The Surfadelic Soundwaves MindFuzz Compact is a fuzz pedal made in Slovenia. It is the little brother of the first incarnation of the MindFuzz: the compact version features the same internal circuitry as the original, just packaged in an enclosure that gives you more real estate options on your pedalboard1. Inside, it uses N.O.S. germanium transistors, and Pedal of the Day notes that with them, "the range of sounds available to discover is vast"1.
Controls
The pedal keeps things to three knobs, and Pedal of the Day called it "a simple-to-use and extremely easy to dial in fuzz pedal"1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Fuzz | Sets your amount of gain, from an overdriven-type sound to distortion to fuzz1 |
| Loudness | Sets your output volume to match your amp and pickup configurations1 |
| Filter | Adds or subtracts the bass frequencies, introducing the bass filtering when turned counterclockwise1 |
The Fuzz knob's range means the pedal can sit closer to overdrive and distortion territory at lower settings before reaching full fuzz. The Filter control is the tone-shaping tool here: rolling it counterclockwise brings in bass filtering, which is how you trim the low end of a germanium fuzz to sit in a mix1.
What reviewers said
Pedal of the Day reviewed the Compact in June 2018 and described it as "jam-packed with tone, power and, of course, FUZZ," delivering "a cutting but full and rich guitar sound throughout"1. The reviewer's overall verdict on the circuit:
"the circuit sounds so good, you don't need anything else"
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Questions
What is the difference between the MindFuzz and the MindFuzz Compact?
The Compact is the little brother of the first incarnation of the MindFuzz. According to Pedal of the Day, the compact version features the same internal circuitry as the original, just packaged in an enclosure that gives you more real estate options on your pedalboard. The sound and the circuit are the same; the difference is the size of the box.
What transistors does the MindFuzz Compact use?
The MindFuzz Compact uses N.O.S. germanium transistors, meaning new old stock parts. Pedal of the Day notes that with these transistors, the range of sounds available to discover is vast, which is typical of germanium-based fuzz designs.
Where is the MindFuzz Compact made?
Pedal of the Day describes the MindFuzz Compact as a simple-to-use and extremely easy to dial in fuzz pedal from across the way in Slovenia, so the pedal is made in Slovenia.
What does the Filter control do on the MindFuzz Compact?
The Filter control adds or subtracts the bass frequencies, introducing the bass filtering when turned counterclockwise. It works alongside the Fuzz knob, which sets the amount of gain, and the Loudness control, which sets the output volume.
Sources (1)
- Surfadelic Soundwaves MindFuzz (Compact), Pedal of the Day, 2018-06-22