Fuzz pedal: Evolution and Timeline of Iconic Pedals from the 60s and 70s

The Evolution of Fuzz: Iconic Pedals from the 60s and 70s

Fuzz has been a key element in guitar sound since its invention, with some historic models making a significant impact. In this post, we'll explore the timeline of the most iconic fuzz pedals from the 1960s and 1970s.

1962: Maestro FZ-1 Fuzz-Tone

  • Release Date: 1962
  • Original Price: $39.95
  • Current Collector's Price: Approximately $2,000 - $3,000
  • Brand and Model: Gibson/Maestro FZ-1 Fuzz-Tone
  • Key Features:
    • First commercially available fuzz pedal.
    • Bright and crisp sound.
    • Famous for its use in "Satisfaction" by The Rolling Stones.
  • Transistor Type: Germanium
    • Model: 2N270 (Germanium)

1964: Selmer Buzz Tone

  • Release Date: 1964
  • Original Price: Approximately £11.00 (GBP)
  • Current Collector's Price: Approximately $1,000 - $2,000
  • Brand and Model: Selmer Buzz Tone
  • Key Features:
    • Warm and smooth sound with less gain compared to other fuzz pedals.
    • Robust and simple metal casing.
  • Transistor Type: Germanium
    • Model: OC75 (Germanium)

1965: Sola Sound Tone Bender MkI

  • Release Date: 1965
  • Original Price: Approximately £14.70 (GBP)
  • Current Collector's Price: Approximately $1,500 - $2,500
  • Brand and Model: Sola Sound Tone Bender MkI
  • Key Features:
    • Design based on the Maestro FZ-1.
    • Thicker and more saturated sound.
    • Used by Jeff Beck.
  • Transistor Type: Germanium
    • Model: 3 x Mullard OC75 or OC44 (Germanium)

1965: Burns Buzzaround

  • Release Date: 1965
  • Original Price: Approximately £14.00 (GBP)
  • Current Collector's Price: Approximately $1,200 - $2,000
  • Brand and Model: Burns Buzzaround
  • Key Features:
    • High sustain and versatile tone control.
    • Used by musicians like Robert Fripp.
  • Transistor Type: Germanium
    • Model: 3 x NKT213 (Germanium)

1966: Arbiter Fuzz Face

  • Release Date: 1966
  • Original Price: £14.70 (GBP)
  • Current Collector's Price: Approximately $2,000 - $4,000
  • Brand and Model: Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face
  • Key Features:
    • Warm sound with dynamic response.
    • Popularized by Jimi Hendrix.
    • Circular design.
  • Transistor Type: Germanium (first version)
    • Model: NKT275 (Germanium)
    • Alternative Transistor (later versions): Silicon
    • Model: BC108 (Silicon)

1966: Sola Sound Tone Bender MkII Professional

  • Release Date: 1966
  • Original Price: Approximately £17.50 (GBP)
  • Current Collector's Price: Approximately $2,000 - $3,000
  • Brand and Model: Sola Sound Tone Bender MkII Professional
  • Key Features:
    • More compressed and powerful sound.
    • Used by Jimmy Page.
  • Transistor Type: Germanium
    • Model: 3 x Mullard OC81D (Germanium)

1966: Mosrite Fuzzrite

  • Release Date: 1966
  • Original Price: Approximately $29.95
  • Current Collector's Price: Approximately $1,500 - $2,500
  • Brand and Model: Mosrite Fuzzrite
  • Key Features:
    • Distinctive sound with a lot of aggression and bite.
    • Associated with surf rock and psychedelic music.
  • Transistor Type: Silicon
    • Model: 2N2614 or 2N3565 (Silicon)

1967: Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi (Version 1)

  • Release Date: 1969
  • Original Price: $39.95
  • Current Collector's Price: Approximately $1,000 - $1,500
  • Brand and Model: Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi
  • Key Features:
    • Thick sound with long sustain and heavy distortion.
    • Used by David Gilmour of Pink Floyd.
  • Transistor Type: Silicon
    • Model: 2N5088 or BC183L (Silicon)

1968: Vox Tone Bender

  • Release Date: 1968
  • Original Price: Approximately £14.70 (GBP)
  • Current Collector's Price: Approximately $1,200 - $2,000
  • Brand and Model: Vox Tone Bender
  • Key Features:
    • Similar sound to the Fuzz Face, but with a sharper attack.
    • Versions produced by both Vox and Sola Sound.
  • Transistor Type: Germanium
    • Model: OC75 or AC128 (Germanium)

1970: Colorsound Supa Tonebender

  • Release Date: 1970
  • Original Price: Approximately £20 (GBP)
  • Current Collector's Price: Approximately $1,500 - $2,500
  • Brand and Model: Colorsound Supa Tonebender
  • Key Features:
    • More aggressive sound with increased sustain.
    • Influenced the sound of heavy rock bands in the 70s.
  • Transistor Type: Silicon
    • Model: BC184L (Silicon)

1973: Univox Super-Fuzz

  • Release Date: 1973
  • Original Price: Approximately $40
  • Current Collector's Price: Approximately $1,000 - $1,800
  • Brand and Model: Univox Super-Fuzz
  • Key Features:
    • Octave fuzz sound, aggressive with a distinct character.
    • Used by Pete Townshend of The Who.
  • Transistor Type: Silicon
    • Model: 2SC828 (Silicon)

Conclusion

These fuzz pedals not only defined the sound of the 1960s and 1970s but also left a lasting impact on modern music. If you're looking to achieve the original tone of these historic pedals without having to sell your house, or if you want to preserve your original collector's pedal from damage, visit our fuzz page. We offer faithfully recreated classic pedals that deliver the iconic sounds without the hassle.

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