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Description

Unleash the sonic chaos of classic fuzz with the Empress Fuzz pedal—a modern reimagining that adds clarity and depth without losing that gritty charm. Designed for musicians who crave a full-bodied fuzz experience, this pedal delivers a deep, extended low-end that transforms your chords into rich, resonant waves. Whether you're pushing through a thunderous bass fuzz or adding a vintage edge to your guitar lines, the Empress Fuzz ensures your sound stays both powerful and articulate.

With its intuitive controls, you can effortlessly sculpt your tone, from heavy, saturated fuzz to tight, controlled distortion. The pedal comes alive when stacked with other effects, making it a versatile addition to any pedalboard. Boost your solos and lead lines with precision, thanks to its unique ability to maintain clarity even at high gain levels. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, the Empress Fuzz is your gateway to a world of textured, dynamic soundscapes.

Key Features:

  • Deep, extended low-end for full-bodied fuzz
  • Two-band EQ for custom tone shaping
  • High-definition clarity, even at high gain
  • Ideal for stacking with other pedals
  • Versatile use for both guitar and bass

Product specs

Brand Empress
Model Fuzz
Finish Yellow
Year 2010s
Made In Canada
Categories Fuzz Pedals and Effects

FAQs

Is the Empress Fuzz pedal suitable for both guitar and bass?

Yes, the Empress Fuzz pedal is designed to work well with both guitar and bass, providing a rich and versatile fuzz tone that complements both instruments.

What power supply does the Empress Fuzz pedal require?

The Empress Fuzz pedal requires a standard 9V DC power supply, center-negative, similar to most other guitar pedals.

How does the Empress Fuzz pedal differ from other fuzz pedals?

The Empress Fuzz pedal offers a wide range of tonal options with its unique control layout, allowing for precise adjustments in fuzz character, tone, and output level, making it more versatile compared to many traditional fuzz pedals.

Can the Empress Fuzz pedal be used in a live performance setting?

Yes, the Empress Fuzz pedal is well-suited for live performances, providing consistent and reliable fuzz tones with its durable construction and intuitive controls.

What is the primary tonal characteristic of the Empress Fuzz pedal?

The Empress Fuzz pedal is known for its smooth and creamy fuzz tones, capable of producing both vintage-style warmth and modern aggressive fuzz sounds.

Empress Effects

Empress Effects

Empress Effects Fuzz

Video thumbnail for Empress Effects Fuzz by Empress Effects

Empress Effects Fuzz

Empress Effects

Empress Effects

Video thumbnail for Empress Effects: FUZZ - GERM DRIVE - DISTORTION (Tele to HIWATT) by Brett Kingman

Empress Effects: FUZZ - GERM DRIVE - DISTORTION (Tele to HIWATT)

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

Video thumbnail for Empress Effects Fuzz | review demo by JJ of the T

Empress Effects Fuzz | review demo

JJ of the T

JJ of the T

Video thumbnail for Empress Fuzz Demo by mikelivesley

Empress Fuzz Demo

mikelivesley

mikelivesley

Video thumbnail for Empress Effects Fuzz Review - BestGuitarEffects.com by Best Guitar Effects

Empress Effects Fuzz Review - BestGuitarEffects.com

Best Guitar Effects

Best Guitar Effects

Video thumbnail for Empress Fuzz Effect Pedal Demo by Phil Vickman

Empress Fuzz Effect Pedal Demo

Phil Vickman

Phil Vickman

Video thumbnail for Empress Fuzz by Lance Keltner Music

Empress Fuzz

Lance Keltner Music

Lance Keltner Music

Video thumbnail for Empress Fuzz Effect Pedal Demo by Guitar Gear Demos

Empress Fuzz Effect Pedal Demo

Guitar Gear Demos

Guitar Gear Demos

Video thumbnail for Empress Fuzz by musictoyznetwork

Empress Fuzz

musictoyznetwork

musictoyznetwork

Video thumbnail for Most underrated fuzz you need to know:  EMPRESS EFFECTS FUZZ by The Tone Lounge

Most underrated fuzz you need to know: EMPRESS EFFECTS FUZZ

The Tone Lounge

The Tone Lounge

Video thumbnail for FATTEN YOUR SINGLE COILS - Empress Fuzz Pedal Demo by Music Bliss Malaysia

FATTEN YOUR SINGLE COILS - Empress Fuzz Pedal Demo

Music Bliss Malaysia

Music Bliss Malaysia

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent note definition, even at high gain settings

  • Powerful EQ allows versatile tone shaping

  • Tight low end that doesn't get lost in the mix

  • High-quality construction ensures durability

  • Sounds great with modulation and delay pedals

  • Works well with both clean and distorted amps

  • Capable of delivering a range of classic rock tones

  • Responds well to guitar volume adjustments

  • Operates on 9 to 18 volts for added flexibility

CONS

  • Can be noisy at higher settings

  • Doesn't stack well with other boosts or drives

  • Lacks "clean up" capability when volume is rolled back like some germanium fuzzes

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Empress Fuzz.

Features and functionality

  • Owners appreciate the treble and bass control for dialing in tones, allowing for a versatile range from super gnarly to tighter low-end sounds.

    Source
  • Empress Fuzz is noted for its active EQ with separate bass and treble controls, allowing for precise tonal adjustments to cut through a mix.

    Source
  • The pedal is described as versatile by users, with the ability to deliver a range of tones suitable for different styles, from classic fuzz sounds to more modern, aggressive tones.

    Source
  • The Empress Fuzz holds up well during chord play, with a tighter low end that prevents muddiness, enhancing clarity for complex chords.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The pedal excels at handling chords due to its tighter low end, making it suitable for more complex playing styles.

    Source
  • It's described as a "fuzz for people who don't like fuzz," indicating its broad appeal and adaptability in different musical contexts.

    Source
  • The Empress Fuzz is considered underrated by users who value its capability to maintain clarity and articulation when playing detailed chord progressions.

    Source

Comparisons

  • While it doesn't achieve a Velcro-like fuzz, users rely on it for a distinct sound, complementing fuzz pedals like the Fat Fuzz Factory.

    Source
  • Some users compare the Empress Fuzz favorably to other fuzz pedals like the Pharaoh Supreme and LSTR, noting its unique tonal characteristics and compatibility with various setups.

    Source
  • Owners compare the Empress Fuzz favorably to Zvex Fuzz Factory, especially for handling complex chords with clarity, depending on settings.

    Source

User experience

  • The Empress Fuzz is described as a "home" pedal for returning buyers, indicating a strong emotional connection and satisfaction among users.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the Empress Fuzz for its ability to maintain tonal clarity when used with other pedals, unlike some fuzz pedals that require precise placement in the signal chain.

    Source
  • After acquiring the Empress Fuzz, users noted it is not easy to find, but praised its superior sound and heavy tone when the gain is increased.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Some buyers have found exceptional deals online, such as purchasing for as low as $56, highlighting its potential for high value when priced competitively.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Omar Rodríguez-López uses Empress Fuzz

Omar Rodríguez-López

Guitarist, Bassist

At the Drive-In

...
Verified via YouTube

At 3:20 in this rig rundown video, Omar mentions his Empress Fuzz pedal, saying, "Its really nice and its yellow!"

See how Adrian Belew uses Empress Fuzz

Adrian Belew

Composer, Guitarist

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

Used on Elevator, as mentioned in this interview from the November 2022 issue of Vintage Guitar.

What else was on your pedalboard?

A Keeley compressor, Eventide H9, Empress Fuzz, and a Strymon Deco. In concert, I don’t use amps – I use in-ear monitors and Electro-Voice full-range monitors.

See how Tyler Larson uses Empress Fuzz

Tyler Larson

Guitarist, Podcasters & Streamers

...
Verified via YouTube

02:41 showing off his pedal board

See how Jon Deiley uses Empress Fuzz

Jon Deiley

Guitarist, Composer

Northlane

...
Verified via YouTube

In this gear rundown Josh explains the equipment of Jon and himself.

See how Josh McClorey uses Empress Fuzz

Josh McClorey

Guitarist

The Strypes

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture of Josh's pedalboard the empress fuzz can be seen.

See how Mylets uses Empress Fuzz

Mylets

Guitarist, Singer

...
Verified via Vimeo

An Empress Fuzz can be seen on Mylets' pedalboard, at 0:54 in this studio performance video.

Album Usage

The Empress 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 Empress Fuzz, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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mobase3

mobase3

Gear IQ 83

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