The EarthQuaker Devices Colby Fuzz is an analog fuzz pedal built as a collaboration between EarthQuaker Devices and Colby Amps1. It takes its circuit from the original Park Fuzz Sound from the 1960s, which was a branded version of a Tone Bender, and runs on matched NOS germanium transistors1. RockBoard's PedalPedia describes it as "a quality Fuzz pedal based on the classic Park Fuzz Sound"2.
MusicRadar's reviewer Trevor Curwen summed up what the pedal delivers: "What you get is great-sounding late-60s fuzz that's surprisingly versatile in its range - thanks mainly to the tone cont[rol]"1. In MusicRadar's fuzz buying guide, the Colby Fuzz was described as "A versatile fuzz pedal" with vintage sound and modern build3.
Controls
The pedal carries four knobs: Treble, Bass, Fuzz and Volume3. Curwen's review highlights the tone control's range: "to the right adds low-end warmth for fat, sustaining vocal leads that'll sustain forever, while offering more of a buzzy, ripped-Velcro rasp to the left"1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Treble | Part of the tone shaping alongside Bass3 |
| Bass | Part of the tone shaping alongside Treble3 |
| Fuzz | Sets the fuzz amount3 |
| Volume | Sets the output level3 |
On settings, Curwen wrote: "We like it best with the fuzz maxed and controlled with the guitar volume knob. Classic."1
Power and specifications
The Colby Fuzz runs on 9V DC, center negative, and draws 10mA, according to RockBoard's PedalPedia listing2. MusicRadar's review describes it as taking "standard nine-volt power"1. The circuit is analog2.
The Colby Fuzz is a germanium fuzz. MusicRadar's review notes it carries "extra gain and tone control range compared to the original, in a more practically sized pedal"1, meaning it updates the 1960s Park Fuzz Sound design rather than copying it exactly.
Where it came from
The original Park Fuzz Sound dates from the 1960s and was a branded version of a Tone Bender1. EarthQuaker Devices also made its own Park Fuzz Sound pedal, and the Colby Fuzz Sound, the collaboration with Colby Amps, is covered on its own page at the EarthQuaker Devices Colby Fuzz Sound. RockBoard's PedalPedia says of the result: "EarthQuaker Devices have managed to perfectly recreate the classic sounding fuzz in their Colby Fuzz Sound, bringing it [into a new generation]"2.
What reviewers said
MusicRadar's buying guide entry lists the pedal's strengths as a versatile fuzz with history and vintage sound in a modern build, while noting it is not the most modern-sounding fuzz among reasons to avoid3. Curwen's review praises its versatility of range through the tone control1.
Videos
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Clément Live
Sources (3)
- Earthquaker Devices Colby Fuzz Sound review, MusicRadar, 2016-03-15
- Colby Fuzz by EarthQuaker Devices, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- Best fuzz pedals: add some extra dirt to your guitar tone, MusicRadar, 2022-05-17
