The Chowny Fuzzster is a bass fuzz pedal from Chowny, reported by gearnews.com on 15 May 2017 as the company's first pedal. Its main draw for bass players is a clean blend: Clean and Fuzz control knobs each let you mix as much of each signal into the mix as you want, so the fuzzed tone sits over a clean low end rather than replacing it1.
Controls and power
The pedal sports both Clean and Fuzz control knobs, each allowing you to mix in as much of each signal into the mix as you want. On bass, that kind of blend is the usual way to keep fuzz from thinning out the fundamentals, since the clean signal carries the low end while the fuzz sits on top1.
The Fuzzster Bass Fuzz needs a 9V DC external power supply to run, so it takes a spot on a standard supply rather than running internally1. A blue LED around the footswitch shows when it is engaged1.
The Fuzzster requires a 9V DC external power supply, so it will not run without one on your board or bench.
Design and build
The enclosure carries a robot graphic, which gearnews.com described as "a cool little robot graphic" emblazoned on it1. The design work was done in the UK by UK Pedal Builders, though the pedal is mostly manufactured in China1.
What reviewers said
gearnews.com's Jef reviewed the pedal at launch and found the value hard to argue with1:
"However, the pedal is so well priced that I cannot really complain. It’s definitely a welcome addition to the world of fuzz for all you bass players out there"
He called it highly recommended overall in terms of value and usefulness1.
Videos
Andertons Music Co
Chowny
Scott Whitley
Questions
Who designed the Chowny Fuzzster?
The Fuzzster was designed in the UK by UK Pedal Builders, though the pedal is mostly manufactured in China. It was the first pedal from the Chowny stable, reported by gearnews.com when the pedal launched in May 2017.
What power supply does the Chowny Fuzzster use?
The Fuzzster Bass Fuzz needs a 9V DC external power supply to run. As with any pedal that requires an external supply, plan your board power accordingly rather than relying on a battery.
Where is the Chowny Fuzzster made?
The Fuzzster is mostly manufactured in China, according to gearnews.com's report on the pedal. The design work was done in the UK by UK Pedal Builders.
What does the Clean knob do on the Fuzzster?
The Clean knob mixes clean signal into the blend. Alongside the Fuzz knob, it lets you set how much of each signal, clean and fuzzed, ends up in your sound, which is what keeps low-end definition under a fuzz on bass.
Is the Chowny Fuzzster the company's first pedal?
Yes. gearnews.com reported at launch that the Fuzzster is the first pedal from the Chowny stable, making it the company's debut entry into effects.
Sources (1)
- The Chowny Fuzzster Pedal: A new budget bass fuzz from the UK, gearnews.com, 2017-05-15