The ZenZero FuzU is a fuzz pedal from ZenZero Electronics, introduced in September 2017. The company describes it as their take on the venerable Muff circuit, the design behind Big Muff style fuzzes. Instead of picking one version of that circuit, ZenZero took two Muffs from different eras and put them together inside the pedal, then added a mids control to make it versatile1.
The circuit and the mids control
The FuzU's approach is to combine two Muffs from different eras rather than choose between them. ZenZero's own words on the design: "We took two Muffs from different eras and, instead of choosing one, we put them together inside this pedal in such a way"1.
"If you want harshness, look the other way: this fuzz is as high gain as it is smooth."
The tone control works like the original's slant EQ TONE, running "from dark and muffled, all the way up to bright and tinny, covering everything in between"1. The mids control is the addition that sets the FuzU apart from a stock Muff design, added, in the company's words, "to make it versatile"1.
Build and construction
The FuzU is hand-built in Tokyo using only top of the line components, according to the maker1. The circuit uses all old-school through-hole technology, including lots of vertical resistors1. The pedal sits in a hand-polished aluminum enclosure decorated with extremely durable silk-screen printing1.
Price
At its September 2017 introduction, the FuzU carried a street price of $185.001.
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Questions
What circuit is the ZenZero FuzU based on?
The FuzU is based on the Muff circuit, the design behind the classic Big Muff style fuzzes. Rather than choosing a single version, ZenZero Electronics put two Muffs from different eras together inside the pedal, then added a mids control to make the design more versatile. The company describes the result as a fuzz that is as high gain as it is smooth.
Where is the ZenZero FuzU made?
ZenZero Electronics builds the FuzU by hand in Tokyo, using what the company calls only top of the line components. The circuit uses all old-school through-hole technology, including lots of vertical resistors, and the pedal sits in a hand-polished aluminum enclosure with durable silk-screen printing.
What does the mids control do on the FuzU?
The mids control is ZenZero's addition to the Muff formula, added to make the pedal versatile. Muff-style fuzzes are known for a scooped, mid-cut character, so a mids control lets a player bring midrange back into the sound where the original design would cut it.
How much does the ZenZero FuzU cost?
When ZenZero Electronics introduced the FuzU in September 2017, the pedal carried a street price of $185.00.
Sources (1)
- ZenZero Electronics Introduces the FuzU, Premier Guitar, 2017-09-01
