The MAS Effects Beginner Pedal Kit is a DIY soldering kit that produces a complete working fuzz pedal. MAS Effects calls it "the most affordable and beginner-friendly DIY guitar pedal kit," and it is built around the Bazz Fuss, a one-transistor fuzz circuit that has long been a favorite first build in the DIY community. The kit includes all the parts needed to build the pedal, and MAS Effects lists it at $591.
The circuit and the sound
The Bazz Fuss is a simple fuzz design that MAS Effects describes as "a pretty gnarly fuzz pedal... which is a popular DIY project." On the maker's own description, the sound is "pretty deep and brutal, with a growl," and it "cleans up nicely especially if you roll back your guitar's volume," which makes it responsive to playing dynamics in the way many fuzzes are1. For a player new to fuzz, that volume-knob cleanup is the main thing to know: the pedal goes from a heavy growl to a milder drive depending on how hard the guitar is pushing it. If you would rather hear a Bazz Fuss-style fuzz in finished-pedal form, MAS Effects also sells built fuzzes such as the Tiny Fuzz, StompFuzz, and Sona Fuzz, and our fuzz pedal page covers the wider field.
What the build involves
The kit is designed for someone who has never soldered a pedal before. MAS Effects pre-sorts the components "so you don't have to measure them or read complex color bands and unintuitive codes," which removes one of the more error-prone steps in a first electronics build1. The enclosure comes pre-cut, and you choose between two finishes: plain aluminum with a faceplate you decorate yourself, or powder coated and UV printed, with many designs to choose from1.
The Ultimate Beginner version
MAS Effects also sells an Ultimate Beginner Pedal Kit, described by the maker as "a complete fuzz pedal kit" and "a complete pedal building experience"3. It is a limited offering, and the maker notes that documentation comes as booklets, videos, and more4. A few practical details from the maker's listing:
- Most enclosures will say "MAS Effects DIY" in small font at the bottom2
- Knob and LED colors may vary, as might the texture of the enclosure (sanded vs. smooth)5
- Tax is included in the price3
The Ultimate version is listed at £55.00 GBP on the maker's shop4. Note that this is a UK price as stated by MAS Effects; the standard Beginner Pedal Kit is listed at $59 on the maker's US page1.
The Ultimate Beginner Pedal Kit is a limited run, and the maker notes that cosmetic details such as knob and LED colors and enclosure texture can vary from unit to unit46.
Videos
MAS Effects
MAS Effects
Sources (6)
- Beginner DIY Guitar Pedal Kit, MAS Effects
- Ultimate Beginner Pedal Kit, MAS Effects
- Ultimate Beginner Pedal Kit, MAS Effects
- Ultimate Beginner Pedal Kit, MAS Effects
- MAS Effects, MAS Effects
- Ultimate Beginner Pedal Kit, MAS Effects
