Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $108
Standard/Professional
$60
$181+
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Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Boss FZ-5 Fuzz". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
With a nod to the past and a foot firmly in the present, the Boss FZ-5 Fuzz is the ideal blend of vintage and modern. This pedal is a tribute to the iconic fuzz tones that defined the '60s and '70s rock music, recreated with precision using Boss's state-of-the-art COSM technology. It transports you back to the golden era of rock with a range of fuzz tones reminiscent of the Maestro FZ-1A, Fuzz Face, and Octavia pedals.
The FZ-5 goes beyond mere replication with its Boost knob, which gives you the power to ramp up the aggression in your tone, making it more than a simple nostalgia trip. An essential addition to any guitarist's pedalboard, the Boss FZ-5 is designed to withstand the rigors of the road with its tough metal construction. Whether you're a vintage fuzz aficionado or a modern rocker looking to expand your tonal palette, the Boss FZ-5 Fuzz is your ticket to a world of classic fuzz.
Key Features:
- Recreates vintage fuzz tones using Boss's advanced COSM technology
- Provides a range of classic fuzz sounds inspired by iconic pedals from the '60s and '70s
- Boost control offers a more aggressive tone
- Built to last with road-tough Boss metal construction
Owner's manual
Boss FZ-5 Fuzz User ManualProduct specs
| Pedal Type | Fuzz |
| Analog/Digital | Analog |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4" |
| Outputs | 1 x 1/4" |
| Bypass Switching | Buffered Bypass |
| EQ | 3-way mode switch |
| Controls | Fuzz, Level |
| Power Source | 9V DC power supply (sold separately) |
| Batteries | 1 x 9V |
| Height | 2.4" |
| Width | 2.9" |
| Depth | 5.1" |
| Weight | 1 lbs. |
FAQs
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What type of fuzz tones can the Boss FZ-5 Fuzz Pedal produce?
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The Boss FZ-5 Fuzz Pedal can produce vintage fuzz tones reminiscent of the '60s and '70s, thanks to its COSM technology. It offers a range of classic fuzz sounds, including Octavia and Fuzz Face styles.
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Is the Boss FZ-5 Fuzz Pedal analog or digital?
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The Boss FZ-5 Fuzz Pedal is a digital pedal that uses COSM technology to emulate analog fuzz tones.
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Does the Boss FZ-5 Fuzz Pedal require a power supply?
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Yes, the Boss FZ-5 Fuzz Pedal requires a 9V DC power supply, which is sold separately. It can also be powered by a 9V battery.
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Can the Boss FZ-5 Fuzz Pedal be used with a bass guitar?
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While primarily designed for electric guitars, the Boss FZ-5 Fuzz Pedal can also be used with a bass guitar, though the tonal response may vary.
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What are the main controls on the Boss FZ-5 Fuzz Pedal?
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The Boss FZ-5 Fuzz Pedal features controls for Fuzz and Level, along with a 3-way mode switch to select different fuzz types.
Videos
ProGuitarShopDemos
Boss FZ-5 Fuzz
Reviews
PROS
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Emulates classic fuzz pedals (Fuzz Face, Maestro Fuzz, Octavia) effectively
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Consistent performance, unaffected by environmental inconsistencies like vintage germanium fuzzes
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Versatile with three different fuzz modes
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Integrates well with other pedals, including wah and overdrive
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Digital design prevents signal chain placement issues
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Offers a modern twist to vintage fuzz tones
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Good value with multiple fuzz sounds in one pedal
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Boost function for more aggressive tone options
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Quality construction typical of Boss products
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Can create unique sounds, including a "busted speaker" effect
CONS
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Some modes may not impress all users
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Digital modeling may not satisfy analog purists
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First mode considered weak by some
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Lacks a tone control feature
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Dead spots in some settings, such as Maestro Fuzz
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Cannot switch modes with a footswitch, limiting live versatility
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May sound too fuzzy on certain settings for some preferences
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Placement in signal chain can be crucial for optimal sound
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Some users find it less inspiring to play compared to other fuzz pedals
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Limited capability for sound customization compared to analog effects
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss FZ-5 Fuzz.
Features and functionality
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The FZ-5 offers a unique digital advantage: it's less sensitive to preceding gear in the chain and less prone to electrical noise compared to analog fuzz pedals.
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The FZ-5's Maestro setting can be unreliable, as reported by some users experiencing issues with its performance.
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The FZ-5's "F" mode is described as boomy and dirty, while "M" mode is almost gated, offering distinct tonal characteristics for different musical styles.
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Use cases and applications
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Owners highlight the FZ-5's versatility with its three modes, especially praising the Fuzz Face mode for low gain and its adaptability between germanium and silicon sounds.
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An owner has successfully paired the FZ-5 with a delay pedal, specifically in the Fuzzface setting, to achieve unique soundscapes for certain songs.
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Some users successfully stack the FZ-5 with an SD-1 pedal, indicating synergy with other gain units for enhanced sound versatility.
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The FZ-5 is suggested as a suitable backup pedal for non-dirt oriented players, such as those in funk or country genres, due to its versatility and affordability.
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Comparisons
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Some users prefer the FZ-1W for its superior fuzz quality, but the FZ-5 is appreciated for its cost-effectiveness and range beyond classic fuzz tones.
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While some consider the FZ-5 inferior to the FZ-2 and FZ-1W, it remains the most affordable option in the Boss fuzz lineup, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious musicians.
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User experience
4.0 out of 5
Based on 7 Reviews and 52 Ratings
163
My "A" fuzz pedal!
First fuzz I ever got. Great for girl-tone, chunky rhythm that keeps clear tone, and AWESOME when paired with a Big Muff!!! However, the 2nd and 3rd settings (middle dial) aren't very impressive. But with this pedal you'll only need (and want to use) the primary setting.
259
A very nice reliable fuzz that is compatible with bass and electric guitars
he FZ-5 is a modern pedal built for the modern guitarist, but the sounds you can get from the FZ-5 are pure retro. Looking back at the glorious rock sounds of the ’60s and ’70s, the FZ-5 recreates its vintage fuzz through BOSS state-of-the-art COSM technology. Recall the fuzz-filled flavors of classic pedals, such as the Maestro FZ-1A, Fuzz Face and Octavia pedals, and kick ’em into overdrive with the FZ-5’s Boost knob. BOSS’ proprietary COSM technology allows guitar players to recreate classic fuzz BOOST control for more aggressive tone. The FZ-5 is the perfect weapon for players wanting to beef up their rigs with classic retro fuzz artillery.
122
Kickass for the Price
A simple yet kickass fuzz pedal. Boss really brings it in with this one. If you want to play some Stoner Metal on a budget, this is your pedal. It takes a simple 9v adapter, it's got three options (Fuzz, Mid?, and Overdrive).
Fuzz: Very bass heavy. Loud. Good feedback. Crunchy for its price. It's good when the knob is flicked on Treble. Mid: This is a neat option for like a filtered intro? I use it with other pedals. I have a Lone Wolf Audio Iron Fist. Pair the two together for a massive song. Overdrive: I think it's fairly decent? Dirty. Hardworking. Just like an alcoholic father. It does the job.
Easy to change the battery and fuck with the board too. 4/5. Great pedal. Should be on every heavier bands pedalboard.
619
It's good
I got it for Christmas thinking it would be a simple fuzz. It somehow isn't. The fuzz is very off. Whatever setting you put it at, it seems to have too much fuzz. It looks nice but I hardly use it.
Fuzz FZ-5
Great Fuzz pedal. Quite frankly, I was impressed. The three options (Fuzz Face, Maestro FZ-1A and Octavia) sound Really Good.
Artist usage
Add artist
I got this wrong, this is actually a Boss SD-1 Super Overdrive, someone delete this please.
This photo-article from MusicRadar/Guitarist magazine details all of the gear Bradfield used during the making of the Manic Street Preacher's 2010 album Postcards From a Young Man. The FX-5 is depicted in James' pedal collection.
Can be seen on this pedalboard. Ariel Pink's songs can be seen on the setlist. Source: https://showbams.com/2015/10/20/garage-rock-collides-with-indie-pop-as-black-lips-ariel-pink-drop-by-bimbos-365-club/
En el vídeo de YouTube de Pinkpop Archive 30 Seconds To Mars - Concierto completo [HD] | En vivo en Pinkpop 2007, se puede ver a Tomo Milicevic usando un Boss FZ-5 Fuzz a las 13:27.
Robert's fuzz pedal is the FZ-5 from Boss according to Mix Online's article.
in this photo share by strymon on facebook there's the pedalboard for the last giraffes giraffes album
In this photo, which shows Kubler's 2009 Noise Pop SXSW Showcase pedalboard (photo taken by Anna Enriquez), one of the pedals that can be seen is the Boss FZ-5.
He uses FZ-5 in studio. If it was FZ-3 it wouldn't be written "cosm" under the name of the pedal.
Album Usage
The Boss FZ-5 Fuzz has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Boss FZ-5 Fuzz, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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