The Fjord Fuzz SOL Fuzz-Vibe is a combination pedal from the Norwegian builder Fjord Fuzz that puts two effects in one enclosure: a vintage-spec Silicon Fuzz Face-style fuzz and a Frei-based Uni-Vibe, each with its own footswitch. Guitar Pedal X's Stefan Karlsson described it as combining "Fjord Fuzz Daniel's favourite take on the Fuzz Face - with a variation of his Frei Uni-Vibe"1. It was launched in March 2024 as a limited run of 500 units2.
The two circuits
The fuzz side follows the Fuzz Face layout, a two-knob-plus-guitar-volume design known for cleaning up strongly when the guitar's volume control is rolled back. Karlsson found that "it offers thick compression, sustain, croaky low end and strong guitar-volume cleanup," and noted that dialling the dB control up past 3 o'clock brings heavy compression2.
The vibe side is "very much based on the Frei circuit," Fjord Fuzz's Uni-Vibe design2. Its input impedance is matched to sit well after high output impedance fuzzes, the Fuzz Face among them, which matters because a Uni-Vibe placed after a mismatched fuzz can lose its character2.
The controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Vibe Speed | Sets the vibe rate; the reviewer liked it dialled all the way back2 |
| Vibe Depth | Sets the vibe intensity; around noon to 1 o'clock was the reviewer's setting, with lower settings giving subtler textures2 |
| Fuzz Level (dB) | Fuzz gain and level; heavy compression above 3 o'clock2 |
| Engage Fuzz footswitch | Switches the fuzz side on its own1 |
| Engage Vibe footswitch | Switches the vibe side on its own1 |
Because each side has its own footswitch, the fuzz and vibe can be used separately or together1.
Placement and use
Karlsson reported that "the SOL very much likes to be at the front of the chain"2, which follows from the fuzz-first design: the vibe side is built to sit after a fuzz without the tone loss that placement can cause2. He also noted the pedal is "wholly geared towards his JCM800 amp, and low output guitar pickups," referring to builder Daniel Thornhill's own setup2.
Price, availability and colorways
The SOL comes in three colorways: Cream and Gold, White and Burnt Rainbow Copper, and all-white. Two of the three were listed at $249, with the Burnt Rainbow Copper edition at $279, as of March 20242. At launch it was available through three international dealers: Little Box Effects (USA), Palf (France / Europe) and Pedal Empire (Australia)2.
The SOL was announced as a limited run of 500 units in total2.
What reviewers said
Karlsson's verdicts were mixed in detail but positive overall. In his 2024 round-up of the year's fuzz pedals he wrote that the SOL "sounds gorgeous," while adding that "the Fuzz side could do with a little more volume for my preferences!"1. Comparing it with the Carl Martin Purple Moon Fuzz 'n' Vibe, he found "The SOL has a somewhat deeper and richer and more specifically vintage flavour to my ears!"2. For his own rig he noted a slight preference for Fjord Fuzz's two Berserk pedals among the builder's Fuzz Face types, and for the Frei and Freia pairing2.
Players who want more from a Fjord Fuzz fuzz-and-vibe combination can look at the Midnattssol, a later, larger fuzz and vibe workstation, or the standalone Frei Uni-Vibe.
Videos
Fjord Fuzz AS
AndyDemos
Sasha Ivantic
Questions
Is the Fjord Fuzz SOL a limited edition?
Yes. Guitar Pedal X reported at launch that total units would be limited to 500, and that the pedal was available at just three international dealers: Little Box Effects in the USA, Palf in France and Europe, and Pedal Empire in Australia.
What is the Fjord Fuzz SOL based on?
The fuzz side is a vintage-spec Silicon Fuzz Face-style circuit, and the vibe side is based on the Frei circuit, Fjord Fuzz's own Uni-Vibe design. Guitar Pedal X described the SOL as combining builder Daniel Thornhill's favourite take on the Fuzz Face with a variation of his Frei Uni-Vibe.
Can I use the fuzz and the vibe separately?
Yes. The SOL has two footswitches, one to engage the fuzz and one to engage the vibe, so each effect can be switched on its own. The vibe side is also impedance matched to work well after high output impedance fuzzes, including the Fuzz Face-style fuzz on the fuzz side.
Where should the SOL Fuzz-Vibe go in a signal chain?
Guitar Pedal X reported that the SOL very much likes to be at the front of the chain. That suits a fuzz-style circuit, which generally responds best to the guitar's direct signal rather than to other pedals ahead of it.
How many colorways does the SOL come in?
Three: Cream and Gold, White and Burnt Rainbow Copper, and all-white. Two of the three colorways were listed at $249, with the Burnt Rainbow Copper edition at $279.
Sources (2)
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2024-12-18
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2024-03-08
