The Barber fww BUSS HG is a high-gain overdrive and distortion pedal from Barber Electronics, a small US builder based in York, Pennsylvania. The "HG" stands for high gain, and the pedal is built on the circuits of two earlier Barber designs: the B-Custom Super Sport and the Barber Burn Unit. The maker's manual describes its territory as "deeper into Modded Marshalls with a touch of cranked Vox and higher gain Dumble tones, think 'Talk to Your Daughter' era Ford"1.
The FWW in the name refers to Keith from the five watt world channel: the pedal "has Keith from five watt world's two favorite classic overdrive tones in a single compact pedal," according to its RockBoard PedalPedia entry2. The standard FWW BUSS, without the HG circuit, is also listed by Barber at $219.95 and is available in white3.
Controls and voicing switches
The pedal has three main controls: Drive, Volume, and the two toggles described below41.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Drive | Sets the amount of sustain and gain4 |
| Volume | Sets the output of the pedal; most players find unity between 9 o'clock and 1 o'clock, depending on pickup output and guitar volume setting4 |
| Left toggle | Selects Super Sport mode (left) or Burn Unit mode (right)1 |
| Right toggle | Two-position "high harmonics and ultra dynamics" switch4 |
The left toggle chooses between the two circuits the pedal is built on. The left setting is Super Sport mode, with a classic British sound that can get aggressive when combined with the high harmonics setting; on the standard FWW BUSS page Barber describes this mode as covering "classic British and high-powered tweed sounds"13. The right setting is Burn Unit mode, which Barber calls "a punchier setting that gives Dumble-like thickness to your bridge pickup" and which can push a neck pickup all the way to warm, flute-like textures4.
The manual points out that it is normal for the left toggle to pop when switched1.
The right toggle is a two-position "high harmonics and ultra dynamics" switch. With the switch to the left you are in high harmonics mode, which adds extra harmonics and a sponginess reminiscent of vintage amps. With the switch to the right you are in ultra dynamics mode, which Barber describes as "a little bit louder, more open, and" full of articulation, with string definition retained at higher gain levels, particularly with single coil guitars4.
Power requirements
The manual is explicit about power: "Make sure you use a 9-18 volt DC adaptor, it must be negative tip (center). Damage will result if you use positive tip, or AC output adaptor"1. The RockBoard PedalPedia listing for the FWW BUSS likewise gives 9V DC, center negative2. There is no battery option mentioned in the maker's documents, and an AC-output adapter will damage the pedal.
Buying and support
Barber Electronics sells the BUSS HG direct rather than through dealers. From the product page: "When you're ready, I'll send you a secure PayPal invoice. No PayPal account is usually required, you can normally pay with a credit or debit card"4. Questions go to david@barberelectronics.com1. An English manual for the FWW BUSS is available as a PDF, linked from the RockBoard PedalPedia page2.
If the BUSS HG is more gain than you need, Barber's range also includes the Edge Hog Distortion, and the pedal sits among the wider field of distortion pedals and overdrive pedals.
Videos
Barber Electronics
Barber Electronics
Barber Electronics
Questions
Can I use an AC adapter with the Barber FWW BUSS HG?
No. The manual states the pedal needs a 9 to 18 volt DC adaptor with a negative tip (center), and that damage will result if you use a positive tip adaptor or an AC output adaptor. Use a standard DC pedal supply set between 9 and 18 volts, center negative.
What does the left toggle do on the BUSS HG?
The left toggle selects between the two circuits the pedal is built on. The left setting is Super Sport mode, with a classic British sound that can get aggressive when combined with the high harmonics setting. The right setting is Burn Unit mode, a punchier setting the maker describes as giving Dumble-like thickness to your bridge pickup. It is normal for this toggle to pop when switched.
What is the difference between high harmonics and ultra dynamics mode?
The right toggle is a two position high harmonics and ultra dynamics switch. With the switch to the left you are in high harmonics mode, which adds extra harmonics and a sponginess reminiscent of vintage amps. Ultra dynamics mode, to the right, is a little bit louder, more open, and has lots of articulation, with string definition retained at higher gain levels, particularly with single coil guitars.
Where can I buy the Barber FWW BUSS HG?
Barber Electronics sells the pedal direct. When you are ready to order, David Barber sends a secure PayPal invoice, which you can normally pay with a credit or debit card without a PayPal account. Questions can be emailed to david@barberelectronics.com.
Is there a manual for the FWW BUSS?
Yes. An English manual for the FWW BUSS is available as a PDF, linked from the pedal's RockBoard PedalPedia entry, and Barber Electronics also publishes a documentation sheet for the BUSS HG on its own site.
How much does the BUSS HG cost?
The Barber FWW BUSS HG is listed at $219.95 on the Barber Electronics product page, as of 25 October 2026.
Sources (4)
- FWW_BUSS HG BLUE.docx, Barber Electronics
- FWW BUSS by Barber Electronics, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- FWW BUSS, Barber Electronics
- FWW BUSS HG, Barber Electronics
