Zvex Fat Fuzz Factory

[Kev]

When did this come out? Has anyone tried it? Interested if it does handle bass well...

[bobbass4k]

They'll do a demo video pretty soon I imagine, does sound interesting, depends how well it handles actives though, the impedance buffer on the Mastotron is probably the greatest control ever put on a pedal.

I've been interested in the loop gate for a while too, that could open up a whole new world of options.

[Kev]

I took the plunge and bought one, together with a Wren & Cuff Box of War (which is fantastic, but not for this thread!)

First impressions arn't too great. I don't think it loses low end as much as it has very prominent treble/high mids in most settings so reduction in volume in turn makes it appear to lose bottom. Seems to work with my bass in Active mode, allbeit with more string noise. I don't think its a keeper for me from first impressions, not without a blend pedal anyway. Sub switch seems subtle....

Edited June 21, 2013 by Kev

[Kev]

Okay, so iv spent more time with it now. It works better with passive basses than active, although I would say it was more usable with actives than most. With sub modes on you can get some good gated fuzz tones without losing low end, however because the pedal is so loud you find yourself turning the volume right down, so it sounds like you do lose low end. I personally wouldn't use this pedal without a blend but I can imagine some would be fine with it, particularly in a synth setup. It isn't for me so I'm selling it, but I reckon I would have kept it had it had a blend, as I prefer the gated fuzz to the Iron Ether Oxide.