Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,175

High-end/Boutique

$60

$181+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Unleash your inner rockstar with the Lovetone Big Cheese, an iconic fuzz effect pedal that hails from the UK. This audacious orange box offers a smorgasbord of innovative fuzz tones, from the glitchy to the creamy, making it a coveted piece of gear in the musician community. Its distinctive control knobs - Curds, Why, and Hog/Bee - offer an intriguing twist on traditional gain, volume, and tone adjustments, while its 4-way tone selector switch opens up a world of sonic possibilities. Whether you're channeling the ethereal soundscapes of Kevin Shields or the thunderous riffs of Billy Corgan, the Big Cheese is your ticket to fuzz heaven.

Key Features: * Unique controls named Curds (Gain), Why (Volume), and Hog/Bee (Tone) * 4-way tone selector switch for versatile fuzz effects * Offers a range of fuzz tones, from glitchy to creamy * Made in the UK during the mid- to late-1990s

Product specs

Brand Lovetone
Model Big Cheese
Finish Orange
Year 1990s
Made In United Kingdom
Categories Distortion Pedals, Fuzz Pedals and Effects

FAQs

What kind of sound can I expect from the Lovetone Big Cheese fuzz pedal?

The Lovetone Big Cheese is known for its versatile fuzz tones, ranging from a smooth, creamy overdrive to a biting, aggressive fuzz. It's ideal for players looking to achieve a wide range of fuzz sounds, from vintage to modern.

Does the Lovetone Big Cheese work well with both guitar and bass?

Yes, the Lovetone Big Cheese is compatible with both guitar and bass, offering unique tonal characteristics that enhance the sound of either instrument. Its versatility makes it a favorite among musicians seeking a distinctive fuzz effect.

What are the key features of the Lovetone Big Cheese fuzz pedal?

The Lovetone Big Cheese features a dynamic range of fuzz tones, an intuitive control layout, and a robust build quality. It also includes a unique tone control that allows for significant tonal shaping, making it a highly adaptable pedal for various musical styles.

How does the Lovetone Big Cheese compare to other fuzz pedals?

The Lovetone Big Cheese is renowned for its distinct sound and versatility, setting it apart from many other fuzz pedals. Its ability to produce both classic and modern fuzz tones, along with its unique tone-shaping capabilities, makes it a standout choice for fuzz enthusiasts.

Is the Lovetone Big Cheese suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Lovetone Big Cheese is well-suited for live performances, thanks to its durable construction and wide range of fuzz tones. Its ability to cut through a mix makes it an excellent choice for guitarists and bassists performing on stage.

blondegraemey

blondegraemey

Lovetone Big Cheese

Video thumbnail for Lovetone Big Cheese by blondegraemey

Lovetone Big Cheese

blondegraemey

blondegraemey

Video thumbnail for Lovetone Big Cheese Fuzz Demo by drowninginguitars

Lovetone Big Cheese Fuzz Demo

drowninginguitars

drowninginguitars

Video thumbnail for Lovetone Big Cheese by Vintage Stompboxes

Lovetone Big Cheese

Vintage Stompboxes

Vintage Stompboxes

Video thumbnail for Lovetone - Big cheese fuzz quick demo/ gretsch black falcon - vintage Vox ac30 tbx (mid 90's) by tonemaster1

Lovetone - Big cheese fuzz quick demo/ gretsch black falcon - vintage Vox ac30 tbx (mid 90's)

tonemaster1

tonemaster1

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Lovetone Big Cheese.

Use cases and applications

  • The Lovetone Big Cheese is known for producing iconic fuzz tones reminiscent of Pavement and Wilco albums, specifically "Brighten the Corners" and "Terror Twilight."

    Source
  • Mode 2 and 4 are highlighted as standout options for tone sculpting, offering diverse sonic possibilities.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • It's noted that the Big Cheese was used on Radiohead's "Packt Like Sardines In A Crushd Tin Box" and "The National Anthem," showcasing its versatility across different music styles.

    Source
  • Mode 4 offers a super gated velcro fuzz effect; activating a boost pedal before it enhances this mode significantly.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The OLC Chunky Cheese is frequently recommended as a reliable clone for the Lovetone Big Cheese, offering similar tonal qualities and versatility.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Despite being a rare find, owners believe the Lovetone Big Cheese lives up to its hype, unlike some other over-hyped pedals like the Klon.

    Source

User experience

  • One owner shared that their model, built in 2000, was previously owned by Josh Scott from JHS, adding historical value to the pedal.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners have customized their Big Cheese clones with purple chickenhead knobs for an orange/purple aesthetic.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some clones arrive with blue knobs, but users suggest changing to more visually appealing options like chickenhead knobs.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
eddie_sabotage

Big Cheese Fuzz Box

The one that got away. This was the best fuzz pedal I have ever owned. And I'm gonna get it back. Somehow, some way and then that selector switch goes on the wedge of swiss and may guitar will break apart in the most incredible way! This is a pedal that not only gives you a pallet of 60 and 70's best fuzzies, but it brings something quite new to the table - even if it was designed in the much maligned 90s. Listen, timeless is timeless so open up a bottle of wine and gently sink into it - because the Big Cheese tastes sooooo good! (what that too cheesey?)

F

JHS has made a copy, the Cheese Ball.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jimmy Page uses Lovetone Big Cheese

Jimmy Page

Guitarist

Led Zeppelin

...
Verified

Listed on the official Lovetone "Clients" page.

Jimmy Page MB/DG/BC/WL

See how Johnny Marr uses Lovetone Big Cheese

Johnny Marr

Singer, Guitarist

Modest Mouse

...
Verified via Mixonline

This article on the making of Marr's 2018 Call the Comet album by MixOnline.com touches on some of the gear used during the recording process. "The use of pedals on all the instruments is prevalent on Call the Comet. Marr favors Carl Martin pedals for their musicality: Delayla for delay, Plexitone for distortion, AC-Tone for overdrive. He also likes Lovetone’s Doppelganger, Ring Stinger, Brown Source and Big Cheese for more extreme modulation and flange effects."

See how The Edge uses Lovetone Big Cheese

The Edge

Guitarist

U2

...
Verified via PhotoBucket

Used only during the Pop era.

See how Trent Reznor uses Lovetone Big Cheese

Trent Reznor

Singer, Guitarist

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via nin.wiki

Trent Reznor is confirmed to have used the Lovetone Big Cheese pedal during the recording of "The Fragile," as evidenced by its inclusion in the partial list of equipment detailed in the Fragility Tour program, as documented by nin.wiki.

See how Justin Chancellor uses Lovetone Big Cheese

Justin Chancellor

Bassist

Tool

...
Verified via Photo
See how J Mascis uses Lovetone Big Cheese

J Mascis

Singer, Guitarist

Dinosaur Jr

...
Verified via I Heart Guitar

"And a lot of fuzz boxes. A lot of different ones. I just plug in a bunch of fuzz boxes, like I’d use a Roland BeeBaa Fuzz, a Super Fuzz, Big Cheese Love Tone, an Analog Man. I’d just plug in a bunch of pedals together and see what it sounded like.”

See how Ed O'Brien uses Lovetone Big Cheese

Ed O'Brien

Singer, Guitarist

Radiohead

...
Verified via Photo

Ed's pedalboard (the right one) contains a Lovetone Big Cheese effects pedal. Source.

See how Gary Moore uses Lovetone Big Cheese

Gary Moore

Guitarist, Singer

Thin Lizzy

...
Verified

Listed on the official Lovetone "Clients" page.

Gary Moore BS/BC/WL

See how Colin Greenwood uses Lovetone Big Cheese

Colin Greenwood

Bassist

Radiohead

...
Verified via Photo

In this user-uploaded Tumblr photo, Colin Greenwood is shown with the Lovetone Big Cheese fuzz effects pedal.

See how Michael Shuman uses Lovetone Big Cheese

Michael Shuman

Singer, Guitarist

Queens of the Stone Age

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, a Lovetone Big Cheese can be seen on the end of Michael Shuman's pedalboard

See how Jeff Tweedy uses Lovetone Big Cheese

Jeff Tweedy

Singer, Guitarist

Wilco

...
Verified via Photo

The image from the pedalboard dates back to 2004 Toronto concerts, and original poster of pedalboard photos can be found here. Also, photos of the concert that this pedalboard photo is from can be found here.. In this photo, the Lovetone Big Cheese can be seen.

See how Steve Albini uses Lovetone Big Cheese

Steve Albini

Singer, Guitarist

Big Black

...
Verified via MusicRadar

In this article from MusicRadar, Dan Coggins of Lovetone Pedals says:

I knew we’d arrived when we went to visit the EMI/Abbey Road Studios and Steve Albini was recording with the Big Cheese and Brown Source.

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 Lovetone Big Cheese, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Lovetone Meatball
Lovetone Meatball Filter Effects Pedals
34
Lovetone Doppelganger
Lovetone Doppelganger Phaser Effects Pedals
23
Lovetone Brown Source
Lovetone Brown Source Overdrive Effects Pedals
18
Lovetone Wobulator
Lovetone Wobulator Tremolo Effects Pedals
17
Lovetone Ring Stinger
Lovetone Ring Stinger Harmonizer & Octave Effects Pedals
8
Colorsound Tonebender
Colorsound Tonebender Fuzz Effects Pedals
2
EMS VCS 3
EMS VCS 3 Synthesizers
1

9 alternative and related items for Lovetone Big Cheese, curated by the Equipboard community.

ThorpyFX The Field Marshal Fuzz

$269.00

similar sound newer

Designed in collaboration with Lovetone co-founder Dan Coggins, The Field Marshall is described as "a MKII version of the Big Cheese fuzz" in the official product description: https://thorpyfx.com/collections/thorpyfx-pedals/products/the-field-marshal-fuzz

The FIELD MARSHAL is a MKII version of the Big Cheese fuzz. Smaller, louder and more tonally flexible than the original it sits perfectly on a modern pedalboard.

JHS Cheese Ball

$169.00 - $180.00

similar sound cheaper alternative

The JHS Cheese Ball is described as a faithful and accurate recreation of the Big Cheese circuit, in a more compact enclosure.

GigaHearts_FX Mecha Feta

 

Vintage or Discontinued similar sound

Based on the Big Cheese: https://reverb.com/item/36139887-gigahearts_fx-mecha-feta

Little Big Tone Cheddar

 

similar sound cheaper alternative

A boutique clone of the Big Cheese, available at a much lower price point.

Lovetone Cheese Source

$1,195.40

Vintage or Discontinued high-end alternative

The Big Cheese was one of the eponymous halves of the Cheese Source.

More Lovetone Fuzz Effects Pedals

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Gear Guides

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