The Del Fuego Bass Version is an analog fuzz and boost pedal from Sutton Instruments, a maker whose original pedal was the Del Fuego Ram's Head Muff + Boost12. The bass version is a variation of the Del Fuego guitar fuzz with many component changes to match the EQ to a bass3. On That Pedal Show's Effector Du Jour video, the Del Fuego was described as inspired by a '70s EHX Big Muff, with added boost2.
What it does
The pedal pairs a fuzz side with an independent boost side. according to RockBoard's PedalPedia, with the boost driving the fuzz the sounds range from clean, to a mild fuzz, to a heavy metal fuzz; with the fuzz driving the boost it becomes more like an overdrive3. That puts the pedal in territory shared with fuzz pedals, overdrive pedals and boost pedals, depending on how the two sides are ordered.
The controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| FUZZ VOLUME | Adjusts the output level of the fuzz side of the pedal3 |
| SUSTAIN | Adjusts the amount of distortion and sustain of the fuzz3 |
| PRESENCE | Adjusts the cut off frequency of the tone control3 |
| BOOST VOLUME | Overall volume of the boost side; fully clockwise gives around 30 dB of gain, which borders into the realms of a mild overdrive3 |
| BRIGHT | A clean boost which, with the boost volume control, gives up to 30 dB of gain3 |
| DEEP | Boosts the frequencies from lower mids to low frequencies and cuts the higher frequency below about 1.5 kHz, giving a bass boost3 |
The boost side can be used on its own: RockBoard's PedalPedia states that the Del Fuego Bass has its own totally independent boost3. The two boost voicings behave differently. Deep mode, when engaged, gives additional boost to the low frequencies, useful for basses with low output pickups3. Bright mode is the most transparent setting; when engaged, the low end tightens and a smooth bump is applied to the mid range3.
Bass version versus guitar version
The Del Fuego Bass is a variation of the Del Fuego guitar fuzz, but with many component changes to match the EQ to a bass3. The Deep boost mode is the most obvious player-facing difference, adding low-frequency content suited to basses with low output pickups3.
Family context
The Del Fuego line sits within a small Sutton Instruments range. Guitar Pedal X's review of the Boostopia clean boost notes that early owners of the original Sutton Instruments pedal, the Del Fuego Ram's Head Muff + Boost, were impressed by it1. The maker also offers the Igneus Distortion & Boost1.
Videos
Cici Von Strangelove
Andy Bassist
Bruce Manners Guitar Demos
Questions
What is the difference between the bass and guitar versions of the Del Fuego?
The Del Fuego Bass is a variation of the Del Fuego guitar fuzz, but with many component changes to match the EQ to a bass. The maker describes the bass version as having its own totally independent boost, and the Deep boost mode adds low-frequency content that is useful for basses with low output pickups.
Can the boost be used without the fuzz?
Yes. The maker's product page states that the Del Fuego Bass has its own totally independent boost, so the boost side can run on its own as a clean boost, or the two sides can be stacked in either order for different sounds.
How much gain does the Del Fuego boost provide?
The BRIGHT control is a clean boost that, used with the boost volume control, gives up to 30 dB of gain. At its highest position the boost volume borders into the realms of a mild overdrive, according to the maker.
What power does the Bass Version use?
The Del Fuego Bass Version runs on 9V DC, center negative, and draws 10mA of current.
Is the Del Fuego Bass Version analog?
Yes. The maker lists the circuit type as analog.
Sources (3)
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2023-12-14
- Sutton Instruments Del Fuego Fuzz & Boost Effector Du Jour, That Pedal Show, 2024-03-26
- The Del Fuego Fuzz & Boost, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
