Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $399

High-end/Boutique

$70

$201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Malekko Heavy Industry B:ASSMASTER is a dynamic instrument that brings the retro vibe of the Maestro Bass Brassmaster octave fuzz into the current era. This pedal offers a delightful blend of octave overdrive and distortion, wrapped up in a modern, noiseless, and manageable unit. Equipped with an expression jack, the B:ASSMASTER allows for meticulous control over your sound. With its three knobs and two switches, you can effortlessly shape the tone, harmonics, and balance between dry and wet mix. This pedal is a rockstar when it comes to delivering fuzzy distortion specifically tailored for basses.

Key Features:

  • Inspired by the legendary Maestro Bass Brassmaster octave fuzz
  • Provides octave overdrive and distortion in a noiseless pedal
  • Expression jack for convenient control
  • Three knobs and two switches for precise tonal and overtone shaping
  • Perfectly creates fuzzy distortion for basses

Product specs

Brand Malekko
Model B:assmaster
Finish Brown
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Distortion Pedals, Fuzz Pedals and Effects

FAQs

What type of sound can I expect from the Malekko B:assmaster Octave Fuzz?

The Malekko B:assmaster delivers a thick, aggressive fuzz with a strong octave-up effect, ideal for bass players seeking a vintage-inspired, synth-like distortion. It's known for its ability to cut through the mix with a rich, harmonic texture.

Is the Malekko B:assmaster suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Malekko B:assmaster is well-suited for live performances thanks to its robust build and ability to produce powerful, distinctive fuzz tones that maintain clarity and presence on stage.

Does the Malekko B:assmaster work well with both active and passive bass pickups?

The Malekko B:assmaster is compatible with both active and passive bass pickups, providing a versatile fuzz effect that enhances the tonal characteristics of different bass types.

Can the Malekko B:assmaster be used with a guitar?

While designed for bass, the Malekko B:assmaster can also be used with a guitar, offering unique fuzz tones and octave effects that can add a distinctive edge to your guitar sound.

What power supply does the Malekko B:assmaster require?

The Malekko B:assmaster requires a standard 9V DC power supply, which is commonly used with most guitar and bass pedals, ensuring easy integration into your pedalboard setup.

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Malekko Barker Assmaster Germanium Fuzz Pedal

Video thumbnail for Malekko Barker Assmaster Germanium Fuzz Pedal by ProGuitarShopDemos

Malekko Barker Assmaster Germanium Fuzz Pedal

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for Malekko Barker Assmaster Fuzz Pedal by ProGuitarShopDemos

Malekko Barker Assmaster Fuzz Pedal

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for Malekko B:assmaster [Bass Demo] by Patrick Hunter

Malekko B:assmaster [Bass Demo]

Patrick Hunter

Patrick Hunter

Video thumbnail for Malekko B:ASSMASTER Bass Octave fuzz official factory video by Malekko HeavyIndustry

Malekko B:ASSMASTER Bass Octave fuzz official factory video

Malekko HeavyIndustry

Malekko HeavyIndustry

Video thumbnail for Malekko Barker Assmaster Germanium Distortion | CME Gear Demo | Marc Najjar by Chicago Music Exchange

Malekko Barker Assmaster Germanium Distortion | CME Gear Demo | Marc Najjar

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for Silicon or Germanium ? Which Malekko B:assmaster to choose? by Nico Levy

Silicon or Germanium ? Which Malekko B:assmaster to choose?

Nico Levy

Nico Levy

Video thumbnail for MALEKKO BARKER B:ASSMASTER DEMO (rare pedal) by Toolmybass

MALEKKO BARKER B:ASSMASTER DEMO (rare pedal)

Toolmybass

Toolmybass

Video thumbnail for Malekko B:ASSMASTER official factory video 2 by Malekko HeavyIndustry

Malekko B:ASSMASTER official factory video 2

Malekko HeavyIndustry

Malekko HeavyIndustry

Video thumbnail for Malekko COMP_ASSMASTER_616 official factory video.2 by Malekko HeavyIndustry

Malekko COMP_ASSMASTER_616 official factory video.2

Malekko HeavyIndustry

Malekko HeavyIndustry

Video thumbnail for Malekko B:Assmaster - Harmonic Octave Fuzz by TheSuperFunAwesomeHappyTimePedalShow

Malekko B:Assmaster - Harmonic Octave Fuzz

TheSuperFunAwesomeHappyTimePedalShow

TheSuperFunAwesomeHappyTimePedalShow

Video thumbnail for Malekko B:ASSMASTER Bass Review - Henry the Pedal Head by Henry The Pedal Head

Malekko B:ASSMASTER Bass Review - Henry the Pedal Head

Henry The Pedal Head

Henry The Pedal Head

Video thumbnail for Malekko COMP_SPRING_B:ASSMASTER.2 official factory video by Malekko HeavyIndustry

Malekko COMP_SPRING_B:ASSMASTER.2 official factory video

Malekko HeavyIndustry

Malekko HeavyIndustry

Video thumbnail for Malekko COMP_SPRING_B:ASSMASTER.1 official factory video by Malekko HeavyIndustry

Malekko COMP_SPRING_B:ASSMASTER.1 official factory video

Malekko HeavyIndustry

Malekko HeavyIndustry

Video thumbnail for Malekko B:assmaster Demo & Comparison - Silicon vs Germanium by ericplaysbass

Malekko B:assmaster Demo & Comparison - Silicon vs Germanium

ericplaysbass

ericplaysbass

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique balance/blend knob enhances sound versatility

  • Voice filters add depth to tone customization

  • Cuts through the mix, ensuring presence in live settings

  • Offers a distinctive doom sound for bassists

  • Germanium version provides a cool fuzz with tweakable settings

  • Versatile octave up fuzz feature for varied sound textures

  • Slightly compressed dry signal retains low end effectively

  • Works well with other pedals for expansive soundscapes

  • Eye-catching, unique color scheme and design aesthetics

  • Sensitivity control offers dynamic interaction with pedal settings

CONS

  • Initial difficulty in taming the sound for some users

  • Controls can be confusing to new users

  • Requires time to tweak for optimal sound setup

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Malekko Heavy Industry B:assmaster Octave Fuzz.

Comparisons

  • Malekko B:assmaster includes a transformer in the fuzz section, uncommon in pedals, creating a distinct sound compared to other fuzz options.

    Source
  • The B:assmaster is a mod of the Maestro Brassmaster circuit, intended to emulate brass instruments but delivers distinctive, cutting fuzz.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The germanium version of the B:assmaster is noted for its lo-fi yet clean fuzz, adding a unique character to the sound.

    Source
  • The B:assmaster offers independent fuzz and clean volumes, allowing for precise blending of original tone with the effect.

    Source
  • The harmonic switches on the B:assmaster allow the fuzz emphasis to be adjusted, tailoring the sound to different tonal territories.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Adding a master volume control is recommended to manage the B:assmaster's gain levels effectively, as the default settings can be overpowering.

    Source

User experience

  • The B:assmaster is described as "the worst sounding pedal in the best possible way," highlighting its unique appeal to some players.

    Source
  • Some basses like Rickenbacker and Jazz pair well with the B:assmaster, while Precision and active basses may not perform optimally.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The B:assmaster's complex component count makes it a challenging DIY project, suitable for experienced builders seeking a unique build.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Germanium version of the B:assmaster is discontinued, leading to higher demand and pricing due to scarcity of parts.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Malekko B:Assmaster Octave Fuzz | Delicious Audio

delicious-audio.com

The Malekko Heavy Industry B:assmaster Octave Fuzz is lauded for its classic fuzz tones and modern reliability, making it a solid choice for bassists and guitarists seeking vintage harmonic richness. The hand-built pedal offers extensive tone control, including an expression jack for sensitivity adjustments, adding a modern twist to its vintage inspiration. However, its niche appeal may limit its desirability for those not specifically seeking a Bass Brassmaster clone. Overall, it's a well-crafted pedal that excels in its specialized role but may not suit all fuzz enthusiasts.

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 9 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
hakan

wonderful wonderful

Best distortion you can get ... at least best distortion I have ever used :)
Knobs need getting used to. Can be used as a boost.. The tone is amazing just amazing..

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Flea uses Malekko Heavy Industry B:assmaster Octave Fuzz

Flea

Bassist

Red Hot Chili Peppers

...
Verified via YouTube

5:38 into this video, Flea's tech talks about his Malekko B:ASSMASTER: "We have our B:ASSMASTER here, which is Malekko. It’s a great pedal, great fuzz, distortion pedal. That’s his new favorite."

See how Gerard Way uses Malekko Heavy Industry B:assmaster Octave Fuzz

Gerard Way

Singer, Guitarist

My Chemical Romance

...
Verified via Instagram

Gerard Way is using the Malekko B:Assmaster Distortion Pedal in this video he posted on Instagram.

"Love this pedal. Another key component to the Hesitant Alien bass tone. Both recorded and live. And it’s called an assmaster and it looks awesome and I had to have it."

See how Matthew Followill uses Malekko Heavy Industry B:assmaster Octave Fuzz

Matthew Followill

Guitarist

Kings of Leon

...
Verified via YouTube

During Kings of Leon's performance of WALLS, Matthew Followill can be seen using the Malekko Heavy Industry B:assmaster Octave Fuzz. The pedal is seen on his pedalboard at the 4:37 mark, and then again at the 4:43 mark. The pedal is located at the front left of his pedalboard next to the Whammy V.

See how Mikey Way uses Malekko Heavy Industry B:assmaster Octave Fuzz

Mikey Way

Bassist

My Chemical Romance

...
Verified via Photo

On this promotional video Fender made for Mikey's new signature Jazz bass, you can see his pedalboard next to him, which has a B:assmaster on the top right corner

See how Adrian Belew uses Malekko Heavy Industry B:assmaster Octave Fuzz

Adrian Belew

Composer, Guitarist

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via YouTube

Visible in Stompbox: 100 Pedals of the World's Greatest Guitarists, as can be seen in the quick browse video at 0:08.

See how Adrian Utley uses Malekko Heavy Industry B:assmaster Octave Fuzz

Adrian Utley

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Portishead

...
Verified via Photo

in this Instagram post, the Malekko B:ASSMASTER can be seen on the first stair in the middle

See how Sam Halliday uses Malekko Heavy Industry B:assmaster Octave Fuzz

Sam Halliday

Guitarist

Two Door Cinema Club

...
Verified via Twitter

When asked "What effects/pedals do you use for the main riff in 'Sun' to get that synthy overdrive sound?", Sam Halliday responds with the Malekko B:assmaster.

See how Doyle Bramhall II uses Malekko Heavy Industry B:assmaster Octave Fuzz

Doyle Bramhall II

Guitarist, Music Producer

Bryan Adams & Roger Waters

...
Verified via Equipboard

The Equipboard source shows Doyle Bramhall II's pedalboard, featuring the Malekko Heavy Industry B:ASSMASTER bass effects pedal.

See how James "Munky" Shaffer uses Malekko Heavy Industry B:assmaster Octave Fuzz

James "Munky" Shaffer

Guitarist

Korn

...
Verified via Twitter

Munky himself posted an image with it in the studio. Unclear when it’s ever used.

See how Johnny Bond uses Malekko Heavy Industry B:assmaster Octave Fuzz

Johnny Bond

Guitarist

Catfish and the Bottlemen

...
Verified via YouTube

Very visible throughout the video but if you want a timestamp check out 6:52, top right corner of the board, I mean you can't miss it. Explained in the video by Bondy that it was one of the many pedals introduced to him by jackknife. He demonstrates at 04:26 how instrumental it is to songs on The Balance and plays part of the Fluctuate solo with it for the camera. Used for that 'Scratchy fuzz' tone.

See how Justin Meldal-Johnsen uses Malekko Heavy Industry B:assmaster Octave Fuzz

Justin Meldal-Johnsen

Bassist, Music Producer

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post, Justin Meldal-Johnsen shares that he has concluded his search for the perfect fuzz pedal with the Malekko Heavy Industry B:ASSMASTER.

See how Tal Wilkenfeld uses Malekko Heavy Industry B:assmaster Octave Fuzz

Tal Wilkenfeld

Singer, Bassist

Jeff Beck(band)

...
Verified via Flickr

In this photo, which shows Wilkenfeld's pedalboard on 2010 Umbria Jazz festival, one of the pedals that can be seen is the Malekko B:Assmaster distortion pedal.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Malekko Heavy Industry B:assmaster Octave Fuzz, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

1 alternative for Malekko Heavy Industry B:assmaster Octave Fuzz, curated by the Equipboard community.

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