The Jackson Audio FUZZ is a modular fuzz pedal that takes recreations of historic fuzz circuits and puts them in one enclosure, where you can swap the entire fuzz circuit by changing a plug-in module. Each interchangeable module contains a complete analog fuzz circuit, so changing modules effectively gives you a different fuzz pedal rather than a different setting on the same circuit12. MusicRadar described the appeal plainly: "Bored with one fuzz? Swap it out via a plug-in board"3.
The pedal is sold as a modular unit, with additional modules available, and is priced at £227 GBP2. Orders placed at the time of listing were expected to ship within 3 to 4 weeks2.
How the modular system works
The FUZZ ships with the Modern Fuzz module installed and the Fuzz Classic, Vintage module included as an extra in the box, so you start with two circuits1. MusicRadar noted the pedal "comes loaded with Jackson's Modern Fuzz circuit straight out of the box"4. Additional modules are bought separately and plug into a board inside the pedal, each carrying its own complete analog fuzz circuit2.
The fuzz modules
Jackson Audio's module lineup, as reported by MusicRadar, covers Modern Fuzz Deluxe (adding additional clipping options), Fuzz Classic/Modern (a blue Fuzz Face), Fuzz Page MKII (a Tone Bender MKII), and Goat Head (a Big Muff)3. The maker's product page describes each circuit's character:
| Module | Based on / character |
|---|---|
| Modern Fuzz Deluxe | Adds distortion and overdrive clipping options to the Modern Fuzz circuit; choose aggressive fuzz, smoother distortion, or a softer vintage-overdrive response2 |
| Classic Vintage | Lower gain, a loose expressive response modeled around early smiley-face-style fuzz sounds2 |
| Classic Modern | Higher gain and tighter attack; a more focused version of the classic circuit with a crisper response for stronger rhythm definition2 |
| Page MK II | Raw, aggressive classic-rock fuzz; a deliberately unruly circuit with plenty of snarl, spit, and harmonic texture2 |
| Goat Head | Inspired by the Ram's Head-style circuit; dense gain and long sustain, with internal tone and gain controls2 |
The Goat Head module is worth a note for Big Muff fans. Jackson Audio points out that with the FUZZ's parametric EQ you can bring the mids forward on this circuit, "something no other Big Muff can do"1.
The controls: a nine-knob parametric EQ and octave blend
The FUZZ's tone shaping is a three-band, fully parametric EQ with nine controls. Each band has adjustable frequency, width (Q), and level, and each band can be boosted or cut by up to 20dB2. Designer Brad Jackson explained the reasoning in the manual:
"That's why I designed the FUZZ with a 3 band, fully parametric EQ." - Brad Jackson1
The bass band illustrates the layout: the Bass Level is an external knob adjusting bass up or down by 20dB, while the Bass Frequency is an internal trimmer that selects which bass frequency is being adjusted1.
The pedal also has a built-in octave circuit with a Blend control. With the Blend fully counterclockwise, the octave circuit acts as a boost, useful for slamming the front of the fuzz circuit or other pedals, or for running as an always-on signal buffer/booster1. The manual names a documented user of this feature:
"Guys like Doyle Bramhall II use this to great effect by adding just a little octave to their sound" - Jackson Audio manual1
Power and setup notes
The power supply is not included with the FUZZ2. The pedal runs on 9V DC maximum with center negative polarity and requires at least 50mA, so plan for a suitable supply on your pedalboard1.
News
Questions
Is the Jackson Audio FUZZ true bypass?
Yes. The manual specifies true bypass, mechanical, for each circuit, so the pedal's signal path is out of the way when it is switched off.
Which fuzz module comes installed in the Jackson Audio FUZZ?
The FUZZ ships with the Modern Fuzz module installed and the Fuzz Classic, Vintage version included as an extra module in the box, so you get two fuzz circuits from day one.
How much do extra Jackson Audio FUZZ modules cost?
MusicRadar reported the pedal priced at $279 with additional modules at $49 each, as of January 2022. Jackson Audio's product page also lists a UK price of £227 for the pedal.
Does the Jackson Audio FUZZ come with a power supply?
No. Jackson Audio's product page states the power supply is not included. The pedal runs on 9V DC maximum, center negative, and needs at least 50mA of current.
What is the Goat Head module based on?
The Goat Head module is inspired by the Ram's Head-style Big Muff circuit, delivering dense gain and long sustain, with internal tone and gain controls and adjustable focus.
Sources (4)
- FUZZ User Manual, Jackson Audio
- FUZZ - Modular Fuzz - Jackson Audio, Jackson Audio
- 13 must-have stompboxes for 2021, MusicRadar, 2021-01-29
- Jackson Audio's modular FUZZ: get multiple analogue fuzz sounds in one pedal, MusicRadar, 2021-01-15
