The Third Man Hardware Fuzz-a-Tron is a DIY pedal kit that lets anyone build their own fuzz effect, announced by Jack White's Third Man Hardware in January 2024 at a launch price of $75123. It is a fuzz in the old-school mold: Guitar World described its design as "eerily similar" to the pioneering Maestro Fuzz-Tone, and MusicRadar noted the wedge enclosure and skirted knobs reminiscent of a vintage Fender tube amp13.
What it does to your sound
The Fuzz-a-Tron covers classic fuzz territory. MusicRadar described its range as running from "dark and swampy" fuzz sounds when turned down low, to the more piercing, treble-forward aggressiveness of classic '60s sounds3. Delicious Audio's rundown of the tone knob puts the same range in plainer terms: it adjusts the fuzz from dark and swampy to bright and screeching2.
Controls
The pedal keeps things simple: three controls in total, two knobs and a footswitch23.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Volume | Regulates the output level of the pedal2 |
| Tone | Adjusts the tone of the fuzz, from dark and swampy to bright and screeching2 |
| Footswitch | Toggles between the fuzz effect and the clean signal, engaging or bypassing the pedal23 |
Power
The Fuzz-a-Tron can be powered by a 9V battery or a center negative 9V power supply, such as the One Spot2.
Neither a power supply nor a 9V battery is included with the kit. The pedal has an external center negative power jack and a battery lead, but you supply the power source yourself2.
Building the kit
The Fuzz-a-Tron requires some soldering, which sets it apart from Third Man's solder-free Notaklön kit. Third Man Hardware says it has been designed with the beginner in mind and requires little or no soldering experience1. Delicious Audio's NAMM report adds that the kit is suitable for beginners who have little or no soldering experience, as it comes with a detailed instruction manual and all necessary components2.
The kit includes:
- All necessary components to build the fuzz2
- A detailed instruction manual2
- A QR code for online access to the instruction manual2
- A battery lead (9V battery not included)2
What reviewers said
Guitar World's news editor judged the kit on paper as one that "could be extremely popular," calling it "a seriously enticing prospect at $75"1. MusicRadar's Jonathan Horsley reported the $75 price and noted it was available to pre-order at the time of writing in January 20243.
Videos
JHS Pedals
OfficialTMR
Delicious Audio
News
Questions
Do I need to solder to build the Fuzz-a-Tron?
Yes, some soldering is required, but Third Man Hardware designed the kit with the beginner in mind and says it needs little or no soldering experience. The kit includes a detailed instruction manual and all necessary components, so a first-time builder can put it together.
Does the Fuzz-a-Tron come with a power supply?
No. The pedal has an external power jack, but a power supply is not included, and neither is a 9V battery. It can be powered by a 9V battery or a center negative 9V power supply, such as the One Spot.
Is the Fuzz-a-Tron based on the Maestro Fuzz-Tone?
Third Man Hardware has not claimed a direct copy, but Guitar World described the design as eerily similar to the pioneering Maestro Fuzz-Tone, and the wedge enclosure and skirted knobs recall vintage gear. The kit is a build-it-yourself fuzz in that old-school style.
How many knobs does the Fuzz-a-Tron have?
Two: one knob for volume, which regulates the output level of the pedal, and one for tone, which adjusts the fuzz from dark and swampy to bright and screeching. A footswitch engages or bypasses the effect.
Where do I find the Fuzz-a-Tron instruction manual?
The kit contains a QR code for online access to the instruction manual, so the printed documentation points you to the full instructions online rather than including a separate printed manual.
Sources (3)
- NAMM 2024: “The chance to succeed at building a classic sounding fuzz pedal”: Jack White's Third Man Hardware just hopped on the DIY pedal train with the Fuzz-a-Tron, Guitar World, 2024-01-25
- New At NAMM: Third Man Hardware Fuzz-A-Tron, Delicious Audio, 2024-01-28
- NAMM 2024: Jack White says build your own fuzzbox as Third Man launches new $75 Fuzz-a-tron, “a basic no-fail DIY guitar pedal kit” for players of all abilities, MusicRadar, 2024-01-25
