The Fuzzlord Effects FTW120 is a distortion pedal built around power amp distortion: the sound of an amplifier's output stage being pushed hard, rather than a preamp or overdrive circuit clipping. Fuzzlord describes it as "power amp distortion, explosive, unforgiving, and perfectly voiced for both guitar and bass," and says it is "designed to emulate the raw, unrelenting grind of a 1970s power amp pushed well beyond its limits."1
One knob, no tone controls
The FTW120's control layout is a single LEVEL knob, which Fuzzlord says commands the overall output volume. There are no gain, tone, or EQ controls: the maker's pitch is "No tone controls. No distractions. Just pure distortion."1 That makes it a set-and-forget distortion voice, with the amount of grind coming from how hard you drive it and the level set with the one knob. Players who want to shape the EQ do it downstream, on the amp or with another pedal.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| LEVEL | Commands the overall output volume1 |
Where the circuit comes from
Fuzzlord says the circuit is "inspired by the rare Sonic Titan and vintage 70s power amp distortion topology," and calls the pedal "a modern resurrection of the infamous and nearly unobtainable" Sonic Titan.1 In other words, the design follows the circuit approach of a 1970s power amp stage rather than a conventional fuzz or overdrive, which is what separates it from the maker's other dirt pedals such as the Fuzzlord Riff God or the Nazareth Doomy Octave Distortion.
Power, switching, and use with bass
The pedal runs on a 9V center negative 2.1mm power supply, which Fuzzlord says is the only kind to use, and draws 30mA.1 Switching is true bypass soft switching, so the signal passes through untouched when the pedal is off.1
The input impedance is ultra high, which Fuzzlord describes as suitable for guitar, bass, and line level signals, and the pedal is voiced for both guitar and bass.1 That puts it in reach of bass players looking for amp-style grind, alongside the site's bass pedals coverage.
Fuzzlord specifies using only a 9V center negative 2.1mm power supply.1
Build and availability
The enclosure measures 122 x 66 x 40mm, a compact standard-format pedal, and is finished in powder coat with UV printed artwork.1 The list price is $149.00 USD.1
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Power | 9V DC center negative, 2.1mm connector1 |
| Current draw | 30mA1 |
| Bypass | True bypass soft switching1 |
| Input impedance | Ultra high, suitable for guitar, bass, and line level1 |
| Dimensions | 122 x 66 x 40mm1 |
| Finish | Powder coat with UV printed artwork1 |
| List price | $149.00 USD1 |
Videos
Fuzzlord Effects
Fuzzed Drones
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Questions
Does the Fuzzlord FTW120 have tone controls?
No. The FTW120 has a single LEVEL knob that commands the overall output volume, and Fuzzlord Effects describes the layout as having no tone controls and no distractions, just pure distortion. Players who want to shape EQ do it on their amp or with other pedals on the board.
How much current does the Fuzzlord FTW120 draw?
Fuzzlord Effects lists the current draw at 30mA. The pedal runs on a 9V center negative 2.1mm power supply, which the maker says is the only kind to use.
Is the Fuzzlord FTW120 true bypass?
Yes. Fuzzlord Effects specifies true bypass soft switching, so the pedal passes your guitar's signal untouched when it is off.
Can the Fuzzlord FTW120 be used with bass?
Yes. The input impedance is ultra high and Fuzzlord describes it as suitable for guitar, bass, and line level signals, and the maker voices the pedal for both guitar and bass.
What size is the Fuzzlord FTW120?
The enclosure measures 122 x 66 x 40mm, a standard compact pedal footprint that fits a typical pedalboard.
Sources (1)
- FTW120 Distortion, Fuzzlord Effects, 2022-09-05
