ZVEX releases Fuzz Factory 7 USA Vexter with UV-printed finish

February 7, 2023 · 2 sources

ZVEX Effects released the Fuzz Factory 7 USA Vexter, the latest edition of its flagship fuzz pedal, on February 7, 2023, according to MusicRadar¹. The Minneapolis maker describes it as "the next edition of our Fuzz Factory 7, using two NOS 1960s GT308 germanium transistors"².

The pedal uses a pair of NOS 1960s GT308 germanium transistors, which MusicRadar reports were recovered from the 1960s¹. ZVEX says the transistors are hand-painted and that the enclosure carries UV-printed art². MusicRadar reports that both transistors are painted and placed at the center of a circle of seven control knobs, and that there is a cat on the enclosure¹. ZVEX states that the parts inside are identical to the hand-painted model².

The seven controls, as described by MusicRadar, are:

ZVEX describes the nine-position rotary switch as covering "enormous sonic territory, from earthshaking low frequencies to 'dog whistle' (figuratively) high frequencies," in place of the Fat Fuzz Factory's three-position toggle, and says the pedal has a passive tone control with its own switch to roll off high end². MusicRadar reports the rotary takes the tone from fat, sub-heavy sounds counterclockwise to "thinner and reedier" past noon¹.

ZVEX lists the pedal dimensions as 4.80" x 3.64" x 2.10"². MusicRadar reports the pedals are hand-wired and made in the USA, run on a 9V DC supply or a battery, and generally draw between 10mA and 50mA¹.

The price is given differently: ZVEX lists $429.00², while MusicRadar reports $399¹.