Maestro Fuzz-Tone FZ-M Effects Pedal
Maestro Fuzz-Tone FZ-M Effects Pedal is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
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Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Collect in store right up to Christmas Eve
Our store is open right up to the 24th - buy in store or order for collection for those last minute gifts! See all about our new store with maps and directions
Last Shipping Dates For Christmas
While we recommend ordering as soon as you can,
For most items, with standard delivery, order by 2pm Friday 20th December
For most items , with next day delivery, order by 2pm Monday 23rd December,
At Reidy's Home Of Music, we understand how important it is for you to receive your order in a timely and efficient manner. That's why we have put together this delivery information to provide you with all the details you need to know about our shipping process.
Shipping Options:
We offer a variety of shipping options to cater to your specific needs. Whether you need your guitar delivered quickly or prefer a more cost-effective option, we have you covered. Our shipping options include:
- Our Standard Shipping: This is our most affordable shipping option, with delivery by express courier taking 1-3 business days , normally via DPD or DHL parcel. Currently FREE on orders of £399 or over and £6.95 for orders under £399
- Next working day Shipping: If you need your guitar in a hurry, our express shipping option means next working day delivery if you order before 2pm. Currently £14.99
- Shipping to Northern Ireland - can take 48 hours to arrive , and please note we can't send very heavy items such as pianos to Northern Ireland due to courier restrictions. £19.99
Shipping Costs:
Shipping costs will vary depending on the shipping option you choose and your location. During the checkout process, you will be able to see the shipping costs associated with your order before making a payment.
Tracking Your Order:
Once your order has been shipped, we will provide you with a tracking number. This allows you to easily track the progress of your delivery and know exactly when to expect your new guitar.
Delivery Timeframes:
The standard delivery timeframes mentioned above are estimates and may vary depending on factors such as your location and any unforeseen circumstances. However, we strive to ensure that your order is delivered to you as quickly as possible.
Customer Support:
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the delivery of your order, our friendly customer support team is here to assist you. You can reach out to us via phone or email, and we will be more than happy to provide you with any assistance you need.
Thank you for choosing Reidy's Home Of Music. We look forward to delivering your new guitar to you soon!
Description
Description
The Maestro Fuzz-Tone (FZ-1) is one of the most iconic and historically significant guitar pedals ever made. Released in 1962, this was the first commercially available fuzz pedal, defining the sound of early rock and paving the way for future distortion effects. While it may not be as versatile as modern fuzz pedals, its raw, buzzy tone remains legendary, particularly for those chasing that classic '60s garage rock and blues sound.
Build Quality & Design
The original Maestro Fuzz-Tone FZ-1 featured a rugged metal enclosure with a wedge-shaped design, giving it a unique and vintage look. The control layout was simple: two knobs for Volume and Attack (gain), and an on/off switch. It was powered by three AA batteries, which added to its distinct character—when the batteries started to drain, the pedal’s tone became even grittier!
Tone & Sound Quality
The FZ-1 is known for its thin, buzzy, and aggressively raspy fuzz tone—a sharp, almost horn-like sound that cuts through a mix. Unlike later fuzz pedals like the Fuzz Face or Big Muff, the FZ-1 doesn’t produce a thick or sustaining fuzz; instead, it delivers a spitty, lo-fi crunch, making it perfect for vintage-style rock and blues.
Notable Features of the FZ-1’s Sound:
Sputtery, raw, and compressed fuzz—great for vintage ‘60s tones
Treble-heavy bite—ideal for cutting through a mix but can sound thin
Responsive to playing dynamics—picking softer reduces fuzz intensity
Sounds best with low-output pickups (humbuckers can make it sound harsh)
The most famous example of the Maestro Fuzz-Tone’s sound is The Rolling Stones’ "(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction", where Keith Richards used it to mimic a brass horn section. Other notable users include Jeff Beck and Pete Townshend, who helped popularize the pedal in the ‘60s.
Limitations & Modern Alternatives
While the FZ-1 was revolutionary, it has some limitations by modern standards:
- It lacks low-end depth, making it less suitable for heavier styles.
- It can sound harsh with some amps, especially at high volumes.
- Limited sustain, meaning notes decay faster compared to later fuzz circuits like the Big Muff.
- Runs on old AA batteries, which can impact tone as they drain (though some modern reissues use standard power supplies).
If you’re looking for a faithful reproduction, Gibson/Maestro has released reissues, such as the Maestro Fuzz-Tone FZ-M and boutique clones that maintain the original circuit’s character while adding modern conveniences.
Pros:
- The original fuzz pedal—historic and legendary
- Iconic '60s garage rock tone (as heard on "Satisfaction")
- Simple controls, no unnecessary features
- Great for vintage rock, blues, and lo-fi tones
Final Verdict
The Maestro Fuzz-Tone (FZ-1) is a legendary pedal that shaped the sound of rock music. While it may not be the most versatile fuzz on the market, its raspy, vintage character makes it a must-have for fans of ‘60s rock, garage, and blues. If you’re after authentic early fuzz tones and don’t mind its quirks, the FZ-1 is a classic worth exploring.
Payment & Security
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