The Kernom Moho Magmatic Fuzz is a multi-mode fuzz pedal that packs the whole history of fuzz into one box. Instead of modeling one classic circuit, its Mood knob sweeps through five segments covering early and proto fuzz, underbiased starved and Velcro tones, the classic vintage era, grungy Muffy territory, and high gain square wave sounds with ring modulation1. A second knob, Electricity, adds an octave down fully counterclockwise and an octave up fully clockwise, with extra harmonics and artifacts generated across the sweep1.
A multi-mode fuzz with octaves
The core idea is the Mood dial. Its five segments are different combinations of bias and core EQ, with other elements such as clipping style in the mix too, and each segment takes you through a different era of fuzz1. Guitar Pedal X's review maps the territory as running from early and proto fuzzes, through underbiased starved and Velcro tones, then the classic vintage era of fuzz, on to grungy Muffy sounds and high gain square wave territory, with ring modulation at the far end1. In effect, one knob replaces a shelf of vintage fuzz clones.
The Electricity knob is essentially an octaves control. Fully counterclockwise it gives one octave down, fully clockwise one octave up, and it is off at the noon position. Across the sweep in either direction it generates extra harmonics and artifacts that can further accentuate certain Mood modes, and when the Mood dial is in the Ring Mod segment, Electricity controls the frequency of the ring mod1. Players shopping specifically for octave effects can compare it against dedicated octave and pitch pedals.
Two features set the Moho apart from traditional fuzz designs. Because it is tonally analog but temperature-stable, Kernom says it sounds the same whatever the temperature, and it can go anywhere in your signal chain rather than demanding the first slot after the guitar12. That placement freedom is unusual for a fuzz, where vintage circuits are famously picky about input loading and buffers.
The controls: Mood, Electricity, Fuzz, Pre Tone, Post Tone and Volume
Six knobs shape the sound, and the two tone controls are what let the Moho sit well with any guitar and amp. Echoing the Ridge, the Post Tone and Pre Tone controls allow fine-tuning of the pedal's EQ response for optimal interaction with your guitar and amp2.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Mood | Five segments of different bias and core EQ combinations, with other elements in the mix, moving through the eras of fuzz1 |
| Electricity | Octaves control: one octave down fully CCW, one octave up fully CW, off at noon; extra harmonics and artifacts across the sweep; sets ring mod frequency in Ring Mod mode1 |
| Fuzz | Sets the gain degree and saturation and sustain of the output1 |
| Pre Tone | Precedes the fuzz stage and adjusts the pedal's response to your incoming signal, particularly low-end content: noon is neutral, CCW adds more bass, CW filters out more bass1 |
| Post Tone | Comes after the fuzz/clipping stage and shapes the frequency profile of the output: neutral at noon, high harmonics filtered out to the left, more presence to the right1 |
| Volume | Overall output of the pedal, with an impact on texture and character as well1 |
The split tone controls are worth noting for anyone who has fought a vintage fuzz at high gain: Pre Tone trims bass before the fuzz stage, which tames the mush, while Post Tone dials presence back in afterward without re-biasing the whole circuit12.
Presets, MIDI and expression control
The Moho has two footswitches: an On/Off footswitch and a Preset footswitch. You save a favorite setting by pressing and holding the Preset footswitch for 2 seconds, and a quick press recalls it1.
Beyond that single onboard preset, the pedal is fully MIDI compatible. Plug in a MIDI switcher (not included) and you can recall up to 128 different presets with full control over all parameters1. There is also an expression pedal input: connect an expression pedal (not included) and adjust any and all of the six knobs' parameters on the fly1. Guitar World's announcement confirmed the same feature set of one footswitchable preset, 128 MIDI presets and an expression input3. Players building a larger rig can read more about MIDI pedals and expression pedals.
The 300mA current draw at 9V DC rules out a battery and means the Moho needs a properly rated power supply output. A small daisy chain shared with low-current analog pedals may not deliver enough current.
What reviewers said
Guitar Pedal X's Stefan Karlsson reviewed the Moho in December 2023 and was emphatic about it4:
The Kernom Moho Magmatic Fuzz sells at a MAP of $379 in the United States, with a European MAP of €349 and a UK RRP of £3191. Its input impedance is 1 Meg Ohm in Guitar Mode and 32k Ohm in Line Mode, with an output impedance of 100 Ohms1. The enclosure measures 11.2 x 16.4 x 5.2 cm (D x W x H) and weighs 850 g1.
His review also included a set of recommended preset settings with names that sketch the range of the pedal: Fuzzy Facey, Muffy, Superfuzzy, Octavioid, Tonebendy1-3, Geiger/Velcro, Heavy-Harmonic, Edge of Squelch and Ornithopter1. In a later Guitar Pedal X piece from February 2025 he still ranked the Moho as his favorite of the Kernom trio, noting:
"For me the Moho has lots of little surprises to discover along the Mood dial"4
MusicRadar included the MOHO Magmatic Fuzz Station in its must-have guitar effects pedals for 2023 coverage, highlighting the temperature stability and anywhere-in-the-chain placement2.
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Questions
How much power does the Kernom Moho draw?
The Moho runs on 9V DC with a 300mA current draw. That is well beyond what a standard 9V battery or a small daisy chain can supply, so it needs its own isolated or adequately rated power supply output.
Does the Kernom Moho have MIDI?
Yes. The Moho is fully MIDI compatible. Plug in a MIDI switcher (not included) and you can recall up to 128 different presets with full control over all parameters.
Can I use an expression pedal with the Kernom Moho?
Yes. Connect an expression pedal (not included) to the expression input and adjust any and all of the six knobs' parameters on the fly, morphing between settings in real time.
What does the Mood knob do on the Moho?
The Mood knob moves through five segments, each a different combination of bias and core EQ with other elements in the mix, taking you through the eras of fuzz: early and proto fuzz, underbiased starved and Velcro tones, the classic vintage era, grungy Muffy territory, and high gain square wave plus ring modulation.
Is the Kernom Moho true bypass?
Yes. The Moho uses true bypass via electromechanical relay switching, so the pedal is fully out of the signal path when disengaged.
How many presets can the Kernom Moho store?
One onboard preset, saved by holding the preset footswitch for 2 seconds and recalled with a quick press. With a MIDI switcher connected, up to 128 presets are available.
Sources (4)
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2023-12-15
- The must-have new guitar effects pedals of 2023, MusicRadar, 2023-05-04
- NAMM 2023: Did Kernom just announce the most versatile fuzz pedal ever created?, Guitar World, 2023-04-14
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2025-02-21
