Xploration • Curation • Recommendation
Fredric Effects' Modified 4-way Demon Fuzz take on the EHX Muff Fuzz is one of the most instantly satisfying fuzzes around!
Key Points
Fredric Effects’ modified 4-way Demon Fuzz — a compact, satisfying take on the EHX Big Muff-style fuzz
Topics: Big Muff Style Fuzz, Fuzz, Fuzz-Drive and Fuzzstortion, Silicon Fuzz
This Demon Fuzz is based on the simple one-knob + boost-switch Muff circuit from 1969 — essentially a simplified, instantly usable Big Muff. It’s likely the second or third iteration of Tim’s Demon Fuzz and now features two push-buttons: a left button that swaps silicon vs. germanium clipping and a right button that engages a thick mid-scoop “Doom” voicing.
Sound and controls
- Silicon clipping gives a crunchier, more textured fuzz; the germanium side is a bit more open and overdrive-like. Both are excellent and distinct.
- The Doom switch offers a thick mid-scoop option that fattens and darkens the tone; the stock (non-scooped) mode is more straightforward and transparent. I slightly prefer the stock Doom setting, though the scooped mode is tasty for heavier tones.
- The single knob is very effective — crank the Master Level and you get instant, impactful fuzz. With the two buttons you get four core tones that cover a lot of ground.
Performance and impressions
This is a perfect compact fuzz: minimal dialing, immediate results, and lots of character. It’s easy to get great textures — my go-to is the middle knob fully cranked, silicon clipping engaged, and stock Doom mode for rich harmonics and excellent feel. The pedal is highly playable and appealing to a wide range of players.
Availability and price
On the show circuit the Demon Fuzz typically sells for £99 and has sometimes included a matching tee at events; on the Fredric Effects webstore the usual price is £140. Tim launched the Demon Fuzz campaign at the Leeds Pedal Show in June and has sold many units at shows (as many as 15 at a busy event), though sales can vary by venue.
Summary
If you want a small, straightforward fuzz with big personality and very little setup, the Demon Fuzz is highly recommended. It’s an enjoyable, vers
This Demon Fuzz is based on the simple One Knob + Boost Switch Muff Fuzz from 1969 - essentially a simplified 1-knob Big Muff.
I feel this is at least the 2md if not 3rd iteration of Tim’s Demon Fuzz - which has a Silicon / Germanium Push-Button on the left, and a Thick Mid-Scoop ’Doom’ Push-Button on the right.
I like the crunchier Clipping option - which I believe is the ↓ Silicon - it sounds amazing and textured - while the more open and overdrive-y ↑ Germanium sounds excellent too.
I probably very slightly prefer the ↑ Stock option on the Doom side - while the ↓ Doom Scooped Mode also sounds pretty tasty.
This is the perfect compact fuzz really - instantly impactful - just crank the Master Level - and then you can shift it up and down those hears for 4 different core sounds - all of which are excellent.
I’m delighted we finally have a demo for this improved version - which typically does very brisk trade on the show circuit - where you get a Unit for just £99 and a matching Tee too. While outside of the shows these sell for £140 - per the Fredric Effects Webstore.
Tim originally introduced his ’Demon Fuzz’ campaign at the Leeds Pedal Show I believe it was - back in June - where since then he’s sold as many as 15 during a show - albeit things were quite a bit slower moving at the recent Woking One.
Generally these sell very well - and totally undedstatnably so - thee synod great whit the minimum of dial-in - and you can expand the output further by Gearing up to Silicon Clipping and Thick Doom Scoop.
This is such an instant fuzz - I can’ see how anyone would tail to be impressed by this - and if you got the pedal and Tee at one of the shows - it’s a still really. A really great Fuzz with wide appeal.
For me the middle knob is best fully cranked - Silicon Clipping on, and Stock non-scoop Mode - amazing harmonics and textures - sound superb!
This one comes highly recommended - just a supremely enjoyable fuzz - with the minimum of setup - a total perfect format!
Demos
