The Wilson Effects No Face NPN is a fuzz pedal built on the vintage 1970s version of the Fuzz Face circuit, operating on silicon transistors. Wilson Effects describes it as a pedal that "provides a full on fuzz assault," and, unlike some vintage-style fuzzes, one that also cleans up extremely well with your guitar's volume knob1.
Cleaning up and the Cut control
A common complaint with Fuzz Face style pedals is how they behave when you roll your guitar's volume back. Wilson Effects says this version cleans up exceptionally well with your guitar's volume knob, and it adds a built-in alternative: the Cut control, which acts as a guitar volume control and works as a secondary volume adjustment on the pedal itself12. That gives you two ways to tame the fuzz, either at the guitar or on the pedal.
Power, bypass and build
The pedal operates via a standard 9VDC 2.1mm center-negative power supply, the same connector type as most compact pedals1. When off, true bypass ensures your signal remains pure, according to the maker2.
Each unit is handmade by Wilson Effects in Guilford, Indiana, and ships via USPS Priority Mail. The pedal comes with a bumper to bumper one year warranty on parts and labor1.
Returns are accepted within 7 days of receiving the pedal. Shipping costs are not refunded, and return shipping costs are the customer's responsibility1.
Where it sits in the Wilson Effects fuzz range
The No Face NPN is one of several fuzzes in the Wilson Effects line. Others include the Fuzz MKIII, the NotRite and Not The NotRite, the Mordant, the Octave Fuzz, the Dirty Beaver and the Knuckle Dragger. For more on the effect type itself, see Fuzz Pedals.
Videos
Wilson Effects
Questions
Is the Wilson Effects No Face NPN true bypass?
Yes. Wilson Effects specifies true bypass, which the maker says ensures your signal remains pure when the pedal is off. That means the fuzz circuit is completely removed from your signal path when engaged off, so it can sit on a board without coloring your clean tone.
What power does the No Face NPN need?
The pedal runs on a standard 9VDC 2.1mm center-negative power supply, the same type used by most compact pedals. Wilson Effects describes this as standard power requirements, so a typical pedalboard supply output should work.
Does the No Face NPN use silicon or germanium transistors?
Silicon. The No Face NPN operates on silicon transistors, and the circuit is based on the vintage 1970s version of the Fuzz Face circuit, which used silicon rather than the earlier germanium designs.
What does the Cut control do?
The Cut control acts as a guitar volume control. It works as a secondary volume adjustment built into the pedal, letting you dial back the fuzz level without touching your guitar, alongside the option of cleaning up with your guitar's own volume knob.
Where is the Wilson Effects No Face NPN made?
Each unit is handmade by Wilson Effects in Guilford, Indiana. The maker states that every pedal is built by hand there and ships via USPS Priority Mail.
Sources (2)
- No Face NPN, Wilson Effects
- No Face NPN, Wilson Effects
