FuzzHugger Algal Bloom & Blend II

The FuzzHugger Algal Bloom & Blend II is a fuzz pedal from FuzzHugger Effects that takes the company's Algal Bloom fuzz circuit and adds a clean blend. Where the standard Algal Bloom is described by its maker as a "classic chord-friendly, overdriven fuzz"¹, the Bloom & Blend splits that fuzz signal from your dry signal and gives each its own level knob, Fuzz Level and Clean Level, so you can keep low-end definition and note clarity under heavy fuzz.

FuzzHugger calls it a rare and highly requested model, relaunched after five years away: "For the first time in 5 years, the Bloom & Blend is back!"²

A fuzz with a clean blend

The core of the pedal is the Algal Bloom circuit, which FuzzHugger describes as its "classic chord-friendly, overdriven fuzz"¹. The Bloom & Blend's contribution is the blend: instead of only hearing the fuzzed signal, you set how much of your clean guitar comes through alongside it. On the control set, that shows up as two separate level knobs, Fuzz Level and Clean Level³, where the standard Algal Bloom family uses a single Level knob for volume¹.

The Gain knob works as it does across the Algal Bloom line: FuzzHugger says it "cleans up and slims fuzz"¹. The Highs knob "smooths to dampens highs activity"¹, letting you tame the top end.

The controls: eight knobs from Highs to Clean Level

The Bloom & Blend II carries eight knobs³. FuzzHugger's own descriptions of the shared Algal Bloom controls explain what several of them do:

The remaining knobs, Thick, Push and Head, complete the eight-knob set³. On the earlier Bloom & Blend pre-order listing, FuzzHugger noted that the Clean knob sits centered under the standard 6-knob Algal Bloom control set², so the blend control is an addition to the familiar layout rather than a redesign of it.

For comparison, the Algal Bloom LTD 5-knob trims the control set to Thick, Push, Power, Highs and Level⁴, while other Algal Bloom variants carry their own control sets, from the six knobs of the Custom 2-in-1 Algal Bloom + Algal Bloom (Deluxe Finish), Highs, Thick, Push, Voltage, Headroom and Level per effect, to the seven knobs of the Custom 2-in-1 Algal Bloom + Algal Bloom, Gain, Highs, Thick, Push, Power, Headroom and Level per effect⁵.

Power: 9 to 18V DC

The Bloom & Blend II requires a 9 to 18V DC tip adapter, which is not included³. The same requirement appears across the Algal Bloom family: the standard Algal Bloom and the Algal Bloom S both require a 9V to 18V DC center-negative adapter, not included¹⁶, and FuzzHugger's 2-in-1 Algal Bloom pedals run on DC power only, with no batteries⁵.

History and versions

The Algal Bloom & Blend is a returning model. FuzzHugger's pre-order listing announced the relaunch after five years², and the current Algal Bloom & Blend listing repeats it⁷. The Bloom & Blend II prototype unit FuzzHugger sold was one of three final prototypes built for the pedal³.

The prototype's paintwork was done by hand by Ingrid Shourds-Dalton³. FuzzHugger's related Algal Bloom versions include the Algal Bloom Modified, which starts with the classic circuit and enhances its best qualities¹, the Algal Bloom S in a smaller 2.7 x 3.7 aluminum enclosure⁶, and 2-in-1 boxes such as the Custom 2-in-1 Algal Bloom + Algal Bloom and the Custom 2-in-1 Algal Bloom + Doom Bloom, which pair two full circuits in one enclosure.

The prototype versus the production pedal

The prototype unit carries the final circuit. FuzzHugger states it plainly:

The differences are in the build and finish: a different layout, some extra wiring, handpainted artwork, and no thick Deluxe Clear finish, which FuzzHugger applies to its deluxe production enclosures³. The prototype was listed at $199.00 regular price with a $179.00 sale price, and included FuzzHugger's full transferable free repairs³.

DIY layouts

Questions