Maestro Fuzz-Tone FZ-M Fuzz Pedal Overview
A seriously versatile analogue fuzz that’s based on a truly iconic stompbox.
More Than Satisfied
Maestro’s Fuzz-Tone FZ-M fuzz pedal is a descendent of the legendary FZ-1 - the world’s first commercially available fuzz pedal. The FZ-1, initially intended to help guitarists emulate the sound of brass instruments, would go on to shape the sound of Rock after being used on The Rolling Stones’ landmark song (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction. When Keith Richards used the FZ-1 to lay down the song’s distinctive intro riff, it was intended as a guide for a horn section. Instead, the fuzzed-out part was kept and the song’s popularity would help Gibson sell out their entire stock of the FZ-1.
Pure Analog Fuzz
Like the original FZ-1, the Maestro FZ-M features all-analogue circuitry. With two distinctive modes at your disposal - Classic and Modern - you effectively have two fuzz pedals in one. The Classic mode is based on the FZ-1, delivering a harmonically-rich, cutting sound that’s perfect for vintage-style fuzz tones. Flicking the switch to Modern mode totally transforms the FZ-M into a thick, full-range beast that’s suited to contemporary styles.
Intuitive Layout
The Maestro FZ-M’s straightforward 3-knob layout allows you to quickly dial in a huge palette of fuzz tones. Whether you want to add some singing sustain to your leads or embark on an all-out sonic assault, the FZ-M can do it all with ease. The Attack knob determines the amount of fuzz whilst the Tone allows you to tweak the timbre. With one knob you can transition from warm and woolly to bright and raspy with ease. The Level control can take the output beyond unity gain if you want to push the front end of your amp or make your solo stand out from the mix.
Ready For Your Board
The FZ-M fuzz pedal is housed within a compact, road-ready metal enclosure and features convenient top-mounted jacks for easy integration into your pedalboard. The true-bypass footswitch ensures your signal isn’t coloured when the pedal is switched off. Pressing down on the footswitch engages the eye-catching LEDs within the Maestro bugles, giving you a visual indication when the effect is active.
The Maestro Fuzz-Tone FZ-M will make an excellent addition to your 'board if you’re looking for an inspiring and intuitive fuzz that can cover both vintage and modern tones.
- Perfectly focused, tastefully saturated and ultimately aggressive fuzz tones from a silicon transistor design
- Gain, Tone, and Level control to shape your tone
- Modern – Full-range frequency response, deep, grinding fuzz tones
- Classic – Reduced low frequencies, emphasised harmonics, cutting fuzz tones for that FZ1-A sound
- Controls: Attack, Tone, Level
- Switches: True Bypass footswitch, Modern/Classic Mode toggle switch
- LED Indicators: Red, yellow, and blue bugles in the Maestro logo illuminate when the pedal is active.
- Power On Switch: Incorporated into the input jack. Unplug the input when not in use to prevent battery drain. Remove the battery when the pedal is going to be stored for long periods to prevent leakage and damage.
- Signal Processing: All-Analog
- Power Requirements: 9V battery or regulated 9VDC power supply
- (5.5 x 2.1mm plug, wired center-negative)
- Current Draw: 21 mA
- Input Impedance: 32K ohms
- Output Impedance: 5K ohms
- Switching: True Bypass
- Dimensions (D x W x H): 5.04” x 3.45” x 2.5”, including feet, knobs, jacks, etc.
- Weight (Including Battery): 1.23 lb. / 557.92 gm.