Pricing and availability

Average Price: $295

High-end/Boutique

$60

$181+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Unleash a cosmic sonic journey with the JHS Astro Mess Fuzz, a pedal that takes your guitar's tone to new galactic heights. Crafted in collaboration with Switchfoot's Drew Shirley, this fuzz pedal is not for the faint-hearted. Its silicon-based design delivers a gritty, snotty, and unapologetically loud fuzz that commands attention on any stage or studio. The Astro Mess doesn't just amplify your sound; it transforms it, offering both a rich texture and a unique voice.

With intuitive controls for fuzz and output volume, dialing in your perfect blend is effortless. But the standout feature is the central switch that engages a gate, adding a dynamic twist to your sound. This feature gives your playing a unique sucking and pumping action, injecting a burst of energy into every note. Whether you're riffing on stage or recording in the studio, the JHS Astro Mess Fuzz ensures your sound is never lost in the mix.

Key Features:

  • Collaboration with Drew Shirley from Switchfoot
  • Silicon-based fuzz circuit for aggressive tone
  • Simple controls for fuzz and output volume
  • Central switch for engaging a gate effect
  • Produces a dynamic sucking/pumping action
  • Compact and durable design for easy pedalboard integration

Product specs

Brand JHS
Model Astro Mess Fuzz
Finish Red
Year 2012
Made In United States
Categories Fuzz Pedals and Effects
Pedal Format Standard

FAQs

What type of fuzz tones can I expect from the JHS Astro Mess Fuzz?

The JHS Astro Mess Fuzz delivers a wide range of fuzz tones, from classic, vintage-style fuzz to more aggressive, modern sounds. It's designed to provide rich sustain and thick, textured fuzz that can cut through a mix.

Is the JHS Astro Mess Fuzz suitable for live performances?

Yes, the JHS Astro Mess Fuzz is designed with live performances in mind, offering robust construction and a standard pedal format that fits easily into most pedalboards. Its versatile fuzz tones are ideal for both live and studio settings.

Does the JHS Astro Mess Fuzz work well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups?

The JHS Astro Mess Fuzz is compatible with both single-coil and humbucker pickups, allowing you to achieve distinct fuzz tones regardless of your guitar's pickup configuration.

Can the JHS Astro Mess Fuzz be powered with a standard 9V power supply?

Yes, the JHS Astro Mess Fuzz can be powered using a standard 9V DC power supply, making it easy to integrate into your existing pedal setup.

How does the JHS Astro Mess Fuzz compare to other JHS fuzz pedals?

The JHS Astro Mess Fuzz offers a unique blend of vintage and modern fuzz sounds, distinguishing it from other JHS fuzz pedals by its specific tonal character and sustain. It's particularly noted for its ability to deliver both smooth and aggressive fuzz tones.

Reviews

PROS

  • Authentic clone of the Ampeg Scrambler, offering a distinct sound

  • Durable, with over 8 years of reliable use reported

  • Unique gate switch feature for compressed tone, ideal for lead lines

  • Offers a "total destruction" fuzz tone not meant to clean up

CONS

  • Criticized as a clone of the Devi Ever Hyperion, impacting originality

  • More expensive than its inspiration, the Devi Ever Hyperion

  • Fuzz tone doesn't clean up, limiting versatility

Owner Insights

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

Mods and upgrades

  • Flipping the 2N2907A transistor via a DPDT switch adds a gated mode to the JHS Astro Mess.

    Source
  • Replacing Q3 with a 100n capacitor transforms the pedal into a Ruiner bass "synth" fuzz.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The gated mode is achieved by reversing the C and E connections of the 2N2907A transistor.

    Source

Comparisons

  • JHS Astro Mess uses silver round transistors, potentially differing from black silicon types in clones.

    Source

User experience

  • Users found the additional switch on the JHS Astro Mess alters transistor orientation for unique sound variations.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Drew Shirley uses JHS Astro Mess Fuzz

Drew Shirley

Guitarist

Switchfoot

...
Verified via Archive

Developed in collaboration with Shirley, as specified in the official product description.

The birth child of Switchfoot’s Drew Shirley’s request and Josh Scott’s knowledge of fuzz, the Astro is a very unique and useful fuzz in the land of a thousand fuzz’s. (...) Listen to Switchfoot’s “Mess of Me” or “The Sound” and hear how rich but yet violent this fuzz can be.

See how Roy Mitchell-Cárdenas uses JHS Astro Mess Fuzz

Roy Mitchell-Cárdenas

Guitarist, Bassist

MUTEMATH

...
Verified via Photo

Visible in this December 11, 2016 Instagram post.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use JHS Astro Mess Fuzz, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

2 alternative and related items for JHS Astro Mess Fuzz, curated by the Equipboard community.

JHS Bun Runner

 

Vintage or Discontinued high-end alternative

More JHS Fuzz Effects Pedals

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Gear Guides