FSC Fuzz
FSC Guitars has recently introduced their latest pedal, the FSC Fuzz, based on a germanium Fuzz Face circuit (although using silicon) with some unique modifications.
While the FSC Fuzz retains a silicon circuit's stability and standard power capabilities, it is designed to exhibit the sound qualities typically associated with germanium fuzz pedals. In addition, this innovative approach allows for increased stability and eliminates the need for specialized power supplies.
One notable addition to the FSC Fuzz is the bias knob, a feature not commonly found on traditional silicon fuzz faces. This knob enables you to adjust the spiciness and gated characteristics of the sound by effectively starving the circuit.
Another noteworthy feature is the mid boost toggle switch, offering three settings: off, pre, and post fuzz. This switch allows for experimentation with various sounds and provides flexibility when the fuzz is struggling to cut through a mix. In live settings, the mid boost can enhance the clarity and presence of the fuzz tone.
To offer flexibility in signal chain placement and accommodate different pickup styles and outputs, FSC has included an impedance switch in the FSC Fuzz pedal. Regardless of what guitar you're using, it also changes the pedal's tone and reaction, adding another level of tonal experimentation.
The FSC Fuzz pedal also responds exceptionally well to adjustments made to the guitar's volume knob, allowing for dynamic control over the fuzz's character and intensity.
Expressiveness
Fuzz pedals, in general, offer an abundance of variations and expressive qualities among gain pedals. Unlike overdrive pedals, the distinct nuances and characteristics of fuzz are more noticeable and enjoyable to explore. Fuzz pedals possess a unique personality that sets them apart.
“FSC has intentionally avoided creating a Fuzz Face clone with their fuzz pedal”
There exist several fundamental categories of fuzz, such as the Maestro FZ-1a, Tonebender, Fuzz Face, and Big Muff families. These circuits have served as a foundation for further modifications and recreations by various manufacturers.
FSC has intentionally avoided creating a Fuzz Face clone with their fuzz pedal, opting instead for a distinctive approach. Given the availability of exceptional Fuzz Face clones from Analog Man and others, FSC sought to offer something different and original.
Sun baked
One of the challenges with germanium transistors is their instability, which temperature changes can influence. Extreme heat can lead to unusual and unusable tonal variations. FSC addresses this issue by providing some germanium flavor while offering greater stability, preventing undesirable tone shifts due to temperature changes.
The use of a standard 9V power supply is another departure for me with the FSC Fuzz, as I am accustomed to relying on batteries for my vintage fuzz pedals. However, the nature of the FSC circuit allows for excellent tone and reliable performance with a standard power supply.
Friends
In terms of pedalboard compatibility, I appreciate the top-mounted jacks on the FSC Fuzz. Despite its wider form factor in landscape mode, the pedal fits comfortably on a pedalboard and can be placed closer to other pedals without issue.
FSC's commitment to through-hole construction and high-end components ensures the durability and reliability of the FSC Fuzz pedal.
Pairings
When it comes to pairing fuzz face-style circuits, such as the FSC Fuzz, with black-panel Fender style amps, it can be challenging due to the inherent mid-scooped nature and lack of saturation in those amps. However, I have found the FSC Fuzz to be more forgiving in this regard, yielding pleasing results when used with various backline amps. The mid-boost option can prove particularly useful when utilizing a Fender Deluxe or Twin Reverb amplifier.
I find the FSC Fuzz pedal to be quite flexible in many situations. The spittiness of the circuit is more controllable than on other pedals, and using the mid boost I can either make it cut more or "soften" the tone. The FSC Fuzz is not cranky in the way my Maestro FZ-1A is. I always wonder what's going to happen with the Maestro.
For sessions and gigs where I need to play it safe and predictable, the FSC is better suited than some of my vintage circuits.
“For sessions and gigs where I need to play it safe and predictable, the FSC is better suited than some of my vintage circuits. ”
Got Weird?
That's not to say FSC didn't have getting weird in mind. You can get experimental fuzz tones with gated dying notes. But, you have more control of when that's happening.
I own a number of fuzz pedals, and the two that get used the most are the FSC Fuzz, Analog Man Sunface, and, Effectrode Mercury tube fuzz. It's a sea of pedals out there these days. It becomes harder and harder to find pedals that stick out simply just because of the cloud of marketing from so many companies.
Everyone uses the same keywords but they all haven't hit the mark so to speak. I think FSC has with their fuzz.
Let's listen to some examples.
Stratocaster with FSC ‘59 pickups into the FSC Fuzz into a Headstrong Lil King. I’m using the Ampere 88S amp slither to play different amps. All amps recored through the UAD Apollo into an API 312 and Purple Audio MC77. Bridge pickup low bias on fuzz
Neck pickup
More gain
SG Custom with Gemini Pickups into a Marshall SV20H Plexi
SG Marshall with pre mid-boost engaged on FSC Fuzz
SG Marshall with FSC Fuzz bias low
Sequential Circuits Prophet 10 into FSC Fuzz
ARP 2600M into FSC Fuzz
Mellotron 4000D mini Clavinet ins FSC Fuzz clean and then dirty.
More Clavinet examples:
FSC with pre mid-boost engaged
FSC with post mid-boost engaged
Warwick FNA bass into FSC Fuzz into an Ampeg V48
FSC with pre mid-boost engaged
FSC with post mid-boost engaged
