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Reviving an Iconic 60s Voice with Modern Stability in a new compact effect pedal size
Designed to deliver the unmistakable character of one of the most influential late-1960s two-transistor fuzz circuits, commonly associated with the celebrated Mk 1.5 design, the VFZ-1 answers today’s players’ need for expressive vintage tone while solving the noise, inconsistency, and temperature sensitivity that have long challenged traditional Germanium-based fuzz pedals. Through meticulous engineering and precise transistor biasing, VOX has created a modern Silicon-driven interpretation that preserves the warmth, harmonic richness, and musical responsiveness of classic fuzz, only now with exceptional reliability, stability, and ease of integration into contemporary pedalboards.
VOX engineers began by studying prized original examples, finding not only their tonal qualities but also the nuanced way their transistors interact. Instead of relying on Germanium, the VFZ-1 employs two carefully selected Silver Can BC108 Silicon transistors, each precisely biased to replicate the musical response of the originals while keeping consistent performance in any environment. This approach gives the VFZ-1 the smooth compression, organic breakup, and expressive sustain associated with overdriven vintage valve amplifiers, but with drastically reduced noise and a significantly wider sweet spot than vintage units traditionally allow.
A key breakthrough in the VFZ-1 is its unusually high input impedance for a vintage-style fuzz. The first transistor stage has been designed to preserve the natural harmonics of the guitar signal while staying fully compatible with buffered pedals and Wah effects—situations that would normally compromise classic fuzz behavior. This allows players to place the VFZ-1 anywhere in their signal chain without sacrificing tone, immediately eliminating one of the most persistent frustrations of earlier designs. The second transistor stage then shapes and refines the fuzz character, delivering an articulate yet saturated voice that responds dynamically to picking intensity and guitar volume, while staying controlled, musical, and remarkably quiet.
To support modern performance demands, VOX expanded the tonal versatility of the classic circuit rather than altering its fundamental character. The primary Fuzz control sets the core voice, after which the VFZ-1 provides added tonal refinement without straying from its authentic sonic foundation. A Bass Cut control allows players to manage how much low end enters the gain stages, making it ideal for balancing humbuckers, cleaning up neck pickup tones, or tightening rhythm textures. A Tone Cut control then shapes the high-frequency response at the output, allowing everything from smooth, violin-like sustain to brighter, cutting articulation while maintaining clarity and presence. For players who love the lower-gain character that vintage fuzzes produce when the guitar’s volume is rolled back, the VFZ-1 introduces a dedicated Crunch switch, instantly offering those expressive overdrive-like textures without requiring any change at the instrument itself.
The VFZ-1 embodies the spirit of early two-transistor fuzz pedals by capturing their mid-forward presence, liquid sustain, and touch sensitivity, but refines the experience with rock-solid stability, exceptionally low noise, and pedalboard-friendly modern power compatibility. Its rugged, compact enclosure reflects the toughness needed for contemporary gigs and studios while honoring the unmistakable aesthetic heritage associated with vintage fuzz.
By faithfully preserving the emotional impact, musical feel, and unmistakable character of late-60s fuzz while removing the inconsistency, fragility, and environmental unpredictability of original units, VOX has created a pedal that delivers legendary tone in a form that finally meets modern standards of performance and reliability. The VFZ-1 brings iconic fuzz within reach—consistent, expressive, and ready for any stage or studio.
Where to buy:
For more information on the VOX VFZ-1 Fuzz and the full range of VOX products, please visit NAMM Booth #6802 or online at www.voxamps.com.
Street Price: $149.99 USD
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