The GUP Tech Phoque Face Fuzz is a germanium fuzz pedal from Canadian builder GUP Tech. GUP Tech calls it "the GUP Tech modern version of the SunFace/Fuzz Face," meaning it follows the classic Fuzz Face circuit but adds features the original never had: an external bias control and a clean blend, set by an internal trim pot1. It uses PNP germanium transistors, the transistor type behind the earliest Fuzz Face units, and GUP Tech describes the result as "a pure classic fuzz tone"1.
A germanium Fuzz Face with a clean blend
The circuit is built around PNP germanium transistors and follows the SunFace/Fuzz Face topology1. What separates it from a straight reproduction is the clean blend: an internal trim pot controls how much clean signal is removed from the output, so you can keep some of your untouched guitar sound mixed with the fuzz. That matters for players who find a full-on Fuzz Face too thick or who want to preserve low end and note definition at high fuzz settings.
GUP Tech's own description of the sound is short:
"Simple and gritty, exactly how we like them."
The pedal is offered in Black Gray and Black finishes, where pickup is usually ready in 24 hours1. The listed price is £77.00 GBP1.
The controls: Volume, Phoque and Bias
Three knobs and one internal trim pot cover everything:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Volume | Output level. GUP Tech says to start with it at max, since there is not a lot of volume on tap1 |
| Phoque | The fuzz amount. Adjust to taste after setting volume1 |
| Bias | Sets the transistor bias. Start at noon and go from there; turning the knob down should give a bit of low end1 |
| Internal left trim pot | Adjusts how much clean signal is removed from the output, controlling the clean blend1 |
The Bias knob is the external half of the pedal's bias scheme. Because germanium transistors drift with temperature and vary from unit to unit, having bias on the outside lets you re-tune the pedal without opening it up. GUP Tech's suggested starting points are volume at max, bias at noon, then the Phoque knob to taste1.
The Douche Edition
On 28 April 2024 GUP Tech announced a sparkling Douche edition of the Phoque Face, the GUP Tech Douche Edition Phoque Face Fuzz, with the same PNP germanium circuit, internal and external bias, and clean blend2. That edition is now sold out2.
One player's review on the Douche Edition page describes running the pedal into another overdrive for extra control2:
"I'm using the Phoque face running in to a Tumnus Deluxe (mostly for additional eq and volume control)"
He reports it covers ground "from clean up to scratching torn Velcro fuzz and doom-y tones"2.
GUP Tech has kept the Phoque Face Fuzz in its lineup beyond the Douche Edition: the standard version remains in production, listed at £77.00 GBP1.
Power and build
The pedal runs on 9V DC, center negative, and that is a hard maximum: GUP Tech warns that "anything higher will blow some stuff"1. Current draw is 4mA, light enough that it is easy on any pedalboard power supply1. All GUP Tech pedals, this one included, are made by the company in Saguenay, Québec, Canada1.
Do not feed the Phoque Face more than 9V DC. GUP Tech states 9V center negative is the maximum and that higher voltage will damage the pedal1.
Videos
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Questions
Is the GUP Tech Phoque Face Fuzz a Fuzz Face clone?
GUP Tech describes it as its modern version of the SunFace/Fuzz Face circuit. It keeps the classic two-knob Fuzz Face idea but adds features the original never had, including an external bias control and a clean blend with an internal trim pot to set how much clean signal is removed from the output.
Does the Phoque Face use germanium transistors?
Yes. GUP Tech builds the Phoque Face Fuzz with PNP germanium transistors, the same transistor type associated with the earliest Fuzz Face units. Germanium gives the pedal its character and is also the reason the bias control matters, since germanium transistors drift with temperature and need adjustment.
What does the internal trim pot do on the Phoque Face?
The internal left trim pot adjusts how much clean signal is removed from the output. Lowering it leaves more of your untouched guitar signal mixed with the fuzz, which keeps clarity and low end in the sound. GUP Tech ships the pedal with the blend set, and the trim pot lets you fine tune it.
What power supply does the Phoque Face Fuzz need?
It runs on 9V DC with a center negative plug, drawing about 4mA. GUP Tech states 9V is the maximum and warns that anything higher will damage the pedal. A standard 9V pedalboard supply works, and the low current draw means it is easy on a power block.
Where is the GUP Tech Phoque Face Fuzz made?
All GUP Tech pedals, including the Phoque Face Fuzz, are made by the company in Saguenay, Québec, Canada. The pedal is sold direct through the GUP Tech shop, where pickup is usually ready within 24 hours.
Sources (2)
- Phoque Face Fuzz Face, GUP Tech (guptech.ca)
- Douche Edition Phoque Face Fuzz, GUP Tech (guptech.ca), 2024-04-28
