The SM Fuzz is a germanium fuzz pedal made in the UK by SM Fuzz, first released in 20111. It sets out to deliver the sort of vintage fuzz tone found in pedals from the 1960s, and the key to that aim is its use of selected and hand-biased AC128 germanium transistors1. It was out of production for some time, but it is now back and available in a new batch1.
Controls and sound
The pedal keeps its control set minimal: a Volume knob, a Fuzz knob and a bypass footswitch1. The Volume knob doubles as an on/off switch to save battery power, so the pedal is not drawing current when the volume is rolled fully off1.
Guitar World's reviewer, Trevor Curwen, found real range in the Fuzz control. At its lowest setting there is a useful gritty drive tone, while towards the end of its travel there is rich fuzz1. That spread means the pedal can cover ground from mild breakup to full-on fuzz without touching another pedal.
"At the lowest setting of the Fuzz knob there's useful gritty drive tone, but towards the end of its travel there's rich [fuzz]"1
The circuit's character places it in familiar company for players who know the classics. Curwen wrote that "to our ears it has a similar vibe to a well-sorted Fuzz Face"1, which gives a player a reference point without the pedal being presented as a clone.
Power and connections
Connections are a standard input and a standard output1. Power comes from either a 9V battery or a 9V DC adaptor1, and the on/off volume pot means battery life is under the player's direct control1.
One practical design detail worth knowing: the knobs are side-mounted, so they will not add extra width to the pedal once it is in use with jack plugs inserted into the adjacent sockets1. On a crowded pedalboard, that keeps the 93 x 120 x 55mm footprint honest1.
Features
- True bypass switching1
- On/off volume pot to save battery power1
- Temperature tolerant circuitry1
- Selected and hand-biased AC128 germanium transistors1
The temperature tolerant circuitry is a meaningful spec for a germanium pedal, since germanium circuits are known for behaving differently as conditions change.
Players and verdict
Guitar World reports the pedal has been used by the likes of Doyle Bramhall II, Gary Clark Jr, Robbie McIntosh and James Bay1. Its history on the used market adds context for the new run: used examples have come up for sale in excess of £6001.
Curwen's overall verdict was direct:
"An excellent fuzz pedal. Considering that used examples come up for sale in excess of £600, this new iteration looks like a bargain."
At £299 / approx. $410 for the new batch1, the reviewer judged it a bargain against those used prices1.
News
Questions
Who designed the SM Fuzz?
The SM Fuzz is made in the UK by SM Fuzz, with guitarist Scott McKeon as the signatory for the pedal. He had appeared in Guitar World's pages before, and returned in 2021 in connection with the pedal. The company is based in the UK.
Is the SM Fuzz a Fuzz Face clone?
It is not described as a clone. Guitar World's reviewer, Trevor Curwen, wrote that to his ears it has a similar vibe to a well-sorted Fuzz Face, but the pedal is presented on its own terms as a vintage-style germanium fuzz rather than as a copy of another circuit.
Does the SM Fuzz use germanium transistors?
Yes. The SM Fuzz uses AC128 germanium transistors that are selected and hand-biased. The maker also specifies temperature tolerant circuitry, which addresses the drift germanium circuits are known for when conditions change.
How does the SM Fuzz run on a battery or adapter?
It runs on a 9V battery or a 9V DC adaptor. To save battery power, the Volume knob doubles as an on/off switch, so turning it fully down switches the pedal off rather than leaving it drawing current.
Is the SM Fuzz true bypass?
Yes. The SM Fuzz has true bypass switching, so when it is disengaged the guitar signal passes through without the pedal's circuitry in the path. Bypass is handled by a standard bypass footswitch.
Which players use the SM Fuzz?
Guitar World reports that the SM Fuzz has been used by Doyle Bramhall II, Gary Clark Jr, Robbie McIntosh and James Bay. Used examples have sold for more than £600, which the reviewer took as a sign of demand for the original run.
Sources (1)
- SM Fuzz review, Guitar World, 2021-08-17