The Reuss Muzzbomb is a two-in-one fuzz pedal from Reuss: a 'muzz' effect going into a powerful booster, which Guitar.com described as "an insanely loud two-in-one pedal" promising "some killer fuzz tones"1. It is a signature pedal for Warren Ellis, the guitarist known for his work with Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Grinderman and The Dirty Three, and it is based on his famed 'mystery stompbox'1.
Where it came from
Controls and construction
The Muzzbomb keeps its front panel simple. The boost level is adjusted via a trimmer on the left side of the pedal rather than a knob, which Reuss did "to keep the knob count low"1. The enclosure makes room for large chickenhead 50s amp-style knobs1.
The build is described as handmade in full boutique construction, with hardwired jacks and footswitches1.
The boost circuit
The fuzz side is paired with what Reuss called "an extremely potent boost", and that boost uses the same circuit as in the Reuss RF-02 Repeater Fuzz1. Players comparing the two pedals will find the booster section shared between them.
Price and availability
As of Guitar.com's February 2016 report, the Muzzbomb was in production for an expected May/June 2016 release, expected to retail directly from the Reuss webshop for $149.95, plus 25% VAT in the EU1.
The price and release details above date from February 2016. The Muzzbomb is a small-run boutique pedal, so availability may have changed since.
Videos
Anders Marcuslund-Reuss (Reuss Musical Instruments)
Anders Marcuslund-Reuss (Reuss Musical Instruments)
Christian D
Questions
Who designed the Reuss Muzzbomb?
The Muzzbomb was designed by Anders Reuss of Reuss Effects. According to Guitar.com, the original 'Muzz' pedal spent time at his workshop and was cloned exactly for the production model, making the Muzzbomb a signature pedal for Warren Ellis, the guitarist known for his work with Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Grinderman and The Dirty Three.
What is the Muzzbomb based on?
It is based on Warren Ellis's famed 'mystery stompbox', a DIY fuzz pedal that was essential to his live set-up. Guitar.com reported in February 2016 that the original pedal had been at Anders Reuss's workshop and was cloned exactly for the production Muzzbomb.
Does the Muzzbomb have a separate boost?
Yes. The Muzzbomb is a two-in-one pedal: the 'muzz' effect feeds into a powerful booster. The boost level is set with a trimmer on the left side of the pedal rather than a top-panel knob, which keeps the knob count low. Reuss says the boost circuit is the same one used in the RF-02 Repeater Fuzz.
Is the Reuss Muzzbomb handmade?
Yes. Guitar.com describes the Muzzbomb as handmade in full boutique construction, with hardwired jacks and footswitches, and large chickenhead 50s amp-style knobs on the enclosure.
Is the Muzzbomb boost the same as the Reuss Repeater Fuzz?
Yes. Reuss stated that the Muzz was paired with an extremely potent boost that uses the same circuit as in the Reuss RF-02 Repeater Fuzz.
Sources (1)
- Reuss Effects to release Warren Ellis 'Muzzbomb' signature pedal, Guitar.com, 2016-02-23
