The Friedman Fuzz Fiend is a fuzz pedal with its own 12AX7 preamp tube built in1. Where most fuzz boxes use transistors or op-amps doing the clipping, this one routes the signal through a real tube, and Friedman spec'd the circuit at 220 volts internally so the 12AX7 runs at proper high voltages rather than relying on the starved-voltage tricks some tube pedals use1. The tube protrudes from the enclosure and is protected by a roll bar1.
A fuzz built around a 12AX7 tube
The high internal voltage is the design's distinguishing point. Premier Guitar's reviewer noted that Friedman spec'd the Fuzz Fiend at 220 volts to drive the 12AX7 at proper high voltages, rather than using the starved-voltage approach, and that the pedal remains very light, clearly labeled, and very functional1.
Controls and the Rage switch
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Fuzz knob | Sets the amount of sizzling, jagged fuzz1 |
| Rage footswitch | Momentary switch that triggers the sound of an unstable fuzz circuit, for wild atonal modulation effects, sustain, and other general mayhem1 |
Gearnews reported on the Rage switch at its announcement, writing that "Dave has added his own unique 'Rage' switch which allegedly will make this thing pretty gnarly"2. Because Rage is momentary, the effect lasts only while your foot is on the switch, which suits it to stabs of noise and sustain rather than a latched setting.
Power and setup
The Fuzz Fiend requires a 9V to 12V DC power supply capable of at least 350 to 400 mA, and a universal 12V supply is included1.
The current draw rules out a battery and most low-current daisy-chain outputs. Use the included 12V supply or a power brick with an isolated output rated for the pedal's draw1.
What reviewers said
Premier Guitar tested the pedal with a Les Paul and a Stratocaster into a JTM45-style amp and 2x12 cab, and found that "the Fuzz Fiend retains a lot of dynamics and a surprising feel between pick, strings, pedal, and amp," with the hair and texture of the fuzz layered over a full, intact core tone1.
"the pedal immediately struck me as a distinctive and real alternative to the classics, and feels like more than just another fuzz box"
Videos
Pete Thorn
Premier Guitar
Sweetwater
Questions
Does the Friedman Fuzz Fiend come with a power supply?
Yes. A universal 12V power supply is included in the box. The pedal requires a 9V to 12V DC supply capable of at least 350 to 400 mA, so the included unit is the practical way to run it.
What does the Rage switch do on the Fuzz Fiend?
Rage is a momentary footswitch that triggers the sound of an unstable fuzz circuit. Premier Guitar describes it as producing wild atonal modulation effects, sustain, and other general mayhem while you hold it down.
Can the Fuzz Fiend run on 9V?
It accepts 9V to 12V DC, but it needs a supply capable of at least 350 to 400 mA. A typical low-current 9V supply or battery will not meet that draw, so use the included universal 12V supply or an equivalent high-current source.
Who designed the Friedman Fuzz Fiend?
Dave Friedman of Friedman Amplification designed it. He showed the Fuzz Fiend and the companion Motor City Drive, both built around a 12AX7 preamp valve, at the NAMM Show in 2017.
Sources (2)
- Friedman Fuzz Fiend Review, Premier Guitar, 2017-09-01
- Musikmesse 2017: Friedman Motor City Drive & Fuzz Fiend 12AX7 based pedals, gearnews.com, 2017-04-04
Justin Derrico