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Average Price: $725

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$181+

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Description

Dive into the gritty, warm embrace of the legendary Maestro Fuzz-Tone FZ-1S, a pedal that harks back to the golden era of rock 'n' roll. With a lineage that traces back to Keith Richards' iconic riff on "Satisfaction", this fuzz pedal offers more than just a slice of musical history; it delivers a sound that can define a genre. Perfect for guitarists looking to add a distinct, vintage edge to their sound, the FZ-1S stands out not just for its historic significance but for its robust, dynamic fuzz effect that can range from subtle to explosive. Rediscover the classic fuzz that powered some of rock's most unforgettable moments.

Key Features:

  • Legendary fuzz tone used by iconic musicians like Keith Richards
  • Versatile control options including Volume, Balance, Sustain, and Fuzz level for shaping your sound
  • A direct descendant of the original fuzz pedals from the '60s, offering authentic vintage sound
  • Perfect for achieving that classic rock 'n' roll vibe with a modern twist
  • Durable construction with a nod to its historical design, ensuring it stands the test of time on your pedalboard

Product specs

Brand Maestro
Model Fuzz-Tone FZ-1S
Finish Black
Year 1970s
Made In United States
Categories Fuzz Pedals and Effects

FAQs

What type of transistors does the Maestro Fuzz-Tone FZ-1S use?

The Maestro Fuzz-Tone FZ-1S uses silicon transistors, which provide a more stable and consistent fuzz tone compared to the earlier germanium transistor models.

How does the Maestro Fuzz-Tone FZ-1S differ from the original FZ-1 model?

The FZ-1S features silicon transistors for increased reliability and a slightly different tonal character, offering a sharper, more aggressive fuzz compared to the warmer, vintage fuzz of the original germanium-based FZ-1.

Is the Maestro Fuzz-Tone FZ-1S suitable for both guitar and bass?

Yes, the Maestro Fuzz-Tone FZ-1S can be used with both guitar and bass, providing a thick, cutting fuzz that complements both instruments well.

What power options are available for the Maestro Fuzz-Tone FZ-1S?

The Maestro Fuzz-Tone FZ-1S is powered by a 9-volt battery, typical of many vintage-style fuzz pedals, and does not include an external power adapter option.

Can the Maestro Fuzz-Tone FZ-1S achieve the classic 60s fuzz sound?

Yes, the Maestro Fuzz-Tone FZ-1S is designed to deliver the classic 60s fuzz sound, reminiscent of iconic tracks like "Satisfaction" by The Rolling Stones, though it offers a slightly more modern edge due to its silicon transistors.

voodoowrench

voodoowrench

Maestro Fuzz-Tone FZ-1S

Video thumbnail for Maestro Fuzz-Tone FZ-1S by voodoowrench

Maestro Fuzz-Tone FZ-1S

voodoowrench

voodoowrench

Video thumbnail for Maestro Fuzz Tone FZ-1S | Reverb Demo Video by Reverb

Maestro Fuzz Tone FZ-1S | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for Maestro Super Fuzz FZ-1S. Demonstration Record 1972 by Adrian Täckman

Maestro Super Fuzz FZ-1S. Demonstration Record 1972

Adrian Täckman

Adrian Täckman

Video thumbnail for 1972 Maestro Super FUZZ FZ-1S by Josh Reed

1972 Maestro Super FUZZ FZ-1S

Josh Reed

Josh Reed

Video thumbnail for Maestro Fuzz-Tone FZ-1S  vintage fuzz by Alex T

Maestro Fuzz-Tone FZ-1S vintage fuzz

Alex T

Alex T

Video thumbnail for Maestro FZ 1S vintage fuzz by Alex T

Maestro FZ 1S vintage fuzz

Alex T

Alex T

Video thumbnail for Maestro FZ-1S Fuzztone Demo (early 70s Fuzz!) by Guitar Pedal Demos

Maestro FZ-1S Fuzztone Demo (early 70s Fuzz!)

Guitar Pedal Demos

Guitar Pedal Demos

Video thumbnail for 1972 Maestro Super FUZZ reacts to guitar volume and tone by Josh Reed

1972 Maestro Super FUZZ reacts to guitar volume and tone

Josh Reed

Josh Reed

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Maestro Fuzz-Tone FZ-1S.

Comparisons

  • The DOD Carcosa is noted for its similarity to the Maestro FZ-1S, with flexibility in pedal chain placement and dynamic response to incoming signals.

    Source
  • The Rush Pepbox is highlighted as an authentic alternative to the Maestro FZ-1, retaining the era's unique fuzz characteristics.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Boss FZ-5, specifically in M mode, is designed to emulate the Maestro fuzz sound, providing a modern alternative with classic tones.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Using a Boss AC-2 Acoustic Simulator post-fuzz/distortion is recommended to extract a brash, 60s garage rock tone, adjusting the top and bottom controls for desired effect.

    Source
  • Vintage 2n5134 transistors with gold-plated leads are used like clipping diodes for a pleasant HF roll-off, resembling original FZ-1S tones more closely.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Germanium 4 Big Muff can achieve vintage fuzz tones similar to Maestro when manipulating the Bias and Volts knobs, and doesn't require being first in the chain.

    Source
  • The Germanium 4 Big Muff’s overdrive side offers low-gain, chimey drive for added versatility beyond typical fuzz tones.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some owners report ceramic caps can be microphonic, potentially adding noise during operation, and suggest using Panasonic metalized film caps to reduce stomp noise.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A 100pf capacitor between the base and collector of Q2 can solve radio signal interference issues in the signal path.

    Source

User experience

  • Ceramic caps may crackle if the pedal fails the "chopstick test," indicating potential noise issues when the pedal is stomped on.

    Source

2.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jimmarchi1

meh

my least favorite maestro fuzz.... most user friendly one, sure, but it ahs the least character

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ryan Adams uses Maestro Fuzz-Tone FZ-1S

Ryan Adams

Singer, Guitarist

Whiskeytown

...
Verified via Instagram

On his official Instagram account, Ryan Adams posted these Pedals.

See how Bootsy Collins uses Maestro Fuzz-Tone FZ-1S

Bootsy Collins

Singer, Bassist

Funkadelic

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "Bootsy Collins Tours His Incredible Home Studio 'The Boot Cave'" by Reverb on YouTube, a Maestro Fuzz-Tone FZ-1S pedal is clearly visible on the floor in the live room of Bootsy Collins' studio at the 18:12 mark.

See how Trentemøller uses Maestro Fuzz-Tone FZ-1S

Trentemøller

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

"A new/old baby for my studio ????#trentefixion #trentemoller #fuzz"

See how Michio Kurihara uses Maestro Fuzz-Tone FZ-1S

Michio Kurihara

Guitarist

YBO²

...
Verified via Photo

Michio posted this photo of his pedals to Twitter, November 2021

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 Maestro Fuzz-Tone FZ-1S, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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