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Average Price: $1,600

High-end/Boutique

$60

$181+

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High-end

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Description

Step into a world of legendary sound with the Dallas Arbiter Germanium Fuzz Face, a revered icon in the realm of fuzz effects pedals. This pedal, a true relic from the golden age of rock, is celebrated for its authentic Germanium transistors, which deliver a warm, rich fuzz that has captivated guitarists for generations. Whether you're channeling the searing solos of Jimi Hendrix or the textured tones of David Gilmour, the Germanium Fuzz Face offers an unparalleled sonic experience.

Housed in a chassis inspired by a microphone stand mount, this pedal exudes vintage charm while offering robust performance. The intuitive layout features Volume and Fuzz controls, allowing you to effortlessly dial in your desired sound. As one of the original fuzz pedals, its circuit design has laid the foundation for countless imitations, yet none have quite captured the magic of the original.

Perfect for both collectors and musicians seeking that classic, gritty fuzz, the Dallas Arbiter Germanium Fuzz Face is a tribute to the timeless sounds of the 60s and beyond. Its unique tonal characteristics make it a mainstay on pedalboards around the world, ensuring that its legacy endures with each note played.

Key Features:

  • Authentic Germanium transistors for warm, classic fuzz tone
  • Volume and Fuzz controls for versatile sound shaping
  • Iconic chassis design inspired by a microphone stand mount
  • Celebrated by legendary guitarists like Jimi Hendrix and David Gilmour

Product specs

Brand Dallas Arbiter
Model Germanium Fuzz Face
Year 1966 - 1968
Made In United Kingdom
Categories Fuzz Pedals and Effects
Pedal Format Standard

FAQs

What type of transistors are used in the Dallas Arbiter Germanium Fuzz Face?

The Dallas Arbiter Germanium Fuzz Face uses germanium transistors, which are known for their warm, smooth distortion and dynamic response, making them highly sought after for vintage fuzz tones.

How does the Dallas Arbiter Germanium Fuzz Face affect my guitar's tone?

The Germanium Fuzz Face produces a classic, warm fuzz tone with a smooth, creamy sustain, ideal for achieving vintage rock and blues sounds reminiscent of the late 1960s.

Is the Dallas Arbiter Germanium Fuzz Face suitable for use with a bass guitar?

While primarily designed for electric guitars, the Germanium Fuzz Face can be used with bass guitars, though it may result in a loss of low-end frequencies due to its original design.

Does the Dallas Arbiter Germanium Fuzz Face require a specific power supply?

The Germanium Fuzz Face typically operates on a 9V battery, but it's important to use a compatible power supply if opting for an adapter, as improper voltage can affect its performance.

What makes the Dallas Arbiter Germanium Fuzz Face different from silicon-based fuzz pedals?

The Germanium Fuzz Face offers a warmer, more organic tone compared to silicon-based fuzz pedals, which tend to have a brighter, more aggressive sound with increased stability and consistency.

529Toneworks

529Toneworks

Vintage Fuzz Face Comparison: NKT-275 Germanium + BC108C + BC209C Silicon - Dallas Arbiter

Video thumbnail for Vintage Fuzz Face Comparison: NKT-275 Germanium + BC108C + BC209C Silicon - Dallas Arbiter by 529Toneworks

Vintage Fuzz Face Comparison: NKT-275 Germanium + BC108C + BC209C Silicon - Dallas Arbiter

529Toneworks

529Toneworks

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face (Germanium).

Features and functionality

  • Germanium Fuzz Faces are often run with both volume and fuzz knobs maxed out, adjusted using the guitar's volume knob for dynamic control.

    Source
  • The Fuzz Face is known for its woolly thickness when the fuzz is set close to maximum, often requiring the guitar volume to be rolled back for clarity.

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  • The Tru-Fi Two-Face pedal offers both germanium and silicon fuzz face circuits with a toggle switch to alternate between them.

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User experience

  • Users note that the Fuzz Face can become muddy when paired with heavily distorted amplifiers, which some players actually prefer for certain tones.

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  • Owners find the Fuzz Face's sound sweet spot occurs when slightly backing off the fuzz from full, reducing noise while maintaining a strong fuzzy character.

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Use cases and applications

  • When used with a Vox AC30, the Fuzz Face yields a smooth tone with notable sustain and cleans up well as the guitar volume is reduced.

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  • Pairing the Fuzz Face with a Marshall JCM800 provides excellent low-end response and a "ballsy" tone, particularly when the amp is slightly dirty.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Tru-Fi allows the germanium side of their Two-Face pedal to be modified into a Tonebender circuit upon request.

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Value and pricing

  • Analogman pedals, including custom options, can be acquired by sending in a used pedal for internal circuitry upgrades, offering a personalized experience.

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  • Used JHF1 models can often be found for slightly over $100, making them a cost-effective option for those seeking a full-size fuzz face.

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Comparisons

  • Dunlop's mini Hendrix fuzz faces are considered top choices in compact formats, contrasting with full-size preferences like the JHF1 for a classic look and feel.

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Artist usage

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See how David Gilmour uses Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face (Germanium)

David Gilmour

Guitarist

Pink Floyd

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Verified via Photo

David Gilmour used a Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face (Germanium) during Pink Floyd's early years, as evidenced by an image available on Equipboard.

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face (Germanium), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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