Rotosound RFB1 1960’s Fuzz Pedal Reissue

Rotosound have re-issued their legendary Vintage Fuzz Pedal using the same essential circuit configuration as the 1960’s original design, combined with modern resistors and capacitors. The new pedal combines yesterday’s mojo and tone flavour with the reliability and stability of today’s component technology.

The original prototype pedals were only ever available in limited numbers and never released for general sales. Nonetheless these pedals were found all over the place - there is even a picture of Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page playing one.

Rotosound have reinvented this celebrated pedal working together with fabled guitar tone tweaker, Dr. Barry R. Pyatt. The pedal is faithful to the original, with the important active components being genuine vintage germanium stock, thus preserving the authentic, and original, sound.

The re-issue circuit, just like the original uses a Darlington Pair for high gain input, which drives a compensated ‘fuzz’ transistor. The Fuzz Control changes the amount of drive from a soft crunch to a gruff growl whilst still retaining the signature germanium roundness. The Treble Control then varies the ratio of bass to treble allowing a good range from muddy to crisp. The Volume Control alters the output level and to maintain cleanliness of sound, the pedal is switched on using dedicated contacts on the ‘instrument’ input jack. The re-issue pedal now features “true bypass” switching to be compatible with contemporary pedal architecture.

Renowned as one of the easiest effect pedals to use when first launched in the UK, its simplicity was always one of its main attractions as well the exceptional tone and smooth sustain. The new pedal retains all these original qualities with the addition of contemporary controllability and consistency.