The Fuzzlord Effects Troglodyte is a fuzz pedal built for heavy playing. Fuzzlord describes it as "a prehistoric beast of a fuzz pedal that brings the heavy", and the circuit reflects that: it merges the fuzz section of a down-tuned modded Silicon Fuzz Face with a tone section reminiscent of a vintage Russian Big Muff1. That pairing puts a saturated, aggressive fuzz voice behind a tone stack players associate with thick, scooped distortion tones.
Controls
The Troglodyte keeps its faceplate simple: three knobs and two toggles, each with a clear job1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Fuzz | Amount of gain in the circuit. Counter-clockwise for less saturated fuzz tones, clockwise for what Fuzzlord calls "all out sludgey destruction"1 |
| Tone | Bass/Treble filter. Counter-clockwise for more bass and less treble, clockwise for more treble and less bass1 |
| Level | Overall output level. Counter-clockwise for less, clockwise for more1 |
| Toggle 1 (Left) | Mid boost/scoop control1 |
| Toggle 2 (Right) | Input cap toggle, controlling the amount of low-end input into the circuit1 |
The two toggles are where the Troglodyte differs from a straightforward one-knob fuzz. The mid toggle lets you choose between a mid-boosted voice that cuts through a band mix and a scooped voice that sits heavier under chords. The input cap toggle shapes how much low-end reaches the fuzz section, which matters most for bass players and anyone tuned down, since too much low-end into a fuzz can turn mushy1.
Guitar and bass
Fuzzlord states that "the Troglodyte is equally at home with either guitar or bass, regardless of how low the tuning is"1. Combined with the input cap toggle, that makes it a candidate for players running baritone guitars, drop tunings or bass through the same board.
Power and availability
The pedal runs on 9 volt, center negative (-) DC power, and Fuzzlord recommends an isolated supply for optimal performance1.
The Troglodyte was listed as Sold Out on the Fuzzlord Effects product page, at a list price of $205 USD1. Fuzzlord Effects is a small builder, and its pedals are sold directly, so availability changes with each build run.
Fuzzlord Effects also builds other heavy-oriented pedals, such as the Fuzzlord Effects Void Master.
Videos
Does It Doom?
Metalhead Productions
Eric J Morgan
Questions
What voltage does the Fuzzlord Troglodyte use?
Fuzzlord recommends an isolated 9 volt, center negative DC power supply for the Troglodyte. As with most modern pedals, using an isolated supply rather than a daisy chain helps the circuit perform at its best.
Does the Fuzzlord Troglodyte work with bass?
Yes. Fuzzlord describes the Troglodyte as equally at home with either guitar or bass, regardless of how low the tuning is. The input cap toggle, which controls the amount of low-end going into the circuit, is particularly useful for dialing in the pedal with bass or down-tuned guitars.
What does the input cap toggle do on the Troglodyte?
The right-hand toggle is an input cap toggle that controls the amount of low-end input into the circuit. With less low-end going in, the fuzz tightens up; with more, it stays full and thick. It is a practical control for players using bass or very low tunings.
What does the mid toggle do on the Troglodyte?
The left-hand toggle is a mid boost/scoop control. It lets you choose between a mid-forward voice that pushes through a mix and a scooped voice with the mids pulled back, which suits heavy riffing styles.
Is the Fuzzlord Troglodyte still available?
The Troglodyte was listed as sold out on the Fuzzlord Effects product page, at a list price of $205 USD. Fuzzlord is a small builder, so stock comes and goes; check the maker's own store for current availability.
Sources (1)
- Troglodyte, Fuzzlord Effects, 2018-10-20
