The Carl Martin Purple Moon Vintage Fuzz n' Vibe is an analog vibe pedal with a fuzz circuit built in, made by Carl Martin. Carl Martin describes it as combining "a chewy Uni-Vibe style analog vibrato effect with a built-in fuzz circuit," aimed at players chasing classic 60s and 70s tones in the Hendrix, Trower and Gilmour vein12. The circuit is inspired by the Shin-ei Uni-Vibe and incorporates a Fuzz Face flavored fuzz, though Carl Martin is clear it is not a clone of any one pedal1.
The current pedal is the smaller 2019 version, which Carl Martin reissued from its Vintage Series in a more compact format3. Premier Guitar reviewed it at a street price of $148 in August 20214.
A Uni-Vibe-style vibe with fuzz in one box
The Purple Moon puts two effects in one signal path: a vibe-style modulation circuit covering chorus and vibrato territory, and a vintage-style fuzz12. Carl Martin says the fuzz delivers "organic, musical saturation with natural note bloom and chord movement," while the pedal as a whole maintains modern reliability and noise-free performance standards12.
The format has a clear lineage. The original, larger Purple Moon was part of Carl Martin's Vintage Series, and the 2019 version reissued that design in a smaller enclosure3. Guitar World's reviewer found the die-cast housing "feels very stomp-worthy"5. Delicious Audio called the 2019 Fuzz'n'Vibe "an obvious reference to the sound of Jimi Hendrix," and noted it took a couple of years on the bench for Carl to be satisfied with the design3.
On the vibe side, the pedigree shows. Premier Guitar's reviewer wrote that Carl Martin "has absolutely nailed the Uni-vibe sound, delivering all the blubbery goodness you'd expect"4.
The controls: depth, level, two speeds and mini fuzz pots
The 2019 version simplified the control layout compared with the older, larger pedal, which had speed one and speed two knobs, depth and level controls, mini knobs for fuzz and fuzz level, and more besides5. The new version pares it down to a single depth control, level and speed, plus the mini fuzz and fuzz level controls5.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Depth | Sets modulation depth; the single knob sits at the top left edge so you can shift it with the side of your foot5 |
| Level | Dials in the desired amount of swirl on the vibe side4 |
| Speed 1 and Speed 2 | Two preset vibe speeds, toggled by a footswitch with flashing LEDs indicating their rates4 |
| Fuzz (mini) | Sets the fuzz amount4 |
| Fuzz level (mini) | Sets the fuzz level4 |
Premier Guitar found the controls "intuitive and well organized"4. The fuzz section has no tone control, so its voicing is left to Carl Martin, which Guitar World's reviewer framed as trusting "the very capable ears of Carl Martin"5.
One switching detail matters to how you use it: with the fuzz gain turned all the way down, the pedal becomes a vibe only, but you cannot turn the vibe off and run just the fuzz5.
What reviewers said
Both published reviews came away positive on sound, with the same reservation about switching54.
Guitar World's reviewer praised a great usable vibe range and a warm, gentle fuzz, along with the control layout, while listing no straight fuzz sound and no fuzz tone control as drawbacks, and noting stereo would be nice5. On the fuzz at low gain, the reviewer found "some great edge and punch" for harder-edged styles5. On the vibe side, the reviewer highlighted how dynamic range is maintained despite the vibrato, with space around notes, subtle shimmer at low depth and deep swooshing tones at extreme settings5.
Premier Guitar's verdict was similarly mixed in shape: compact, well-built, stellar fuzz and a powerful two-speed vibe among the pros, with no fuzz without vibe and no expression pedal input or ramp control among the cons4. That reviewer suggested a way to think about the pedal:
"perhaps it's best to think of the Purple Moon as a Uni-Vibe pedal that tosses in a bonus fuzz"4
Premier Guitar, 20214
The same review said the lack of true two-in-one switching limited the pedal's usefulness, and concluded it is not a pedal for players who need the ultimate fuzz with occasional vibrato, but rather one for players whose sound is built around the vibe54.
Power and practical notes
The Purple Moon runs on a standard 9V battery or an external power supply, which is not included2. Carl Martin recommends using a good regulated power supply for optimum response5. Jacks are top-mounted, which Premier Guitar noted minimizes pedalboard clutter4.
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Questions
Can you use the Purple Moon fuzz without the vibe?
No. Premier Guitar's review lists no fuzz without vibe among its cons, and Guitar World notes you cannot turn the vibe off and run just the fuzz. It works the other way around: with the fuzz gain turned all the way down, the pedal becomes a vibe only. Reviewers saw the lack of true two-in-one switching as the pedal's main limitation.
Does the Purple Moon have an expression pedal input?
No. Premier Guitar's review lists no expression pedal input or ramp control among the pedal's shortcomings. Speed is set by the two speed knobs and toggled between with a footswitch, with flashing LEDs indicating their rates, rather than controlled externally.
Is the Carl Martin Purple Moon true bypass?
Yes. Carl Martin describes the Purple Moon as an analog vibe pedal with fuzz and true bypass, and says true bypass switching preserves signal integrity when the pedal is disengaged. Delicious Audio also described the 2019 version as true bypass and all analog.
Where is the Carl Martin Purple Moon made?
In China. Premier Guitar's review states the Purple Moon is part of Carl Martin's Chinese-made Vintage series. The 2019 version is a more compact reissue of the company's earlier Vintage Series design.
Sources (5)
- Purple Moon, Carl Martin, 2026
- Purple Moon Vintage Fuzz n' Vibe, Carl Martin, 2026
- Carl Martin Purple Moon Fuzz'n'Vibe 2019, Delicious Audio, 2020-07-08
- Carl Martin Purple Moon Vintage Fuzz n' Vibe Review, Premier Guitar, 2014-08-21
- Carl Martin Purple Moon Vintage Fuzz n' Vibe pedal review, Guitar World, 2019-09-30
