The Summer School Electronics Stone Thrower Fuzz is a two-transistor silicon fuzz pedal released in 2022 as a limited run. It keeps things simple: two knobs, Volume and Fuzz, covering a range from subtle breakup to full-on aggressive fuzz, in an easy-to-use, pedalboard-friendly format with LEDs that light up when the effect is engaged1.
Controls and how it responds
The Stone Thrower has two knobs:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Volume | Sets the pedal's output level |
| Fuzz | Sets the amount of fuzz, from subtle breakup to full aggressive fuzz |
With both knobs maxed, Pedal of the Day found that rolling back the guitar's volume control opens up "a subtle more sensitive" range of playing dynamics, so the pedal responds to picking and guitar volume rather than sitting at one fixed level of grit1.
Where it goes on the board
That placement matters for players with buffer pedals or buffered bypass pedals elsewhere on the board: the review's advice is to keep the Stone Thrower ahead of them, straight after the guitar1.
Power
The pedal requires a 9-volt power supply with a negative center, the standard arrangement for most pedalboard supplies1.
The name
The pedal is named for the Tipperary Hill stone-throwers of Syracuse, New York. Pedal of the Day recounts that a group of young men of Irish descent began throwing stones at the local traffic light to knock out the red glass, until the city installed a signal with green on top. The maker describes the pedal as representing "the raw aggression of rebellious youths" while paying homage to that piece of Syracuse history1.
What reviewers said
Pedal of the Day's verdict was positive: "Today's featured pedal not only looks and sounds rad, but has a great story behind it as well," and the reviewer added that "The Stone Thrower has it all, in an easy-to-use, pedalboard-friendly format"1.
Related Summer School fuzz pedals
Summer School Electronics has built out a small family of fuzzes since the Stone Thrower2:
- The Stone Thrower Fuzz, which Summer School Electronics describes as having it all "in an easy-to-use, pedalboard-friendly format"1
Videos
Summer School Electronics
Pedal of the Day
Matt Dunn
Questions
Is the Summer School Stone Thrower Fuzz a limited release?
Yes. Delicious Audio describes the Stone Thrower as a limited fuzz pedal released by Summer School Electronics in 2022. As a limited run, it may not always be available from dealers, so players looking for one may need to watch the maker's own shop or the secondhand market.
What power does the Stone Thrower Fuzz use?
The Stone Thrower Fuzz requires a 9-volt power supply with a negative center, according to Pedal of the Day's review. The review does not list a current draw or battery option, so a standard center-negative 9V pedal supply is the safe choice.
Why should the Stone Thrower go first in the chain?
Pedal of the Day advises running the Stone Thrower first in the chain without a buffer before it. Fuzz circuits of this kind interact with the guitar's pickups directly, and a buffer in front can change how the fuzz responds, so placing it first gives the best results.
Does the Stone Thrower Fuzz clean up when you turn down the guitar volume?
Yes, within limits. With the Volume and Fuzz knobs maxed, Pedal of the Day found that rolling back the guitar's volume control explores a subtle, more sensitive range of tones, from gentle breakup up to full fuzz, rather than switching cleanly off.
Does Summer School Electronics offer a warranty?
Yes. According to Pedal of the Day's 2022 review, the Stone Thrower Fuzz comes with a lifetime warranty from Summer School Electronics.
Sources (2)
- Summer School Electronics Stone Thrower Fuzz, Pedal of the Day, 2022-04-23
- New Pedal: Summer School Pep Rally Fuzz, Delicious Audio, 2023-07-11