The EarthQuaker Devices Hizumitas Fuzz Sustainar is a fuzz distortion pedal re-created from Wata's actual vintage ELK Sustainar pedal, the circuit she uses in the Japanese band Boris. Pedal of the Day described it as having "heavy saturation, with a gritty edge and a massive bottom end, while still maintaining a clear and dynamic tone1."
Where it came from
The pedal's circuit traces back to the ELK Sustainar. Rather than working from a schematic alone, Pedal of the Day reported that the EarthQuaker Devices crew got hold of Wata's actual vintage ELK Sustainar "to truly capture the magic sound she's had for years." The result is a signature pedal for a player known for huge, sustained fuzz tones in Boris1.
Controls
The Hizumitas keeps the classic three-knob fuzz layout, and each control does something a little different from the average Big Muff-style pedal1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Volume | Sets the overall output level; unity is at around 10 o'clock2, with unity gain at around 20 to 30 per cent of its travel and the rest of the control dedicated to a volume boost3 |
| Sustain | Sets the amount of fuzz/drive2 |
| Tone | Boosts bass frequencies when turned clockwise, or highs when turned counterclockwise2 |
The Volume knob's unity point sits low on the dial, so most of the knob's travel above that acts as a boost. Guitar.com and gearnews.com describe the same behavior in slightly different terms: unity at around 20 to 30 per cent of travel3, or at around 10 o'clock2.
How it sounds
Pedal of the Day's review found the pedal responsive across playing styles: "It has excellent response to different pickup types and playing dynamics: power chords sound huge and heavy, open chords" are dynamic with fantastic note separation, and single-note leads come through smooth and powerful. That combination of a massive bottom end with a clear, dynamic core is what the Sustainar circuit is known for among players who chase the Japanese Big Muff sound1.
For context within EarthQuaker Devices' fuzz range, the Hizumitas sits alongside other Big Muff-derived designs like the Hoof V2 and the Erupter, and with other Japanese-circuit-based fuzzes such as the Fuzz Master General. See the site's full guide to Fuzz Pedals for how these circuits compare.
Versions and availability
The Hizumitas comes in two versions2:
- Standard: the purple silkscreen version, listed at $149 as of November 20213
- Limited edition: a Reverb-exclusive black colourway with black silkscreen artwork instead of purple, a silk pedal bag, an autographed Boris poster, and a copy of Boris's single Reincarnation Rose on 12-inch blood-red vinyl, listed at $169 in total as of November 202123
Alongside the standard pedal, there is a limited edition run available via Reverb, with black silkscreen artwork instead of purple, a silk pedal bag, an autographed Boris poster, and a copy of the band's single, the Reincarnation Rose 12″ blood-red vinyl2. A Reverb-exclusive black colourway bundled with a vinyl of the Reincarnation Rose EP listed for $169 in total3.
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Questions
What is the difference between the Hizumitas and a Big Muff?
The Hizumitas is based on the ELK Sustainar, a rare Japanese variant of the Triangle Big Muff Pi. EarthQuaker Devices re-created the circuit from Wata's actual vintage pedal rather than from an American Big Muff, so it is a Sustainar-based fuzz with its own take on that design, described by Pedal of the Day as having heavy saturation, a gritty edge and a massive bottom end while staying clear and dynamic.
Who is Wata from Boris?
Wata is the guitarist of the Japanese band Boris, and the Hizumitas was designed for her. Pedal of the Day called her the one and only guitar sorceress and reported that the EarthQuaker Devices crew got their hands on her actual vintage ELK Sustainar pedal to capture the sound she has had for years.
What does the Tone knob do on the Hizumitas?
The Tone control boosts your bass frequencies when turned clockwise, or your highs when turned counterclockwise, according to gearnews.com's report on the pedal's launch. It sits alongside Volume and Sustain on the pedal's three-knob control layout.
Where is unity gain on the Hizumitas Volume knob?
gearnews.com puts unity on the Volume control at around 10 o'clock, while Guitar.com reports that the volume control gives unity gain at around 20 to 30 per cent of its operation, with the rest of the control dedicated to a volume boost. The two descriptions agree that unity sits low on the dial.
What comes with the limited edition Hizumitas?
The limited edition run was available via Reverb with black silkscreen artwork instead of purple, a silk pedal bag, an autographed Boris poster, and a copy of the band's single Reincarnation Rose on 12-inch blood-red vinyl. Guitar.com reported the Reverb-exclusive black colourway with the Reincarnation Rose EP vinyl listing for $169 in total.
Sources (3)
- EarthQuaker Devices Hizumitas Fuzz Sustainer - Pedal of the Day, Pedal of the Day, 2022-12-02
- EarthQuaker Devices and Wata team up for new Hizumitas Fuzz Sustainar, gearnews.com, 2021-11-04
- Earthquaker Devices and Boris launch the Hizumitas Fuzz Sustainar, Guitar.com, 2021-11-04
