fuzz’, and 1 which is 12 semitones (1 octave) below, which is referred to as a ‘sub-octave fuzz’.

Fuzz is then applied to the accompanying signals, and there is usually a gain knob for the user to be able to raise or lower the intensity of this fuzz, independently of the main signal’s fuzz tone.

Well, that’s enough of us discussing the holistic workings of fuzz processors! Let’s actually discuss what the best fuzz pedals & fuzz octave pedals are in 2020.

Behringer Super Fuzz SF300 Fuzz Pedal

Features

• Fuzz pedal created by Behringer
• Recreate those infamous 60s/70s fuzz tones
• Extremely affordable
• Metal Chassis
• 3 different sound modes for classic fuzz, grunge and gain boost
• 2-band EQ
• Gain & overall level controls
• Red LED when the effect is engaged
• Designed & build in Germany
• Product Warranty

Technical Specifications

• Monophonic in/out
• True bypass
• Runs on 9v battery or 9v power-supply (included)
• Weight: 0.33 kg
• Dimensions: 2.8″ x 2.1″ x 4.8″

Customer Review Rating

The Behringer Super Fuzz SF300 has received an average rating of  4.1* out of 5 stars from 188 Amazon customer review.

Summary

The Super Fuzz SF300 pedal by Behringer is an uber affordable guitar fuzz unit, capable of helping your recreate those famous tones of the 60s/70s era.

The fuzzbox itself has three different sound modes which include classic fuzz, grunge and gain boost.

Additionally, it has a 2-band EQ (bass and treble controls) and separate level and gain controls, so that you can really have plenty of options when it comes to perfecting your overall fuzz sound.

So how exactly does it sound?

As you can hear from the video demonstration, this pedal is extremely versatile, even considering its affordable price.

Classic fuzz mode provides that accentuated mid-range, and alongside the range of EQ options, it’s really versatile in shaping anything from a lower background fuzz, to an in-your-face fuzz.

Grunge fuzz mode provides a more full-bodied fuzz sound, with scooped mids and some sharper upper harmonics, typical of 90’s and onwards grunge and heavy rock. The gain control really allows for you to sharpen the overall fuzz, and engage the upper harmonics, even turning this pedal into more of a mid/heavy distortion.

The Gain boost really helps in pushing the overall guitar sound through the mix, and depending on your EQ settings, will simply accentuate those.

What would we improve?

Considering the incredibly cheap price, it would simply not be viable to make recommendations without it directly affecting the retail price.

Therefore, there’s nothing we can suggest needs improving!

Who is this pedal for?

Quite simply, this unit for the guitarist on a budget, looking for a decent quality guitar fuzz effects pedal, that despite the low-price, still gives you the ability to make adequate changes to both your fuzz sound and EQ.

Overall, a fantastic option for lower-budgets!

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Donner Stylish Fuzz Pedal

Features

• Guitar fuzz pedal by Donner
• Incredibly affordable
• Aluminium Alloy Chassis
• LED indicator shows when its engaged
• Includes volume, tone and ‘bustain’ (fuzz) controls

Technical Specifications

• Monophonic in/out
• True bypass
• 9v DC power supply (not included – Boss SYB-5 9v power adapter – Buy on Amazon)
• Weight: 0.22 kg
• Dimensions: 4.7″ x 2.5″ x 2.4″

Customer Review Rating

The Donner Guitar Stylish Fuzz pedal has received an average rating of  4.3* out of 5 stars from 165 Amazon customer review.

Summary

The Stylish Fuzz pedal by Donner is an extremely compact, highly affordable fuzz pedal.

The unit itself is very simple to use, having a main ‘Bustain’ knob which controls the level of Fuzz applied to the signal. Additionally, it also has a tone and volume knob for further personalization of the output sound.

Since this pedal is so inexpensive, Donner don’t actually provide a power-supply, which we aren’t too keen about! However, it features a standard 9v DC power supply port, so you can pick one up for very cheap.

So how exactly does it sound?

As you can hear from the video demonstration, even when the fuzz effect is on its lowest setting, it still provides a noticeable amount of fuzz to the output signal.

The combination of fuzz and tonal controls mean that you can adjust the overall EQ of the output relatively easily. However, when comparing this directly with the similarly priced Behringer SF300, you cannot isolate the Bass and Treble frequencies like you can with the SF300, giving you slightly less overall control.

What would we improve?

Although this unit is marketed as a budget-solution, we think that all guitar effects pedals should at least come with a power supply.

However, as for the unit’s sound, you can expect a no-thrills fuzz.

Who is this pedal for?

This unit is definitely for the guitarist who’s looking for a cheap guitar fuzz pedal, but simply does not have the room for the Behringer SF300 (as we prefer the SF300).

The Donner Stylish Fuzz unit is a little smaller, so for those guitarists who may lack space on their pedalboard, this may be for you!

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Electro-Harmonix Octavix Octave Fuzz Pedal

Features

• Octave Fuzz Pedal by Electro-Harmonix
• Classic 60’s style octaver fuzz
• Switchable voltage changes the overall sound
  • 9v: saggy sounding fuzz
  • 24v: tighter sound fuzz
• LED lights when the unit is engaged
• Volume, Boost and Octave fuzz controls
• Designed and built in New York, USA

Technical Specifications

• Monophonic in/out
• True bypass
• Runs on 9v battery & 9v power supply (included)
• Switchable 9 & 24 v power rails
• Weight: 0.49kg
• Dimensions: 6.25″ x 3.2″ x 5.65″

Customer Review Rating

The Electro-Harmonix Octavix octave fuzz pedal has received an average rating of  4.6* out of 5 stars from 17 Amazon customer review.

Summary

The Electro-Harmonix Octavix is an octave fuzz pedal for guitar, and helps recreate that late-60’s sounding octave ‘fuzzbox’ effect. The unit itself is a throwback to the original ‘Octavia’, and incorporates the same sound and vibe of that fuzzbox.

The effect of the original Octavia fuzzbox designed by Roger Mayer (Jimi Hendrix’s sound technician) was first heard in such records as ‘Purple Haze’ in 1967, by Jimi Hendrix, and from then on was replicated by other guitar/pedal manufacturers to try to emulate this sound.

As for the Octavix fuzz unit by Electro-Harmonix, it has three main control knobs, which adjust the octave effect, volume and level of boost (fuzz).

Additionally, there is a toggle switch on the unit which allows the user to choose between utilizing the pedal at 9v and 24v. At 9v the fuzz effect sounds looser, whilst at 24v, the fuzz sounds tighter and provides more emphasis on the upper-frequency range.

So how exactly does it sound?

As you can hear from the video demonstration, this pedal is definitely a fuzz pedal through and through! With the addition of the voltage toggle switch and interface controls, it’s extremely versatile in providing different fuzz tones, whilst still providing an analog, 60’s sounding warmth like the original Octavia pedal did.

What would we improve?

Quite simply, because this pedal is a throwback to the original Octavia pedal created for Jimi Hendrix, it’s a unique unit and cannot be compared to other octave fuzz processors within this list.

Who is this pedal for?

If you’re a fan of Purple Haze, Jimi Hendrix and that classic 60’s sounding octave fuzz tone, then you’ll probably be a fan of this unit. Additionally, considering the price of the pedal, you’re getting a lot for your money.

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Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Big Muff Fuzz Pedal

Features

• Big Muff Pi Deluxe Fuzz Pedal by Electro-Harmonix
• Delivers all of the classic sounds of the NYC Big Muff Pi & more
• Includes several interface controls
  • volume, tone, sustain, attack, gate, EQ, filtering
  • Includes two footswitches
• Includes expression pedal input
• 2 LEDs for processor engagement
• Owners manual

Technical Specifications

• Dual input (signal & expression pedal)
• Monophonic output
• True bypass
• Runs on 9v battery and 9v power adapter
• Weight: 0.88 kg
• Dimensions: 3.5″ x 7″ x 8″

Customer Review Rating

The Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Big Muff Fuzz Processor has received an average rating of  4.3* out of 5 stars from 26 Amazon customer review.

Summary

The Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Big Muff pedal is the ultimate fuzz pedal, being able to capture the sounds of all of the previous Electro-Harmonix ‘Big Muff’ pedals that have been released, making it incredibly versatile and an attractive unit for those guitarists who just want one unit to replicate the entire ‘big-muff’ product range.

Not only this, but since the Deluxe Big Muff pedal has added attack, EQ and gating settings, it provides further capacity to personalize the overall output.

We could spend all day discussing in-depth about the range of psychedelic, synth-like and full on fuzz sounds that you can achieve by using this unit, but what’s better is that we’ve provided a video demonstration of all of these effects below.

So how exactly does it sound?

As you can hear from the video demonstration, the deluxe big muff pedal really can provide a variety of fuzz sounds, with the addition of bass boosts, synth-like qualities, gating and EQ settings.

What would we improve?

Quite simply, there’s nothing to improve!

Who is this pedal for?

The Big Muff Deluxe pedal is for the guitarist who’s a fan of the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff series, and potentially wants the option to be able to replicate any of the previous big muff pedals, all through using one single processor.

Additionally, for those who aren’t fanatics (yet), this unit will simply provide so many fuzz tones, giving your guitar sound a fresh breath of life.

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MXR M236 Super Badass Variac Fuzz Effects Pedal

Features

• Fuzz processing pedal by MXR (Jim Dunlop)
• Vintage silicon circuit which has been modified
• Ability to change operating voltage 5v-15v
  • Increased voltage for more headroom & clarity
• 4 interface knobs including tone, variac, output and gain

Technical Specifications

• Monophonic in/out
• True bypass
• Runs on 9v battery & 9v power supply (not included – Boss SYB-5 9v power adapter – Buy on Amazon)
• Weight: 0.32 kgs
• Dimensions: 5.5″ x 4.5″ x 3″

Customer Review Rating

The MXR M236 Super Badass Variac Fuzz Pedal has received an average rating of  4.1* out of 5 stars from 10 Amazon customer review.

Summary

The M236 Super Badass Variac Fuzz Pedal by MXR is a unique unit, especially for a mainstream company such as MXR (Jim Dunlop). We say this because it has some very unique features that other pedal’s simply don’t have… Such as the ability to manually adjust voltage input, and the unit’s rare vintage silicon circuit, modified for modern use.

However, let’s talk more about the unit’s voltage ‘Variac’ switch, which provides the ability to change the input voltage from 5v to 15v. At 5v the unit provides a much more scooped sound, especially around the upper-frequency spectrum; A style that would suit some heavier rock, and grunge music (Soundgarden comes to mind).

At 15v, the upper frequencies are really apparent within the mix, and the sound is full, bright and up in your face.

Due to the way in which the variac knob is, you can input any voltage between 5v-15v, so that you can really find the perfect balance for your style of playing.

So how exactly does it sound?

As you can hear from the video demonstration, it’s an extremely versatile unit, and the variac, tone, gain and output controls really give you full access to making both dynamic changes and tonal changes to the sound.

What would we improve?

We really like this unit, and the fact that MXR has been brave enough to be innovative, reminding us of a new, innovative start-up company…We hope that MXR keeps up with these kinds of developments. Well done Jim Dunlop/MXR!

Who is this pedal for?

This fuzz pedal is definitely for the guitarist who wants total control of their fuzz sound, from the tonality, output, gain and voltage levels… It’s truly a fantastic unit, and the high review ratings on Amazon also confirm this!

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EarthQuaker Devices Octave Fuzz Blaster

Features

• Guitar Octave Unit manufactured by EarthQuaker Devices
• Handmade in Akron, Ohio (USA)
• Octave Fuzz Processor
• Mono Input & Output
• Interface controls include:
  • Tone: Adjust the filtering & signal tonality from dark to bright
  • Level: Control the output dB level
  • Fuzz: Control the level of ‘Fuzz’ within the output signal
  • Voice: 3-way toggle switch controlling the ‘clipping style’
    • Mode 1: Germanium Clipping – Produces a looser sounding fuzz tone
    • Mode 2: Silicon Clipping – Produces a tighter, more compressed sounding tone
    • Mode 3: Open, Pure Transistor Drive – Produces a clean octave-up effect, and creates a modulation effect, similar to ring modulation
  • True Bypass (Footswitch): Engages/Disengages Pedal
• Runs a 9V Power Supply (Not Included)
• LED lights when the pedal is engaged
• True Bypass
• Owners Manual

Technical Specifications

• 1 x 1/4″ jack input
• 1 x 1/4″ jack output
• A 9V Power adapter is needed for operation. This is sold separately (Boss SYB-5 9v power adapter – Buy on Amazon)
• Weight : 1.13kg
• Dimensions : 4.75″ x 2.50″ x 2.25″ inches

Customer Review Rating

The EarthQuaker Devices Fuzz Master & Octave unit has received an average rating of 4.5* out of 5 stars from 44 Amazon customer review.

Summary

The Fuzz Master General Octave Blaster, created by EarthQuaker devices certainly is an interesting pedal.

Similarly to other fuzz/octave pedals, this unit is adequately sized, optimal for fitting on most pedal boards, and is simple to use, given that it has 3 main control knobs, 1 toggle switch and a footpedal featured on the interface.

The control knobs Tone, Level & Fuzz control the majority of the unit’s functionality, and you can achieve a wide range of fuzz/distortion and octave sounds with these alone. However, the pedal gets particularly interesting when you take a look at the 3 different voicing modes that are accessible with the toggle switch.

These essentially control the ‘clipping style’ that is picked, changing the way the internal circuitry deals with the overloading fuzz gain, and giving the overall sound a completely different tone. From the more open sounding ‘Germanium Clipping’ to the much tighter sounding ‘Silicon Clipping’, it leaves you more options!

So how exactly does it sound?

As you can hear from the video demonstration featured below, the Fuzz Master General can sound particularly ‘out of control’ for lack of a better term… Particularly when used in the Germanium Clipping voice mode, and when the fuzz is turned up.

However, a nice element to its sound is the slight ring modulation sound that you can get, which is perfect from those deeper, low neck riffs.

Alternatively, if you’re a soloing guitarist, you’ll find that cranking the Fuzz knob to 10, and engaging the unit will provide you with more than enough ‘tone’ to begin to annoy even your drummer! (As we all know, the loudest member of the band… Until now!)

What would we improve?

We don’t have much to say as far as improvements go! This is a handmade, boutique unit and therefore its hard to compare it against other batch-production units.

The stomp button is quite stiff, but some would say that’s a good thing so you’re not pressing it accidentally. Alternatively, we wouldn’t say that the Fuzz effect is particularly suitable for softer styles of music, including Blues… It’s more ideal for rock and more aggressive guitar styles.

Who is this pedal for?

If you’re a guitarist who wants a octave/fuzz unit with a range of ‘clipping style’ modes at hand, and you also want to have access to some other cool overdrive sounds and ring modulations, then this may be for you!

As always, before you decide, take a look at the video demonstration of the EarthQuaker Fuzz Master unit in action.

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MXR SF01 Slash Octave Fuzz

Features

• Guitar Octave Unit manufactured by MXR (Jim Dunlop)
• Combines searing fuzz effects with octave harmonies
• All analog circuitry
• Aged-appearance solid metal casing for protection
• Mono Input & Output
• Interface controls include:
  • Volume: Control the output dB level
  • Tone: Adjust the filtering & signal tonality
  • Fuzz: Control the level of ‘Fuzz’ within the output signal
  • Sub Octave: Control the level of the sub-octave signal in the mix
  • Octave Up: Control the level of upper octave signal in the mix
  • True Bypass (Footswitch): Engages/Disengages Pedal
• Runs on a 9V Battery (Included) and/or a 9V Power Supply (Not Included – Linked to below)
• LED lights when the pedal is engaged
• True Bypass
• Owners Manual

Technical Specifications

• 1 x 1/4″ jack input
• 1 x 1/4″ jack output
• A 9V battery (Included) and/or a 9V Power adapter is needed for operation. This is sold separately (Boss SYB-5 9v power adapter – Buy on Amazon)
• Weight : 1.13kg
• Dimensions : 3.0″ x 5.0″ x 4.0″ inches

Customer Review Rating

The MXR SF01 Slash Octave/Fuzz unit has received an average rating of 5.0* out of 5 stars from 11 Amazon customer review.

Summary

The SF01 is a guitar octave and fuzz unit, developed by MXR (Jim Dunlop) in collaboration with signature guitarist Slash.

The processor itself is encased in a sufficiently sized, slightly eroded-looking metal casing, which has 5 interface control knobs and two footswitches for complete functionality. The control knobs include Volume, Tone, Fuzz, Sub Octave and Octave Up, all of which control the dB levels of the dry, octave and fuzz signal.

Since this thing has been co-created by legendary guitarist slash, you can guarantee that you get his signature sound, which is that overdriven, fuzz sounding distortion which also cuts through on low-end frequencies too… This can all be achieved with the SF01, with the aid of the on-board fuzz effects and sub-octave.

Additionally, for those searing guitar solos, the use of the upper-octave ‘octave up’ control means that you’ll have no trouble cutting through the mix and having your solo heard when playing alongside other band-members.

All-in-all, it’s certainly a pedal for the slash guitarist enthusiasts!

So how exactly does it sound?

As you can hear from the video demonstration featured below, and as we’ve described, this unit really does open up the doors for helping achieve that well-known slash-like, searing analog guitar tones that we all know and love.

From immensely overdriven, searing solos, to rumbling sub-octave guitar riffs, this unit makes it possible.

What would we improve?

This unit is definitely in what you would describe as a ‘blue ocean’, with it being a signature guitar pedal developed by such a legendary guitarist, we simply cannot compare it to other units (from a functional or sonical perspective) within the list.

In our opinion, this unit sounds awesome, and the 5* Amazon rating/reviews also suggest that there really isn’t anything that needs improving.

Who is this pedal for?

We can say with full confidence that if you’re in any way looking to achieve a tone similar to one that Slash would be happy with, this unit will satisfy your needs!

It’s versatile in it’s application, in regards to the ability to turn down the fuzz effects and play on a cleaner channel, but we both know, that’s not why you would want to get this pedal!

However, before you decide, take a look at the video demonstration of the MXR SF01 unit in action.

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MXR M225 Sub Machine EQ/Fuzz Pedal

Features

• Sub Octave Fuzz Pedal by MXR (Jim Dunlop)
• 100% analog circuitry
• Versatile fuzz options
• 4 main controls for volume, tonality, fuzz level and sub-octave level
• Two footswitches
  • One for fuzz processor engagement
  • One for sub-octave engagement

Technical Specifications

• Monophonic in/out
• True bypass
• Weight: 0.86 kg
• Dimensions: 5.5″ x 4.5″ x 2.5″

Customer Review Rating

The MXR M225 Sub Machine Fuzz Octave Pedal has received an average rating of  5 out of 5 stars from 5 Amazon customer review.

Summary

The M225 Sub Machine Fuzz by MXR is a vintage sounding Fuzz-Octave processor which has a range of fuzz and octave tones to suit most styles of playing.

It has 4 main control knobs, which include volume, tone, fuzz and sub-octave… And then 2 footswitches to separately engage/disengage both the fuzz effect and the sub-octave effect, so they can be used individually or simultaneously.

The volume control helps in changing the overall signal dynamics, whilst the tonality acts as a filter scoop, helping brighten up the high-end frequencies as it’s turned clockwise.

So how exactly does it sound?

As you can hear from the video demonstration, even when the fuzz is turned to its lowest setting, it’s still extremely noticeable within the overall mix. We really like the overall tonality to this pedal, with the fuzz sounding a little more synth-like and warm.

However, we advise that you take a listen and make up your own mind!

What would we improve?

We really like that MXR has thought carefully about the design of this unit, providing the ability to isolate both the octave and fuzz engagement.

Therefore, we think it’s a great unit and there isn’t much we can suggest in regards to improvements.

Who is this pedal for?

We think this unit is for the guitarist who wants a sub-octave fuzz unit, which is capable of providing high-quality fuzz and octave effects. Not only this, but all within a decent price range, especially considering it’s created by MXR.

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EarthQuaker Devices Hoof V2 Fuzz Processing Pedal

Features

• Fuzz pedal built by EarthQuaker Devices
• The Hoof is loosely based on the classic Sovtek green Russian muff-style circuit
• Features a hybrid Germanium/Silicon design
• Can provide anything from a slight to extreme fuzz sound
• Handmade in Akron, OH USA
• Owners Manual

Technical Specifications

• Monophonic in/out
• True bypass
• Weight: 0.29 kg
• Dimensions: 6″ x 3″ x 3″

Customer Review Rating

The EarthQuaker Devices Hoof V2 Pedal has received an average rating of  4.5* out of 5 stars from 44 Amazon customer review.

Summary

The Hoof V2 by EarthQuaker Devices is the 2nd edition in the Hoof series, being an upgrade from the original Hoof fuzz pedal.

The pedal boasts a hybrid germanium/silicon circuit which is based on the classic Sovtek green Russian muff-style circuit, helping give it quite a unique sound.

Not only this, but all of these pedals are individually constructed, by hand, all in Akron, OH in the United States, so you can expect a high-quality sound and aesthetic finish.

So how exactly does it sound?

As you can hear from the video demonstration, the Hoof V2 can go from producing a very dirty, mid-heavy sounding fuzz through to a much cleaner fuzz with more transparent upper frequencies.

What would we improve?

Considering all of these units are handcrafted, and have been built from extremely high spec materials… There’s nothing we can suggest that needs improving.

Who is this pedal for?

This pedal is for the guitarist who wants to own a more bespoke, boutique-sounding pedal, with high-quality components which have been put together by hand.

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Catalinbread Octapussy Modern Octave Fuzz Guitar Effects Pedal

Features

• Fuzz stompbox created by Catalinbread
• Incredibly unique aesthetic design
• Boutique-looking pedal
• Easy to use with 3 main knobs, attn, gain & body
• Can run on 9v or 18v
• Fuzz circuitry responds well to pitch & playing dynamic
• Owners manual

Technical Specifications

• Monophonic in/out
• LED bypass
• Voltage: 9v or 18
• Weight: 0.23 kg
• Dimensions: 5″ x 3″ x 3″

Customer Review Rating

The Catalinbread Octapussy has received an average rating of  4.5* out of 5 stars from 3 Amazon customer review.

Summary

The Octapussy fuzz stompbox by Catalinbread certainly is one of the most eye-catching effects units that we’ve seen in a long time. The orange base colour with purple, lilac and pale blue decals really make it rather attractive, and a pedal that any guitarist will be asking to hear about.

As for the actual functionality and technical specifications of the pedal, it’s quite straight-forward to use, with it having 3 main control knobs which include, Attenuation, Gain and Body.

Additionally, one of the most attractive elements of the Octapussy is the engineering that’s gone into creating this stompbox. The main engineer Howard Gee from Catalinbread created a simple circuit, to try to alleviate complexity which often results in an overcompressed output signal. Therefore, by doing this, the Octapussy has a great dynamic range and is sensitive to different playing styles.

So how exactly does it sound?

https://youtu.be/cSHzSoCfFPg

As you can hear from the video demonstration, the octapussy really provides a nice tonal fuzz sound to your guitar sound, and you can hear from the way the guitarist plays in the video, that the pedal does a great job in customizing the tone to the guitarist’s style of play.

Additionally, the guitarist in the video demonstration makes a great point, in saying that the Octopussy is a fantastic octofuzz unit, as it makes you play differently than you would without it, highlighting the fact that it exhibits excitement and is a catalyst for creativity and ingenuity.

What would we improve?

As with any kind of improvement suggestions, you look at other pedals and evaluate other features that are better, and could be adopted by this unit. However, since this is more of a boutique pedal, it’s very hard to do this.

Who is this pedal for?

This pedal is great for any guitarist who firstly has the budget, and secondly wants a boutique-looking and dynamic sounding pedal that will simply make you excited about playing with it. It’s extremely similar to the famous Octavia fuzz unit, but provides a clearer, more pronounced fuzz tone.

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Death by Audio Fuzz Effect Pedal

Features

• Guitar Fuzz stompbox by ‘Death By Audio’
• Industrial looking aesthetic design
• Simple to use with 3 control knobs
• Creates anything from deep fuzz tones to screaming highs
• 45-day warranty
• Handmade in NYC, USA

Technical Specifications

• Monophonic in/out
• True Bypass
• Weight: 0.54 kg
• Dimensions: 10″ x 7″ x 6″

Customer Review Rating

The Fuzz War by Death By Audio has received an average rating of  4.3* out of 5 stars from 10 Amazon customer review.

Summary

The Fuzz War pedal by Death By Audio is certainly one of the most unique fuzz processors that we’ve featured within the list… From it’s more industrial metal housed casing, through to the smudged print typography on the front of the pedal itself.

It has three main knobs, which control the level of fuzz, tonality and the overall output volume.

So how exactly does it sound?

As you can hear from the video demonstration, this fuzz unit sounds wild!

What would we improve?

This is very much a pedal for a niche audience, and because of this, it doesn’t necessarily conform to normal standards… Therefore, we simply don’t have any improvement suggestions.

Who is this pedal for?

For the guitarist who’s going through a mid-life crisis, and just needs a release! We’re joking!

We definitely think this would be ideal for a guitarist who’s after a bespoke looking, heavily distorted fuzz pedal, potentially suited for heavy rock or grunge.

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Catalinbread Perseus Sub-Octave Fuzz Guitar Effects Pedal

Features

• Sub-octave fuzz pedal by Catalinbread
• Volume, cut and blend controls
• Switch between 1 or 2 octaves down
• Plenty of output volume
• Mix fuzz and octave effects with blend control
• Easy to use interface
• Owners manual

Technical Specifications

• Monophonic in/out
• True bypass
• Voltage: 9v
• Weight: 0.22 kg
• Dimensions: 5″ x 3″ x 3″

Customer Review Rating

The Catalinbread Perseus OctaveFuzz has received an average rating of  4.5* out of 5 stars from 3 Amazon customer review.

Summary

The Perseus Sub-Octave Fuzzbox is another fuzz unit by Caralinbread that we’ve featured within this list. This pedal offers different sound processing in comparison to the ‘octapussy’, with the Perseus pedal catering for guitarists looking for a sub-octave fuzz.

Although you can use this as an octavefuzz, the interface options allow you to isolate the fuzz effect, so you don’t necessarily have to engage the sub-octave effects simultaneously. Additionally, the blend knob can be used to find the right balance of octave and fuzz for the output signal.

The unit has a built-in gate, so once you stop playing, it’s completely silent! Which may be an aspect that you find appealing.

So how exactly does it sound?

As you can hear from the video demonstration, the pedal really delivers in providing a high-quality lower octave accompaniment, which even stretches to 2 octaves below the input signal.

What would we improve?

Although guitarists have the ability to completely isolate the fuzz effect, so no sub-octave can be heard. The ability to do this for the sub-octave, so that no fuzz can be heard is simply not available. This is potentially an aspect we would like to see on this unit.

Who is this pedal for?

For those guitarists who want a boutique-style fuzz octave pedal, with versatility and plenty of tone, the Catalinbread Perseus unit may be for you!

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Wampler Velvet Fuzz V2 Guitar Effects Pedal

Features

• Fuzz stompbox unit by Wampler Pedals
• A number of interface options, including fuzz level, volume, EQ and filtering
• Features 2 different clipping options
• Designed & Built in the USA
• Owners manual

Technical Specifications

• Monophonic in/out
• True bypass
• Power: 9v battery or 9v power adapter
• Weight:
• Dimension: 6″ x 4″ x 4″

Customer Review Rating

The has received an average rating of 4.1* out of 5 stars from 39 Amazon customer review.

Summary

The Wampler Velvet Fuzz is one of the more expensive fuzz pedals that we’ve featured on the list. With that being said, it includes plenty of interface options which allow you to personalize your overall fuzz sound, from brightness settings to ‘big’ and ‘tight’ modes, which both provide different kinds of overtones.

The pedal can be powered from its internal 9v battery, and from a 9v power adapter, so that you have the freedom to use it with or without a plug socket nearby.

So how exactly does it sound?

As you can hear from the video demonstration, it provides a really nice, controlled, some might say refined, fuzz tone. We particularly like the overall sound of the fuzz, as it doesn’t distort the overall guitar signal overly, maintaining note clarity, even on the low notes down near the neck-end of the fretboard.

What would we improve?

Some reviews of this pedal indicate that the unit sounds very digitalized, and whilst this might be a negative for some, it may also be attractive for others.

Who is this pedal for?

If you have the budget, and are looking for a refined fuzz tone, this is perfect! We imagine that it would be best suited for a guitarist who wants a cross between a nice sounding fuzz and a mild distortion/overdrive, which can achieve some wonderfully sounding harmonic overtones.

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JHS Muffuletta Fuzz Guitar Effects Pedal

Features

• Fuzz Guitar Processor by JHS Pedals
• Most premium-priced unit on the list
• Features 5 well-known, all-analog big-muff fuzz tones
  • The civil war
  • The russian
  • The pi
  • The triangle
  • ’73 rams head
  • JHS 2015
• Additional interface controls including volume, sustain and tone
• All JHS pedals come with a 2-year unconditional warranty
• Owners manual

Technical Specifications

• Monophonic in/out
• True bypass
• Weight: 0.27 kg
• Dimensions: 6″ x 3″ x 3″

Customer Review Rating

The JHS Muffuletta fuzz pedal has received an average rating of  4.3* out of 5 stars from 36 Amazon customer review.

Summary

The Muffuletta Fuzz Pedal by JHS was definitely a pleasant surprise for us here at Sustain Punch. Our first impression of the unit itself is that it provides such a wonderfully full-sounding fuzz distortion (especially on the JHS 2015 circuity setting), but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Underneath the hood, this unit provides 5 fuzz circuit tones, all of which can be accessed via the interface’s ‘tone’ knob. Additionally, it also has a ‘Volume’, ‘Sustain’ (Level of Distortion) and ‘Tone’ (Equalization) knob, so that you can really modify these factory settings until your ear is content.

Now, this is the most expensive unit featured on the list, granted! However, one aspect that we particularly like about this pedal is the fact that it comes with a 2-year unconditional warranty! So you can rest assured that it this thing’s working for years to come.

So how exactly does it sound?

As you can hear from the video demonstration, the JHS Muffuletta has such a versatile range of sounds! This is due to the 5 analog modes that are available:

• The civil war – Increased mid-range and high-end articulation
• The russian – Aggressive, compressed with major fuzz
• The pi – More aggressive, edgy-sounding fuzz
• The triangle – More articulate, with additional low-end response
• ’73 rams head – Scooped mids, less gain and a dark texture
• JHS 2015 – Less compressed fuzz with a lovely rich tone

Overall, this is an incredibly versatile unit!

What would we improve?

Although it’s a little pricey, the fantastic fuzz tones and 2-year warranty make up for this!

Who is this pedal for?

This little pedal is definitely for the serious guitarist who has a large budget. Therefore if you really value tone, this may be an attractive option for you.

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In Conclusion, which fuzz pedal would we recommend?

Well, as always with our recommendations, we rarely approach this section lightly, and we realize that every one of our readers has different requirements, budgets, etc.

Therefore, we’ve made our recommendations accordingly, so that there’s truly a fuzz pedal suitable for each and every one of our readers:

Behringer Super Fuzz SF300 Fuzz Pedal – $ – Buy on Amazon  –  Budget-Priced Recommendation

EarthQuaker Devices Octave Fuzz Blaster – $$$ – Buy on Amazon –  Octave-Fuzz Recommendation

JHS Muffuletta Fuzz Guitar Effects Pedal – $$$$$ – Buy on Amazon –  Premium-Priced Recommendation