Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Amazon
4.2 (32)
$179.00
Reverb
5.0 (27)
$159.00 New
$110.37 Used
Thomann
4.8 (60)
$184.00 $183.00 $1.00 · All time low

Average Price: $158

Standard/Professional

$60

$181+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "ZVex Mastotron". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 23, 2026.

* 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 the raw power of your guitar with the ZVex Mastotron Fuzz Pedal. This silicon-based pedal is a sonic beast, ready to add a layer of rich, textured fuzz to your sound. With its controls for pulse width, tone, and volume, the Mastotron is designed for the discerning guitarist who craves precision and control. Despite its compact size, this pedal packs a punch, delivering a big presence that belies its small stature. Perfectly balanced between functionality and character, it is an essential addition to any pedal chain.

Key Features:

  • Silicon-based fuzz pedal, offering a rich, textured sound
  • Controls for pulse width, tone, and volume for precise sound sculpting
  • Compact design that delivers a big presence
  • Perfect for adding a unique fuzz accent to your pedal chain.

Product specs

Available since May 2009
Overdrive No
Distortion No
Fuzz Yes
Metal No

FAQs

What type of fuzz circuit does the ZVex Mastotron use?

The ZVex Mastotron is a silicon-based fuzz pedal, providing a modern, aggressive fuzz sound with a wide range of tonal adjustments.

Can the ZVex Mastotron be powered using a battery?

Yes, the ZVex Mastotron can be powered by a 9V battery, and its low current draw ensures long battery life.

What controls are available on the ZVex Mastotron?

The ZVex Mastotron features controls for Tone, Fuzz, Pulse-Width, Volume, and Relax, allowing for versatile sound shaping.

Is the ZVex Mastotron suitable for bass guitar?

Yes, the ZVex Mastotron is designed to work well with both guitar and bass, providing a thick and punchy fuzz tone without losing low-end clarity.

How does the Relax/Push control on the ZVex Mastotron affect the sound?

The Relax/Push control adjusts the input impedance, allowing the pedal to accommodate a wide range of pickups and signal levels, from passive to active.

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

ZVex Mastotron Fuzz

Video thumbnail for ZVex Mastotron Fuzz by ProGuitarShopDemos

ZVex Mastotron Fuzz

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for ZVEX Mastotron Fuzz | Reverb Demo Video by Reverb

ZVEX Mastotron Fuzz | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for Zvex MASTOTRON fuzz guitar effects pedal demo with Tele & Fender Blues Jr amp by gearmanndude

Zvex MASTOTRON fuzz guitar effects pedal demo with Tele & Fender Blues Jr amp

gearmanndude

gearmanndude

Video thumbnail for ZVEX Mastotron demo video by Zachary Vex by Z VEX

ZVEX Mastotron demo video by Zachary Vex

Z VEX

Z VEX

Video thumbnail for ZVEX Mastotron Fuzz Pedal Review by Simon Smith

ZVEX Mastotron Fuzz Pedal Review

Simon Smith

Simon Smith

Video thumbnail for ZVEX Mastotron Fuzz Vs Catalinbread Perseus Fuzz - Fuzz Pedal Shootout by Simon Smith

ZVEX Mastotron Fuzz Vs Catalinbread Perseus Fuzz - Fuzz Pedal Shootout

Simon Smith

Simon Smith

Video thumbnail for "ZVEX Mastotron" vs "ZVEX Woolly Mammoth" by Kev_k_ life

"ZVEX Mastotron" vs "ZVEX Woolly Mammoth"

Kev_k_ life

Kev_k_ life

Video thumbnail for ZVEX - Mastotron -Fuzz- by Dennis Kayzer

ZVEX - Mastotron -Fuzz-

Dennis Kayzer

Dennis Kayzer

Video thumbnail for Zvex | Mastotron Demo by Megan L

Zvex | Mastotron Demo

Megan L

Megan L

Reviews

PROS

  • Versatile across gain spectrum, maintaining clarity even at high gains

  • Offers unique suboctave options for a thunderous sound

  • Flexible for use with both guitar and bass

  • Intuitive knobs make it hard to get a bad sound

  • Unique gated sound options with pulsewidth and push/relax knobs

  • Compatible with various inputs, including analogue synths

  • Allows for extensive tone-shaping with multiple control knobs

  • Works well with both active and passive basses

  • Durable construction, suitable for long-term use

CONS

  • Subs switch is difficult to access on the fly

  • Power input placement can be inconvenient for pedalboard setup

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

  • Owners note Mastotron excels in retaining bass and body compared to the thin, trebly tone of the regular Fuzz Factory on bass guitars.

    Source
  • Users find the Mastotron superior to the 1968 Fuzzrite v2, particularly valuing its distinct gating capabilities and tone versatility.

    Source
  • The Mastotron, a variation on the Woolly Mammoth, is favored for its massive sound with octave down effects, unlike the Fuzz Factory which struggles with similar setups.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Mastotron's pinch knob and subs control provide versatility in achieving various fuzz tones, including gated velcro and silicon fuzz face sounds.

    Source
  • The gate feature in the Mastotron engages as you adjust the waveform, offering an interactive experience that enhances fuzz control.

    Source
  • Unlike the Fuzz Factory, the Mastotron's flexibility in signal chain placement allows it to function effectively without being first, accommodating various pedal setups.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Mastotron is praised for its ability to create sludgey tones and emulate the iconic sounds of artists like Annie Clark, making it suitable for a wide range of styles.

    Source
  • Owners use the Mastotron as their sole fuzz pedal, highlighting its capability to fulfill all fuzz needs without the need for multiple units.

    Source
  • The Mastotron excels in creating Royal Blood-like tones when paired with a Whammy or POG in -1 octave harmony mode, making it ideal for bass-heavy rock styles.

    Source

User experience

  • Mastotron doesn't need to be first in the signal chain, offering flexibility in pedalboard placement unlike some other fuzz pedals.

    Source
  • Despite owning and selling two Mastotrons, one user cites it as unparalleled in sound, though sometimes cumbersome on a pedalboard.

    Source
  • The Mastotron can be likened to a sobriety milestone, with owners finding deep personal and emotional value in its use and ownership.

    Source
  • Owners confirm that the Mastotron sounds exceptionally large and velcro-like when combined with octave down pedals, enhancing its appeal for filling sonic space in a two-piece band setup.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Z.Vex Distortron & Mastotron Pedal Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 52 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
sergioabiud

The Ultimate Fuzz

The incredible price of the Mastotron and its great dynamic range that goes from distortion to a powerful fuzz make this pedal a great option if you're looking to have this texture in your sound library. Just compare it against the Woolly Mammoth (price and sound) in YouTube reviews to make sure before making your purchase.
I love its knobs, so many options to get to the sound you have in mind, and its noise gate works excellently, so it's not just another noisy fuzz pedal.

This review has been translated automatically into English. See original
sloonie

Amazing

It’s a fairly cheap pedal, with a hell of a kick. The sub option gives great bass, and the options for push/relax and sine/squaretooth wave are perfect for moulding your own sound.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

Volume - 11 O’clock Tone - Max PW - Minimum Fuzz - 3 O’clock Relax/Push - 6:30

From Gear Setup
oliver_grone

heavy fat big

my favorite pedal- you can play with the knobs and switch and can dial in a lot of nice Fuzz sounds.

D

So fuzzy. So heavy. So awesome.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mike Kerr uses ZVex Mastotron

Mike Kerr

Singer, Bassist

Royal Blood

...
Verified via YouTube

At 8:24 in this video, is a shot of Mike Kerr's pedal board, containing a ZVex Vextron Series Mastotron Fuzz Guitar Effects Pedal.

Guitar World, 2020

“Well, I know you use an Electro-Harmonix POG2 and a Z.Vex Mastotron Fuzz,” I venture, to which Kerr counters, “There you go then. So you know all you need to know.” I bring up the matter of Kerr’s “mystery pedal,” the identity of which he swears he’ll never disclose.

See how Chris Wolstenholme uses ZVex Mastotron

Chris Wolstenholme

Singer, Guitarist

Muse

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Mix engineer Tommaso Colliva on recording Drones : "We use quite a few ZVex pedals, like the Mastotron and the Woolly Mammoth, because they have really crazy sounds, and while some of them are not controllable enough for a live scenario, they are really useful in the studio if you want very extreme sounds."

See how St. Vincent uses ZVex Mastotron

St. Vincent

Singer, Guitarist

The Polyphonic Spree

...
Verified via Photo

"I use – actually I think it’s a pretty cheap pedal – a Z.Vex Mastotron, and it’s like if the Fuzz Factory had girth." - St. Vincent in this interview with The Lab Magazine.

See how Brad Delson uses ZVex Mastotron

Brad Delson

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Linkin Park

...
Verified via Premierguitar

In the PremierGuitar article "In the Studio with Linkin Park", the Z.Vex Mastotron is listed on Brad Delson's Studio Gear.

See how Yvette Young uses ZVex Mastotron

Yvette Young

Singer, Guitarist

Covet

...
Verified via Photo

In this instagram post Yvette shows her pedalboard.

See how Brad Paisley uses ZVex Mastotron

Brad Paisley

Guitarist, Singer

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via YouTube

The item can be seen 4:35 into this video

See how Adam Neely uses ZVex Mastotron

Adam Neely

Bassist, Keyboardist

Sungazer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this gig vlog, from 5:00 to 5:20, he runs through his pedalboard.

See how Jimmy Smith uses ZVex Mastotron

Jimmy Smith

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Foals

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram photo posted by user "jimmyfoals," Jimmy Smith is shown using the ZVex Mastotron Fuzz Pedal, highlighting its role in his sound setup.

See how Mark Speer uses ZVex Mastotron

Mark Speer

Guitarist, Composer

Khruangbin

...
Verified via Photo

Mostotron on the left visible in his latest Rig Rundown on Premier Guitars youtube channel .

See how Dave Farrell uses ZVex Mastotron

Dave Farrell

Bassist

Linkin Park

...
Verified via BassPlayer.com

As mentioned in this interview with Bass Player magazine.

See how Anton Newcombe uses ZVex Mastotron

Anton Newcombe

Singer, Guitarist

The Brian Jonestown Massacre

...
Verified via PMT Online

In an interview with PMT Online, Anton Newcombe of Brian Jonestown Massacre is shown using the ZVex Mastotron Fuzz Pedal, which is featured in a photo near the bottom of the article and noted for live use.

See how Brittany Howard uses ZVex Mastotron

Brittany Howard

Singer, Guitarist

Alabama Shakes

...
Verified via Premierguitar

In Howard's interview with Premier Guitar, her gear is listed. One of the pedals listed is the ZVex Mastotron.

Album Usage

The ZVex Mastotron has been featured on the following albums:

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use ZVex Mastotron, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
aquariem

aquariem

Gear IQ 120

aquariem

aquariem

Gear IQ 120

guitarmarco

guitarmarco

Gear IQ 200

sloonie

sloonie

Gear IQ 85

equipboard

equipboard

Gear IQ 4934

cheahumada

cheahumada

Gear IQ 95

A

akidcalledoutlaw

Gear IQ 1662

2 alternative and related items for ZVex Mastotron, curated by the Equipboard community.

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$139.00 - $199.00

similar sound cheaper alternative

Perfect tiny fuzz with an amazing sound, dead simple, same great tone

Aion FX Penumbra Bass Fuzz

 

similar sound mod

The Aion FX Penumbra Bass Fuzz is a DIY kit that combines elements of the ZVEX Wooly Mammoth and Mastotron circuits.

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