The 'Merkin Fuzz is a fuzz pedal from Rabbit Hole FX, built around a simple but useful idea: two separate volume controls, one for the fuzz output and one for a clean output. Blending the clean signal in with the fuzz creates bigger, warmer, thicker fuzz tones, and Pedal of the Day's review notes a strong low end that will grab the attention of bass players1. The pedal also carries an octave option on a toggle switch, making it a fuzz with an octave effect built in1.
Controls
The pedal's layout centers on the dual volume design and a gain knob, with two toggle switches that open up what Pedal of the Day called an options-laden beast, applying only to the fuzz section itself1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Fuzz Volume | Separate volume control for the fuzz output1 |
| Clean Volume | Volume for the clean output, usable independently from the fuzz section with unity set at around noon, for clean boost or blending with the fuzz1 |
| Nancy | Gain control for the fuzz section, with a boatload of sustain and dirt on tap, that can also mellow the sound out1 |
| Wave switch | Toggle that activates an octave effect when pushed down, giving even more low-end and sustain1 |
The clean output is the pedal's distinguishing feature. Because the Clean Volume works on its own, it can run as a straight clean boost into an amp, or sit under the fuzz as a blend1:
"add it in with the fuzz to create bigger, warmer, thicker fuzz tones all around"
Bypass and size
Switching is handled by a Carling soft-switching relay-based true bypass circuit, so the pedal uses a relay rather than a simple mechanical switch while keeping the bypass path true1. The small 125B sized enclosure makes it easy to add to any rig or pedalboard1.
The Pedal of the Day demo
A demo video of the 'Merkin Fuzz was performed and produced by Pedal of the Day and posted on Delicious Audio on 9 May 2017, the day after the review3. The demo rig was a Paul Reed Smith CE 24 loaded with Porter Pickups Smooth Alnico 2 and Classic Alnico 5 pickups, into a Benson Amps Monarch 15W into a SpeakerMaker 1x12 cabinet loaded with a Tone Tubby Purple Haze speaker. The amp was miked with an SM57 and an Audio Technica AT4081, recorded through a Universal Audio Apollo Twin Duo interface, with cables by Spectraflex and video shot on a Nikon D34003.
Where it sits in the Rabbit Hole FX range
Rabbit Hole FX built the 'Merkin Fuzz into a small 125B sized enclosure, which the maker says makes it easy to add to any rig or pedalboard1. The pedal is a fuzz effect for guitar and bass from Rabbit Hole FX12.
Videos
Pedal of the Day
Allen Foster
Questions
Is the Rabbit Hole FX 'Merkin Fuzz true bypass?
Yes. Pedal of the Day's review describes the 'Merkin Fuzz as using Carling soft-switching relay-based true bypass, so the pedal switches with a relay rather than a mechanical footswitch while keeping the bypass path true.
What does the Wave switch do on the 'Merkin Fuzz?
The Wave switch is a toggle that, when pushed down, activates an octave effect. Pedal of the Day notes that this gives even more low-end and sustain, for a truly powerful fuzz voice. The toggles apply only to the fuzz section itself.
What does the Nancy knob control?
Nancy is the gain control for the fuzz section. According to Pedal of the Day, there is a boatload of sustain and dirt on tap, and the knob can also be turned down to mellow the sound out.
Can the Clean Volume be used as a clean boost?
Yes. The Clean Volume controls the pedal's second, clean output and can be used independently from the fuzz section, with unity gain set at around noon. Pedal of the Day suggests using it for a clean boost or blending it with the fuzz.
What size enclosure does the 'Merkin Fuzz use?
Pedal of the Day describes it as a small 125B sized enclosure, which makes it easy to add to any rig or pedalboard.
Sources (3)
- Rabbit Hole FX 'Merkin Fuzz, Pedal of the Day, 2017-05-08
- Rabbit Hole FX 'Merkin Fuzz, Pedal of the Day, 2017-05-04
- Rabbit Hole FX 'Merkin Fuzz, Delicious Audio, 2017-05-09