The GUP Tech FOAZZ is a fuzz pedal that reproduces the circuit of the discontinued Boss FZ-2 Hyper Fuzz. GUP Tech, a small builder working out of Saguenay, Québec, Canada, describes it plainly: "This is a reproduction of the old FZ-2 Fuzz by Boss."1
Like the original, the pedal is really three effects in one box, selected by a mode toggle: Fuzz I, a clean Boost, and Fuzz II. GUP Tech characterizes the two fuzz modes as "old school Fuzz" and "modern heavy distorted fuzz" respectively, and the boost as a "simple clean boost." The maker's own description of the sound pulls no punches: "Gritty as hell, this fuzz can be truly violent."1
The circuit: a Boss FZ-2 reproduction
The FOAZZ's sound is shaped by an EQ that GUP Tech describes as "very HM2-esque, put everything to 10 and enjoy," a reference to the Boss HM-2's famously extreme tone controls1. GUP Tech also calls the pedal "gritty as hell" and says "this fuzz can be truly violent"1. In other words, this is a fuzz aimed squarely at heavy, aggressive styles rather than subtle overdrive.
The FOAZZ line spans several variants, including the standard FOAZZ, the Hot Foazz, and the Dust Transmitter Foazz123. Players drawn to the pedal's violent, HM-2-style character, with an EQ that rewards putting everything to 10, can choose among these versions13.
Boss has since revisited the circuit itself through its Waza Craft line, but the FOAZZ stands as an independent reproduction from a small Canadian builder rather than an official product4.
Fuzz I, Boost and Fuzz II modes
The mode toggle is the heart of the pedal. GUP Tech lays out the three positions as follows1:
| Mode | What it does |
|---|---|
| Fuzz I | Old school fuzz |
| Boost (center) | Simple clean boost |
| Fuzz II | Modern heavy distorted fuzz |
The clean boost position is worth noting for what it says about the circuit's flexibility. Griffin Effects, describing the original FZ-2, notes that "The FZ-2 can also be used purely as a gain booster with no added distortion"5. That means the FOAZZ can serve double duty on a pedalboard: as a boost pedal pushing an amp or an overdrive into compression, or as a full fuzz voice when the toggle is moved either direction.
GUP Tech also comments on the EQ behavior: "The EQ is very HM2-esque, put everything to 10 and enjoy." The reference is to the Boss HM-2, the Swedish death metal distortion whose scooped, maxed-out settings are a sound of their own. Players who know that pedal will understand the implication: this is a fuzz that rewards extreme settings rather than subtle ones1.
Variants and related GUP Tech fuzzes
The FOAZZ sits in a wider family of GUP Tech fuzzes, several of which share the "Foazz" name132.
- FOAZZ Gold Rush Edition: "Exactly the same circuit as the original GUPtech Foazz, in a unique Gold box," listed at £109.00 GBP6
- Dust Transmitter Foazz: a silicon transistor fuzz circuit, sold in a Green color option at £82.00 GBP, currently sold out3
- Hot Foazz: a Univox Superfuzz tribute with Balance (Volume) and Expander (Fuzz level) controls plus a Tone toggle for scooped or mid-boost voicing, listed at £71.00 GBP2
The Hot Foazz is the closest cousin in spirit, since the FZ-2 circuit the FOAZZ reproduces is itself derived from the Superfuzz that the Hot Foazz tributes72. A player comparing the two is essentially comparing the Superfuzz source circuit against the Boss-developed version of it.
Where it is made and what it costs
GUP Tech states that "All of our pedals are made by us in Saguenay, Québec, Canada," so the FOAZZ is a hand-built small-shop product rather than a mass-produced one1. The standard FOAZZ is listed at £77.00 GBP1.
The maker lists prices in British pounds, not US dollars. The FOAZZ's £77.00 GBP listing is the maker's own price as of October 2026 and may change; the Gold Rush Edition was listed at £109.00 GBP16.
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Questions
What circuit is the GUP Tech FOAZZ based on?
The FOAZZ is a reproduction of the discontinued Boss FZ-2 Hyper Fuzz, a circuit Aion FX describes as derived from the Univox Superfuzz with an input boost and tone stack added. GUP Tech builds it by hand in Saguenay, Québec, Canada, and sells it in Yellow and Lawn Green finishes.
Does the GUP Tech FOAZZ have a clean boost?
Yes. The center position of the mode toggle is a simple clean boost, matching the original FZ-2's ability to run purely as a gain booster with no added distortion. That makes the pedal useful on its own for pushing an amp or another pedal harder.
Where is the GUP Tech FOAZZ made?
All GUP Tech pedals, including the FOAZZ, are made by the builder in Saguenay, Québec, Canada. The company also builds Jonny Rock Gear pedals under the Jonny Rock by GUPTech branding since November 2024.
What colors does the GUP Tech FOAZZ come in?
The standard FOAZZ is offered in Yellow and Lawn Green. A Gold Rush Edition with exactly the same circuit in a gold box has also been sold, and the related Dust Transmitter Foazz appeared in a Green color option.
What is the difference between Fuzz I and Fuzz II on the FOAZZ?
Fuzz I is the old school fuzz mode, while Fuzz II is a modern, heavy distorted fuzz. The center toggle position is the clean boost. GUP Tech describes the EQ as very HM2-esque, meaning a scooped, aggressive tone in the style of the Boss HM-2 distortion.
How much does the GUP Tech FOAZZ cost?
GUP Tech lists the FOAZZ at £77.00 GBP on its product page. The Gold Rush Edition, the same circuit in a gold enclosure, was listed at £109.00 GBP. Prices are as listed by the maker and may change.
Sources (7)
- FOAZZ - Boss FZ-2 Fuzz Clone, GUP Tech (guptech.ca)
- Hot Foazz (Super-Fuzz Clone), GUP Tech (guptech.ca)
- Dust Transmitter Foazz, guptech.ca
- Boss teases new Waza Craft compact pedal, Guitar.com, 2020-11-06
- Hype-R-Fuzz PCB, Griffin Effects
- FOAZZ - Gold Rush Edition, GUPtech
- Argent Silicon Fuzz / BOSS FZ-3, Aion FX, 2021-11-23
