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 In our final look at TYM GUITARS and Australian pedals in general, GEARED have fun with the BUZZRITE FUZZ.
The BUZZrite is a copy of the classic Mosrite Fuzzrite – one of the first, and simplest fuzz pedals ever made. The Tym Guitars “Wosrite” version is a faithful reproduction of the original circuit, whose minimal components distress the signal to create a raw square wave.
NOTABLE FEATURES
The BUZZrite is a straightforward affair. 1/4” input and output sockets saddle the unit, while Volume and Depth controls adorn the top. There’s plenty of volume available, and like the Shen-ei fuzz, unity gain was around 25-30%. Unlike the Shen-ei however, the pots actually turn clockwise to decrease, and anti-clockwise to increase the Volume and Depth. I assume this is because the original functioned in the same fashion.
In keeping with the Fuzzrite’s primitive nature, the BUZZrite runs exclusively on a re-installed 9V battery, though Tim can install an external power input if you so desire. He can also add an LED and Tone control, but that might be going a little far. The pedal is true bypass, and has an On/Off switch for the battery just like the original.
SOUND QUALITY
Pop! Goes the BUZZrite as I engage it – reinforcing the notion that it’s very old school. The unit hums a little when idle (or at least magnifies my guitar’s hum), and pops every time the switch is hit. That’s not a design fault mind – it’s just vintage technology, and terribly quaint in my opinion, with plenty of little sonic artefacts here and there.
The tone is comparably volatile. Having the Depth at 0% produces a moderate fuzz breakup (a contradiction, perhaps) that doesn’t really cut, but grumbles and growls as you hit multiple notes. Single notes sound like they’re being run through an overdrive constructed from scrap metal. Rolling the volume off the guitar makes them clean up a little too, which is really handy for playing dynamically.
The BUZZrite’s responsiveness holds-up to – and past – 50% Depth, where you’ll find a great deal of classic fuzz tone. Single notes slash in response to aggressive playing, while more restrained licks benefit from the increased sustain. Harmonics run wild here as well, so tapping, scraping and mute-strumming the strings makes for limitless sonic possibilities. This is even more true at 100% Depth, where the compression kicks in noticeably. Every nuance of playing is magnified, but the pedal remains reasonably transparent.
The BUZZrite subsequently combines admirably with other pedals. Placed in front of both digital and analogue delays it pushes them just enough to distort while they echo, and blends the tones together. Modulation is even easier, and a boost can really increase the fuzz’s versatility. Overdrive and distortion can create some problems, as clarity is tenuous, but when set for volume boost, light break-up and/or sustain, the BUZZrite reacts favourably.
BUILD CALIBRE
There’s not much to it, but the BUZZrite is built into a solid metal chassis. Like the fuzz tones of yesteryear, it isn’t going to die any time soon.
OVERALL
While I was conscious not to review the Tym Guitars BUZZrite as a clone, I do feel that its strict adherence to the original design of the Fuzzrite is a boon. Modern pedal building has eliminated a lot the quirks and character of older devices, and there’s a certain ‘60s ambiguity to the tone that keeps it genre neutral. The fact that it’s underpowered compared to latter-day fuzzes only adds versatility if you’re not exclusively playing heavy genres – and even then it can be combined relatively easily with other pedals. So while the BUZZrite may be primitive, it’s a charming vintage fuzz that’s simple enough to be used in a variety of musical situations.
THE VERDICT
8/10
$200. Look out for the BUZZRITE when it’s made available again next year. Like the Shen-ei, these sell very quickly. Visit www.tymguitars.com.au for more information.
Check out the audio samples of the pedal in action below.
GAIN - 00
GAIN - 50
GAIN - 100
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