The fuzz face debuted in 1966, made by sax repairman and amateur drummer ivor arbiter, who ran the drum city shop on shaftesbury avenue in londons west end. For sale is a vintage crest audio dallas arbiter fuzz face reissue effects pedal. How to tame a fuzz face type fuzz pedal guitar tone. Fuzz face jdf2 built to the exact specifications of the original dallas arbiter fuzz face. Introduced in 1966 by londons arbiter music, the dynamicsounding fuzz face represents mankinds best use of two transistors, four resistors, and three capacitors. The sound of eric johnsons favorite fuzz tone in a pedal designed around johnsons personal collection of fuzz face pedals created by fuzz face master engineer, jeorge tripps handselected bc183 silicon transistors provide extrahigh gain unique look includes custom 6869 knobs and a vintagestyle. The dunlop era dallas arbiter fuzz face guitar effects pedal demo. Aug 26, 2017 arbiter fuzz face effects pedal silicon transistors posted by andy. Eric prefers the later silicon bc109 based fuzz faces. Dallasarbiter dunlop fuzz face company facebook 37. One of the most sought after reissues is the bc109c version produced by crest audio. Jdf2 fuzz face distortion the original fuzz face is constructed to the vintage specs, with the original germanium pnp transistor design.
So i start to put the wheels in motion for the new fuzzface reissue. The company bought crest audio in the 1980s and although it was operating under that name when it reissued the fuzz face in 1986, the units still bore the dallas arbiter name. The legendary dallas arbiter fuzz box in sturdy case. It is designed to produce a distorted sound referred to as fuzz, originally achieved through accident such as broken electrical components or damaged speakers. Uk company arbiter electronics released in 1966 what would be one of the most beloved guitar effects of all time, the fuzz face. The dallas arbiter fuzz face has been around since 1966, and it shows no signs of dying any time soon. The original fuzz face was built by dallas arbiter and includes volume and fuzz controls in a chassis inspired by a microphone stand mount. Lately ive been rebuilding a 1976 dallas arbiter fuzz face that came with bc209s. The dunlop cry baby goes into his marshall lead rig, via an echoplex and a b. David gilmour used the dallas arbiter fuzz face and a colorsound power boost for most of the fuzz tones in the 1970s, up to the dark side of the moon, wish you were here, and animals period. When i first got this pedal it had a different, nonperiod correct replacement parts. Through this designs past youll find all kinds of different variations in the basic original circuit, from pnp germanium to npn silicon, and a countless number of fuzz pedals that are based on it. I was 21 years old and i had the job of qc technician for their mixing console lines which included new crest audio consoles and kelsey consoles. Before a clean amp, it can cut quite nicely though thanks to the germanium transistors, it is never as annoying as various other distortions, but before an already distorted sound, the sun.
Dunlops engineering department examined hoards of vintage fuzz face pedals, honing in on a few units which possessed that unmistakable jimi voodoo. The first fuzz face reissue was the silicon model left, followed by this. My 93 reissue og fuzz face from mid 60s with germanium crest audio ff. It is all original, and has one bc109c and one bc640 transistor for some amazing vintage tone. Feb 05, 2012 the jimi hendrix fuzz face is a meticulously faithful reproduction of jimis 19691970 dallas arbiter fuzz face.
Fuzz face bottom plate by dunlop fuzz face rubber tread by dunlop. The jimi hendrix fuzz face distortion is a meticulously faithful reproduction of the 196970 dallas arbiter fuzz face that jimi used on classic albums such as electric ladyland. The kit contains all the parts to make either the pnp or npn version of a dallas arbitor fuzz face. The top 50 stompboxes of all time 50 years of foot.
Ibanez ts9dx tube screamer mods ibanez ts808 reissue tube screamer mods. The origin of the fuzz face circuit the early sola sound tone bender mk ii. Arbiter fuzz face effects pedal silicon transistors posted by andy. This may be the original unit that spawned them all. Even within the first phase of fuzz face production, there is some variation to the circuitry as well as to the color of pedal. The company was later sold and became known as dallasarbiter, and they continued to produce the pedal under that name. Mar 06, 2014 find great deals on the fuzz face on click here dunlop fuzzface reissue demo. The kit contains a pair of low gain npn silicon transistors and a pair of low gain pnp silicon trasistors that sound great in this stompbox. But in 97 i saw fuzz faces with different transistors used in the high gain position and they sounded pretty good still using the nkt in the other. Good chance denis cornell and jorge tripps have measured original units i would suspect.
The dunlop jimi hendrix fuzz face is a meticulously faithful reproduction of the 196970s dallas arbiter fuzz face that jimi used on classic albums like band. Im still trying to figure out which fuzz face reissue i used to have. The company bought crest audio in the 1980s and although it was operating under that name when it reissued the fuzz face in 1986, the units still bore the dallasarbiter name. If youre a fan of vintage 60s fatbottomed fuzz, nothing sounds better than a vintage arbiterengland fuzz face. From the micstand casting to the smile that reads arbiterengland to the pnp germanium transistors arbiters reissue is the closestsoundinglooking pedal to the real deal. Of all the current dunlop reissues and signature models, this is the most vintage. He was certainly responsible for the beatles famous droppedt logo.
He mainly uses vintage models, but has more recently been using his signature dunlop ejf1 fuzz face, these tend. The dunlop jimi hendrix fuzz face is a meticulously faithful reproduction of the 196970 dallas arbiter fuzz face that jimi used on classic albums like band of gypsys. When jimi hendrix released his first album, 1967s are you experienced, he launched a new level of guitar heroics as well as a sartorial fad for ruffled shirts and band jackets. The reason for this is that it actually predates the original arbiter fuzz face production began 1965. Dallas arbiter fuzz face fuzz box pete townshends guitar. Also added some pics so anyone could compare a crest audio ff, to a og fuzz face from the 60s and then of course obviously a pic of my reissue from 93. The bc108 is the traditional silicon transistor for the fuzz face. The dallasarbiter fuzz face has been around since 1966, and it shows no signs of dying any time soon. The classic fuzz pedals, including the dallas arbiter fuzz face, had little compression and mid range but were often used with amps that could compensate for that, like a marshall or hiwatt.
Fuzzface shootout dunlop era dallas arbiter vs current. Sep 21, 2009 the dunlop era dallas arbiter fuzz face guitar effects pedal demo. Arbiter fuzz face effects pedal silicon transistors element14. Vintage crest audio dallas aribiter england fuzz face. Therefore it is more than likely that arbiter based the fuzz face on this circuit. This is the classic fuzz box used by jim hendrix, eric johnson, and more. Fuzz face jdf2 built to the exact specifications of the original dallasarbiter fuzz face. The denis cornell 90s arbiter reissue i took apart had a pair of ac128s with hfe c. Pretty much the gainiest most articulate ge fuzz face ive ever had the chance to play.
The original arbiter england fuzz face pedals first began being imported into america in. Dunlops engineering department examined hoards of vintage fuzz faces, honing in on a few units that possessed unmistakable jimi voodoo. It models stuff like the fuzz face, big muff, tube driver, etc. The fuzz face is a classic guitar pedal, originally produced in england by arbiter in the mid1960s. Hey joe 196869 vintage fuzz face bc183l sound demo by fuzzfaceexp by fuzzfaceexp. Electric warrior has said somewhere that lower gain is the way to go with the ge fuzz face david main has also said that somewhere on his site. When you talk about classic fuzz, you probably mean the sound of the legendary fuzzface in most cases. Dunlops engineering department examined hoards of vintage fuzz faces, honing in on a few. This arbiter fuzz face clone is based on the classic dallas arbiter fuzz and uses your choice of either nos germanium ac128 pnp transistors or silicon bc588 pnp transistors and is powered from the negative rail must use a different adapter from pedals that take 9v center negative power, ie. Bk butler tube driver guitar effects pedals, guitar pedals, eric johnson, bass amps. Dallasarbiter by crest audio fuzz face reissue bc109c. It is in used condition with cosmetic wear from use.
Before a clean amp, it can cut quite nicely though thanks to the germanium transistors, it is never as annoying as various other distortions. As far as finding npn silicon transistors that have useable gain ranges for a fuzz face, i have had luck with the 2n4123 hfe 60100, ss90 hfe around 100110 and the mps65 hfe 125140. He uses these mainly for his violinlike fluid lead runs. The top 50 stompboxes of all time 50 years of footstompin.
View all boss effects stock ac3 acoustic simulator bd2 blues driver. From the micstand casting to the smile that reads arbiter england to the pnp germanium transistors arbiter s reissue is the closestsoundinglooking pedal to the real deal. Fuzz face, 1st run 1993 dallas arbiter england discussion in the effect effect started by thekid, jan 24, 2015. Still others claim that the arbiter fuzz face, the first run of the unit had sf363 transistors in it see 1992 guitar player mag. One day in 1963 ringo starr and brian epstein turned up at arbiters drum city shop looking to buy a new kit. Four tips to make the most of your fuzz face zzounds. The dunlop jimi hendrix fuzz face is a meticulously faithful reproduction of the 196970s dallas arbiter fuzz face that jimi used on classic albums like band of gypsys. Cheaper alternatives to vintage dallas arbiter fuzz face. I love the sound of the old dallas arbiter fuzz faces, specifically as i hear eric.
Ruggedly constructed to the original vintage specs. The trademark fuzz face has changed hands several times and there have been several reissues. The fuzz face is very sensitive to playing dynamics, so you can get many shades of gain with slight variations on the guitars volume knobs. Dunlops engineering department examined hoards of vintage fuzz faces, honing in on a few units which possessed that unmistakable jimi voodoo. Up for sale is a great sounding dallas arbiter fuzz face make sure to watch the video for a sound clip. The original fuzz face is constructed to the vintage specs, with the original germanium pnp transistor design. The silicon transistors and handwired circuitry match jimis pedal, and the turquoise casing and knobs match the original fuzz face aesthetic. Dec 27, 2007 the 1980s fuzzface reissue i started working for crest audio in fall of 1984. When did dunlop start cutting corners with the fuzz faces. Dec 21, 2010 in the years since, dunlop, who have made the fuzz face since the 90s, worked with bonamassa to create the ultimate fuzz face for his searing blues style and humbuckercentric approach. The circuit was soon altered by sola sound or perhaps more accurately one of the consultant boffins sola sound utilised.
Dallas music industries made a final batch of fuzz face units in 1976 or 1977, shortly after moving to the united states. The classic fuzz box used by legendary rockers of the 60s and 70s. In an attempt to recapture the predallas arbiter fuzz face sound, ivor arbiter recently reissued his original mid60s fuzz face. Arbiter was famous for selling ringo starr a black oyster pearl ludwig kit in 62, which he hastily inscribed with the beatles across the front to make the sale, complete with. In the years since, dunlop, who have made the fuzz face since the 90s, worked with bonamassa to create the ultimate fuzz face for his searing blues style and humbuckercentric approach. A list of all the components needed to build up synthroteks arbiter fuzz face clone.
The early ac128 and sf363e fuzz faces are probably only a myth. A 60s dallasarbiter fuzz face, a vintage ts808 ibanez tube screamer, and, just to its right and off the board, an mxr flangerdoubler feed into the tworock head. Dallas arbiter fuzz face replica complete kit kits. Vintage dallas arbiter england fuzz face crest audio 1980s reissue. Dunlopmxr claims its the guts of the original silicon fuzz face. This is most accentuated with singlecoil pickups, like those on a stratocaster, but you can do it with a humbucker as well. Also note that ej uses the tube driver for his lead sound with one marshall. Of this long list of pedals, the bc108 silicon transistor based jimi hendrix fuzz face is the most sought after, thanks mostly to its reference to the iconic guitar player. Pete townshend used a dallas arbiter fuzz face fuzz pedal on stage for a brief period in 1968. Jun 17, 2017 cornell fuzz face nos 60s nkt275 germanium reissue pedal. Sep 27, 2015 this list contains all effect models that helix will contain when it is shipped. He mainly uses vintage models, but has more recently been using his signature dunlop ejf1 fuzz face, these tend to go for around.
Line 6 helix effect models list with all effect models in helix. Arbiter fuzz face effects pedal silicon transistors. The legendary dallas arbiter fuzz box in sturdy case when you talk about classic fuzz, you probably mean the sound of the legendary fuzzface in most cases. Line 6 helix effect models list with all effect models. Theres some good reading on analogmans site about the fuzz face circuit. Ibanez ts808 tube screamer maxon sd9 sonic distortion.
The hot rod has a morph knob like the tone driver, another great buy which is suppose to give you tones of a pro co rat, a boss ds1 and a fuzz face. Dallas arbiter fuzz face replica complete kit kits fuzz. Later fuzz faces were produced by crest audio and later by dunlop. Itas easy to dismiss a fuzz pedal for being too wild, harsh or thin but once you. Meanwhile, i also came across two boxes containing dallas arbiter.
The dunlop fuzz face dallas arbiter reissue was not good sounding when it came out in 93. My big board is pretty complex, but when i do smaller board gigs i run fuzz ej fuzz face, a voodoo lab sparkle drive mod as my rhythm oddistortion, and a vl giggity odbooster at the end set louder, darker, and with a touch more gain for my lead sound. Dunlop dallas arbiter fuzz face thomann united states. Find great deals on the fuzz face on click here dunlop fuzzface reissue demo. Expanding on the dallasarbiter fuzz, dunlop created a number of uniquely voiced versions of the fuzz face. Introduced in 1966 by londons arbiter music, the dynamicsounding fuzz face represents mankinds best use of two transistors, four. The only photos showing its use are from august 1968. Ivor arbiter, so the story goes, was responsible for the unique look of the fuzz face. Dallas arbiter fuzz face bc108 1969 grey guitar effects pedals, guitar. The simplicity of the circuit has caused much debate and lore, but two transistors, three capacitors and a couple of resistors still sounds like magic. Dunlop dallas arbiter fuzzface red, mods telecaster. The first pedals that emerged in the mid 60s and further into the 70s, like the colorsound powerboost, dallas arbiter fuzz face and ehx big muff, all had a. Arbiter fuzz face electroharmonix big muff pi industrial fuzz. Sep 22, 2005 20150622 70s dallas arbiter fuzz face sound demo vol.
These were actually only made for a very short period of time. Four tips to make the most of your fuzz face zzounds music blog. The right column shows the real pedal they are based on. This list contains all effect models that helix will contain when it is shipped. A comparison between the earlier version, which read dallas arbiter england, but still distributed by dunlop, versus the current. For fuzz leads i run fuzz sdm for regular dirty leads it sdm giggity. The most important components are the transistors, germanium will get you the classic 60s sound where silicon goes towards a 70s sound. I have the bc109 hendrix reissue going through a hiwatt 405 and 4.
The fuzz pot and transistors are period correct replacements. Digitech hot rod rock distortion guitar effect pedal for. Check out analogmans sunface pedal or phoenix custom electronics fuzz pedal, both are very well made copies of the fuzz face circuit. Designed in 1966 by arbiter electronics in london, the fuzz face is. One of jimis main weapons was the arbiter fuzz face, a cheap, crude fuzz box that would become famous and infamous forever more. The 1980s fuzzface reissue i started working for crest audio in fall of 1984. The fuzz face featured a smiley face round configuration of its two controls volume and fuzz and footswitch, housed in a red housing. Cornell fuzz face nos 60s nkt275 germanium reissue pedal. Mar 22, 2017 youd have to have been frozen in a glacier for the past 3,000 years to not know about the fuzz face or the lefthanded strat player who made it famous. The jimi hendrix fuzz face is a meticulously faithful reproduction of jimis 19691970 dallas arbiter fuzz face. Due to problems with temperature stability, and consistency issues, arbiter began making fuzz faces using silicon transistors in the late 60s.