The Formula B Fuzz Rangers is a dual channel pedal that combines a Fuzz Face style circuit with a Rangemaster treble booster in a single box, with the two circuits stacked on top of each other and dedicated footswitches for each. Formula B describes the two effects as totally independent, so either can be used alone or stacked. The pedal was released in September 2024 and is entirely handmade in the company's laboratory in Todi, Italy1.
The two circuits
The fuzz channel aims for a warm and vintage tone like the early Arbiter Fuzz, and is powered with new old stock BC108 transistors and carbon layer resistors. The boost channel is inspired by the famous Rangemaster, the vintage treble booster, and is the subject of a separate boost pedal tradition1.
Formula B says the boost is calibrated to work together with fuzz and other pedals in a chain, without problems of polarity and power supply. One reason given for using silicon transistors in the boost instead of germanium ones is exactly that: germanium stages can bring polarity and power quirks when stacked with other effects1.
Controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Fuzz knob | Controls the fuzz amount on the Fuzz Face channel |
| Level knob | Second control for the Fuzz Face channel |
| Boost knob | The lone control for the Rangemaster clone boost |
| Top toggle switch | Highlights different frequencies (Mid, High, Low) on the boost |
| FX ORDER toggle (F > B / B > F) | Selects whether the fuzz goes into the boost or vice-versa |
| EQ switch | Chooses from 3 different frequency cuts |
The fuzz channel carries two knobs, Fuzz and Level, while the boost keeps things minimal with a single knob. The top toggle switch affects the boost by highlighting different frequencies, a function Formula B says many reviewers found incredibly useful1.
Order switching and stacking
A routing toggle on the right side of the case allows the order of the two pedals to be inverted, for extra tonal possibilities. The FX ORDER inverter toggle, marked F > B / B > F, selects whether the fuzz feeds the boost or the boost feeds the fuzz1.
Because the two circuits are stacked with dedicated footswitches, the Fuzz Rangers behaves like two pedals in one enclosure. The order toggle changes which circuit hears the other first, which is the same choice a player would make by rearranging two separate boxes on a board.
Where it came from
Formula B says the Fuzz Rangers was born in collaboration with the company's artists, who asked for a fuzz covering many different sounds. The maker describes its fuzz channel as aimed at a warm and vintage tone like the early Arbiter Fuzz, and notes that many reviewers found the top toggle's frequency highlighting function incredibly useful1.
Videos
Diego Leanza
AndyDemos
Sasha Ivantic
Questions
Can you run the fuzz and the boost together on the Fuzz Rangers?
Yes. The two circuits are stacked on top of each other with dedicated footswitches, so each can be used on its own or together. An FX ORDER toggle switch marked F > B / B > F selects whether the fuzz feeds the boost or the boost feeds the fuzz, and a routing toggle on the right side of the case inverts the order of the pedals for extra tonal possibilities.
Does the Fuzz Rangers boost use germanium or silicon transistors?
Silicon. Paolo De Gregorio of Formula B says silicon transistors were used instead of germanium ones, partly so the boost is calibrated to work with fuzzes and other pedals in a chain without polarity and power supply problems. The fuzz channel uses new old stock BC108 transistors with carbon layer resistors.
Where is the Formula B Fuzz Rangers made?
Formula B builds the Fuzz Rangers entirely by hand in its laboratory in Todi, Italy. The company describes the pedal as a dual channel design combining a Fuzz Face style circuit with a Rangemaster treble booster, released in September 2024.
Does the Fuzz Rangers clean up with the guitar volume knob?
Yes. Formula B says the pedal has the ability to clean up when the volume of the guitar is rolled back, and that it works well after a wah-wah pedal. Both are traits players usually look for in a Fuzz Face style design.
Does the Fuzz Rangers work after a wah?
According to Formula B, yes: the pedal is described as working good after the Wah-Wah, alongside its ability to clean up when the guitar's volume is rolled back. That placement question matters to players who keep a wah in front of their fuzz.
Sources (1)
- Formula B Fuzz Rangers, Delicious Audio, 2024-09-13
