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Average Price: $200

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$181+

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Description

The Basic Audio Zippy fuzz pedal takes you on a sonic journey to the roots of fuzz effects, encapsulating the raw and biting tones that defined an era. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail by the talented team at Basic Audio, this pedal channels the spirit of the earliest fuzz circuits, delivering a sound that is both nostalgic and refreshingly distinct. Its design is inspired by the iconic reedy horn sounds, giving your guitar a unique voice that stands out in any mix.

With its simple yet effective controls, the Zippy offers a dynamic range of tones that can be tailored to your playing style. Whether you're looking for a subtle grit or an all-out fuzz assault, this pedal delivers with precision and clarity. The hand-made construction ensures that each unit is built to the highest standards, offering reliability and consistency for both stage and studio. Guitarists who crave vintage tones with a modern twist will find the Zippy to be an indispensable addition to their pedalboard.

Join the vibrant community of musicians who have embraced the Zippy for its authentic sound and vintage appeal. It's more than just a pedal; it's a piece of musical history reimagined for today's players.

Key Features:

  • Hand-made in West Virginia by Basic Audio
  • Modeled after the earliest fuzz boxes for vintage tones
  • Simple control layout for easy tone shaping
  • Delivers reedy horn-like fuzz sounds
  • Reliable and consistent performance for stage and studio use

Product specs

Brand Basic Audio
Model Zippy
Finish White
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Fuzz Pedals and Effects

FAQs

What type of fuzz tones can I expect from the Basic Audio Zippy pedal?

The Basic Audio Zippy offers a bright and cutting fuzz tone, ideal for creating a distinct presence in a mix. It excels in delivering a sharp, biting sound that works well for both lead and rhythm guitar parts.

Is the Basic Audio Zippy fuzz pedal suitable for both guitar and bass?

Yes, the Basic Audio Zippy can be used with both guitar and bass, providing a versatile fuzz effect that maintains clarity and punch across different frequencies.

Does the Basic Audio Zippy pedal work well with other effects pedals?

The Basic Audio Zippy integrates smoothly with other pedals, making it a great addition to any pedalboard. It stacks well with overdrive and distortion pedals for more complex tones.

What power supply is required for the Basic Audio Zippy fuzz pedal?

The Basic Audio Zippy requires a standard 9V DC power supply, which is common for most guitar pedals. It can also be powered by a 9V battery for convenience.

How does the Basic Audio Zippy differ from other fuzz pedals on the market?

The Basic Audio Zippy stands out with its bright, articulate fuzz tone and its ability to cut through mixes. Its unique sound profile makes it a popular choice for players seeking a distinct fuzz character.

Prymaxe

Prymaxe

Basic Audio Zippy Fuzz Pedal

Video thumbnail for Basic Audio Zippy Fuzz Pedal by Prymaxe

Basic Audio Zippy Fuzz Pedal

Prymaxe

Prymaxe

Video thumbnail for Basic Audio Zippy Fuzz - David Torn "Traveller's Lament" by John Lyons

Basic Audio Zippy Fuzz - David Torn "Traveller's Lament"

John Lyons

John Lyons

Video thumbnail for Basic Audio Zippy FuzZ by John Lyons

Basic Audio Zippy FuzZ

John Lyons

John Lyons

Video thumbnail for Basic Audio "Zippy" by John Lyons

Basic Audio "Zippy"

John Lyons

John Lyons

Video thumbnail for Basic Audio Zippy by roknfnrol

Basic Audio Zippy

roknfnrol

roknfnrol

Video thumbnail for Basic Audio Zippy fuzz jam by John Lyons

Basic Audio Zippy fuzz jam

John Lyons

John Lyons

Video thumbnail for Basic Audio Zippy Fuzz by Joe Gagan by John Lyons

Basic Audio Zippy Fuzz by Joe Gagan

John Lyons

John Lyons

Video thumbnail for Basic Audio ZIPPY fuzz demoed by Bobby DeVito HCFX Pedal Party by Robert DeVito

Basic Audio ZIPPY fuzz demoed by Bobby DeVito HCFX Pedal Party

Robert DeVito

Robert DeVito

Reviews

PROS

  • Captures distinct horn-like tones, enhancing single note play

  • More manageable and versatile than FY-2 Companion Fuzz

  • Wide tonal range with the body knob, from bassy to buzzy

  • Unique horn switch offering two distinct sound modes

  • Provides a variety of tones, suitable for rhythm and lead

  • Achieves a specific vibrating, droning fuzz sound reminiscent of nature

  • Simple controls facilitate finding and maintaining desired sounds

  • Can dial back gain for varied situations, from fuzz to overdrive

CONS

  • Not ideal for chord play, can produce "disgusting noise"

  • Limited tweakability compared to other pedals

  • Does not clean up well when gain is dialed down

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Basic Audio Zippy.

Build quality

  • Vimex pots preferred for their size, though they're more awkward to solder compared to standard lugs.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Drilling input/output jacks further down prevents tight squeezes with pots and LEDs inside the enclosure.

    Source
  • Using a spring-loaded center punch and a stepped drill bit is recommended for precise enclosure drilling.

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  • Overdoing clear coat layers with Rustoleum 2X can affect drying and may lead to fine spiderweb cracking.

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Features and functionality

  • The Basic Audio Zippy fuzz is praised for its unique single note clarity, distinguishing it from other fuzz pedals.

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  • Owners highlight that a pedal with an OUTPUT cap blend for bass control, like the Baldwin Burns Buzzaround, can achieve a 60s fuzz sound with balanced fuzz and reduced bass.

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User experience

  • Misplacing the 9v cable on the stripboard initially didn't affect performance, but later caused weak fuzz until corrected.

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  • Some users find that a smooth clipping fuzz with the tone knob rolled back can effectively mimic the metallic, buzzy sound of a Harmon-muted trumpet.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Substituting MPSA06 transistors for the original MPSA13 offers a different tonal experience.

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Comparisons

  • The Basic Audio Zippy is noted for its horn-like fuzz sound, similar to the Maestro Brassmaster, giving it a unique tonal edge over typical fuzz pedals.

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  • Basic Audio's Zippy fuzz captures the 60s garage rock sound effectively, similar to Mosrite/Orpheum fuzzes with the guitar volume rolled off and tone turned up.

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Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for users seeking to emulate horn and trumpet sounds, especially when aiming to replicate tones similar to Miles Davis' electric period.

    Source
  • The Zippy fuzz excels in producing trebly, organ-esque tones reminiscent of tracks by Os Mutantes, especially with single-coil pickups like those on a Telecaster.

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