The Majik Box Fuzz Universe Custom is a signature pedal built with guitarist Paul Gilbert, released in November 2012. Despite the name, it is not a fuzz pedal: Vintage Guitar's review describes it as "a separate clean boost and an overdrive pedal in one box," each with its own on/off footswitch, so a player can use either circuit alone or stack them12. It is a variant of Majik Box's earlier Fuzz Universe pedal, with features added at Gilbert's request1.
Controls and layout
The two circuits are laid out across the face of the pedal, with inputs and outputs on each side of the unit2.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Thrust 1 knob | Controls the overdrive volume2 |
| Drive knob | Controls overdrive gain2 |
| Tone knob | Controls the EQ2 |
| Thrust 2 knob | Chicken-head knob, upper left, controls the clean boost volume2 |
| On/Off switch (lower right) | Turns the overdrive on and off2 |
Guitar World also highlights a custom taper tone control, described as offering "easy access to all of Gilbert's favorite overdrive tones"1.
True bypass and the quiet click circuit
The pedal is true bypass1. At Gilbert's request, Majik Box added a circuit to reduce the pop and click sound that is usually heard when engaging a true bypass pedal, a detail Vintage Guitar notes was built specifically into the Custom2.
Paul Gilbert's version of the Fuzz Universe
Gilbert re-teamed with Majik Box to add features to the original Fuzz Universe, culminating in the Custom1. Vintage Guitar reports the circuit combines Majik Box's Venom Boost with a modified Majik Box Body Blow2. The enclosure is a white texture powder-coated aluminum chassis with a label designed by Gilbert, black-on-white graphics, a purple planet Saturn, and Gilbert's autograph on the backside12.
Vintage Guitar's reviewer described the overdrive side in warm terms:
"Maxing the Drive knob resulted in pliable gain, hard-hitting sustain, and rich Santana overtones."
The same review found that with a slightly dirty amp, the lead tones matched those on Gilbert's Fuzz Universe album, describing smooth warmth and a signal that was never harsh or heavy metal-sounding, but tight and organic2.
Price and availability
Guitar World's November 2012 announcement listed the pedal at $329, available from majikboxusa.com1. Vintage Guitar's 2013 review gave a retail price of $329.992.
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Questions
Is the Majik Box Fuzz Universe Custom true bypass?
Yes. Guitar World's 2012 announcement lists the pedal as true bypass. Vintage Guitar's review adds that Majik Box built in a quiet click circuit at Paul Gilbert's request, to reduce the pop and click sound that can be heard when engaging a true bypass pedal.
Who designed the Fuzz Universe Custom?
The pedal was created at Paul Gilbert's request, re-teaming the guitarist with Majik Box to add features to the original Fuzz Universe. Guitar World reports the white texture powder-coated aluminum chassis and label were designed by Gilbert, and Vintage Guitar notes the circuit combines Majik Box's Venom Boost with a modified Body Blow.
Where is the Majik Box Fuzz Universe Custom made?
Guitar World reports that the pedal is designed and hand-built at the Majik Box headquarters in Torrance, California.
Can the boost and overdrive be used separately?
Yes. The pedal is a separate clean boost and an overdrive in one box, each with its own on/off footswitch, so either circuit can be engaged on its own or together.
How much does the Fuzz Universe Custom cost?
Guitar World's November 2012 announcement listed it at $329, available from majikboxusa.com. Vintage Guitar's 2013 review gave a retail price of $329.99.
Sources (2)
- Majik Box Introduces Paul Gilbert Fuzz Universe Custom Pedal, Guitar World, 2012-11-20
- Majik Box Paul Gilbert Fuzz Universe Custom, Vintage Guitar magazine, 2015-12-23
