The Wampler Velvet Fuzz is an analog fuzz pedal from Wampler, designed by Brian Wampler as one of his early takes on an improved fuzz circuit, with a twist: it was designed to be easy to dial in1. It carries three knobs and a Big/Tight voicing switch, and inside are two completely independent clipping circuits, so a player can switch between pure fuzz and a fuzz-like distortion from the same box2.
Wampler describes it as smooth and as playing well with other pedals, but able to get heavy quickly when cranked2. It is built in the USA, is currently in stock, and lists at $199.97 as of July 20262.
Where it came from
The Velvet Fuzz launched as a limited edition sold exclusively through Pro Guitar Shop in Oregon, with a 45-day exclusive window before wider release4. Guitar World reported it as available globally from September 1, 20134. At launch, Guitar World described it as a volume, fuzz and brightness pedal with a voicing switch5.
Wampler says the circuit takes its base tones from a very famous Wampler pedal, one with the characteristics of a famous stacked, EL34 driven amp, though the company does not name which pedal2. Pedal of the Day's reviewer, writing in June 2014, called it a completely original design6.
The Velvet Fuzz also has a place in Wampler's fuzz history. It was designed by Brian Wampler and became available globally on September 1, 201324. Players comparing Wampler fuzzes can also look at the Wampler Fuzztration and the Wampler Cryptid Fuzz.
Controls and the Big/Tight switch
The control surface is simple: Volume, Fuzz and Brightness knobs, plus a voicing switch5. MusicRadar's reviewer Trevor Curwen noted it is more than just a three-knob fuzz pedal, with the Big/Tight switch changing the voicing to suit the player's needs7.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Volume | Sets the output level5 |
| Fuzz | Sets the amount of fuzz5 |
| Brightness | Sets the tonal top end5 |
| Big/Tight switch | Changes the pedal's voicing between Big and Tight modes7 |
The two modes are where the pedal's character lives:
- Big: The pedal reacts like a classic fuzz, with loads of internal compression and truly massive tones8. Curwen found plenty of bottom end and lots of fat, squelchy compression on fuzzed-out notes7.
- Tight: The tone comes in fast, and Guitar Interactive described the feeling of having swapped amps as well, with mammoth tones but without the compression8. Curwen found it leaner, with a tightened bottom end, tilting more toward distortion than out-and-out fuzz, though still with plenty of fuzz7.
Wampler points out that the pedal offers two completely different clipping options, not just the basic silicon or germanium choice found on most fuzzes, and it is switchable between two completely independent clipping circuits: pure fuzz or a fuzz-like distortion2.
Power and connections
The Velvet Fuzz runs on 9V only, drawing 23mA2. It has both a battery connection and a 9V power jack, and the LED will flash three times when battery power is getting low2. Pedal of the Day noted the barrel plug is the same style as Boss pedals, so standard 9V supplies fit6. Input and output jacks are both top mounted, which suits tight pedalboards2.
Wampler specifies the power draw as 23mA at 9V only. The pedal is not rated for higher voltages, so it should be run from a standard 9V supply or its internal battery2.
What reviewers said
MusicRadar's review, by Trevor Curwen, was positive. He called the Velvet Fuzz one of the most versatile fuzzes he had heard lately, capable of a vintage 60s sound but also something more current7.
"Versatile fuzz with two voices for 60s and modern sounds."
His summary listed strong, versatile tones, responsiveness and good build as reasons to buy, with "not much" listed as a reason to avoid7. Pedal of the Day's Mike F, reviewing in June 2014, found it was not a one-trick pedal and that it offered a new tone every time he sat down to play, with hand selected transistors chosen for superior tone and response6.
Price over time
The current list price is $199.97, as listed by Wampler in July 20262. MusicRadar's best fuzz pedals buying guide, from December 2023, recorded a launch price of $2589, so the price has come down since that guide was published.
Videos
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Questions
Does the Wampler Velvet Fuzz take a battery?
Yes. It has a battery connection alongside the 9V power jack, and the LED flashes three times when battery power is running low2.
Is the Wampler Velvet Fuzz true bypass?
Yes, Wampler specifies relay true bypass2.
What is the difference between Big and Tight mode?
Big reacts like a classic fuzz with heavy compression and massive tones; Tight is leaner, with a tightened low end that leans toward distortion, and the tone arrives fast78.
Where is the Wampler Velvet Fuzz made?
It is built in the USA2.
Is the Velvet Fuzz based on another Wampler pedal?
Wampler says its base tones come from a very famous Wampler pedal with the characteristics of a famous stacked, EL34 driven amp, without naming it2. The later Cryptid Fuzz was built on the Velvet Fuzz1.
What is the difference between Big and Tight mode on the Velvet Fuzz?
Big mode reacts like a classic fuzz, with plenty of bottom end and fat, squelchy compression on fuzzed-out notes. Tight mode is leaner, with a tightened low end that tilts more toward distortion than out-and-out fuzz, and the tone comes in fast when you pick.
Sources (9)
- Cryptid Fuzz, Wampler Pedals, 2026-09-15
- Velvet Fuzz, Wampler Pedals, 2026-07-06
- Velvet Fuzz by Wampler, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- Wampler Pedals Introduces Velvet Fuzz Pedal, Guitar World, 2013-09-17
- Wampler Pedals Introduces Velvet Fuzz, Guitar World, 2013-07-22
- Wampler Velvet Fuzz, Pedal of the Day, 2014-06-18
- Wampler Velvet Fuzz review, MusicRadar, 2014-02-05
- Wampler Introduce Velvet Fuzz Pedal, Guitar Interactive Magazine, 2013-07-11
- Best fuzz pedals: add some extra dirt to your guitar tone, MusicRadar, 2022-05-17
