What brand manufactures the Velvet Fuzz?

The Velvet Fuzz is manufactured by Wampler Pedals, a boutique brand known for high-quality guitar effects.

What is the typical price for a Wampler Velvet Fuzz?

The pedal typically retails in the range of £179, depending on the specific retailer.

What improvements were made in the 2016 version?

The 2016 version introduced relay-style soft switches, top-mounted jacks, and upgraded graphics for better reliability and aesthetics.

What is the benefit of relay-style soft switches?

Relay-style soft switches are considerably more reliable and hardwearing compared to traditional mechanical switches used in original models.

Where are the jack inputs located on the current version?

The jack inputs are located at the top of the unit, which helps to minimise the amount of space the pedal occupies on a pedalboard.

How many fuzz modes does the Wampler Velvet Fuzz offer?

The pedal offers two distinct fuzz modes, allowing the user to choose between a classic, wild fuzz and a more controlled sound.

What does the 'Big' mode sound like?

The 'Big' mode provides a massive, classic fuzz sound with high levels of sustain and compression, similar to a traditional large-box fuzz.

How does the 'Tight' mode differ from the 'Big' mode?

The 'Tight' mode brings the fuzz under control, offering a sound that is more reminiscent of a high-gain distortion while retaining fuzz textures.

Can the Wampler Velvet Fuzz be used with other pedals like chorus or delay?

Yes, it can be used alongside pedals such as the Behringer UC200 Ultra Chorus or Boss DD-3T Digital Delay to create complex signal chains.

Does this pedal require a noise suppressor?

While it is a high-gain effect, it is designed for modern standards. Users with high-gain setups may still choose to use a pedal like the Boss NS-2 to manage their signal chain.

How does it compare to an Electro-Harmonix Big Muff with Tone Wicker?

While both offer classic fuzz tones, the Velvet Fuzz provides a specific 'Tight' mode to tame the signal and features a boutique build with top-mounted jacks.

Is the Wampler Velvet Fuzz suitable for professional pedalboards?

Yes, the inclusion of top-mounted jacks and robust relay switching makes it highly suitable for professional, space-efficient pedalboard setups.

Gear article

Wampler Velvet Fuzz

The Wampler Velvet Fuzz is a boutique guitar effects pedal designed to provide classic fuzz tones with modern versatility and control. It features two distinct fuzz modes and was updated in 2016 to include relay-style soft switching and top-mounted jacks.

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Overview

The Wampler Velvet Fuzz is engineered to offer the iconic textures of vintage fuzz units while maintaining the reliability and tonal flexibility expected by contemporary guitarists. It is housed in a standard compact enclosure and is known for its ability to simulate the sound of a fuzz pedal running into a cranked valve amplifier. The unit is priced around £179, positioning it as a premium option in the boutique pedal market.

Design and 2016 Upgrades

Significant improvements were introduced in the 2016 version of the Velvet Fuzz to enhance durability and pedalboard ergonomics. The mechanical footswitch was replaced with a relay-style soft switch, which is designed to be more hardwearing and reliable for touring musicians. Additionally, the input and output jacks were relocated to the top of the unit, allowing for tighter placement alongside other pedals. The aesthetic was also refreshed with upgraded graphics.

Key Features and Operation

The primary control layout consists of Volume, Fuzz, and Tone knobs, allowing users to sculpt the frequency response and saturation levels. The defining feature of the pedal is its toggle switch, which offers two distinct modes:

Big Mode: Provides a massive, wall-of-sound fuzz effect with high compression and long sustain, reminiscent of classic muff-style circuits.
Tight Mode: Offers a more controlled, distortion-like fuzz that responds better to picking dynamics and works effectively for rhythmic playing.

These modes allow the user to 'tame' the signal and bring the wilder characteristics of fuzz back under control.

Sound Character

The Velvet Fuzz is characterised by its ability to sound like a 'fuzz through a stack' rather than a thin, buzzy effect. It provides a creamy, thick saturation that maintains clarity even at high gain settings. While it captures the classic fuzz spirit, it lacks the unpredictability and temperature sensitivity often found in vintage germanium-based units.

Ideal Users

This pedal suits guitarists who require vintage-inspired fuzz tones but prefer the stability of modern components. It is particularly effective for those who switch between lead and rhythm playing, as the 'Tight' mode offers the necessary definition for riffs that traditional fuzzes might blur. It is a suitable alternative for those considering pedals like the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff with Tone Wicker.

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Frequently asked questions

What brand manufactures the Velvet Fuzz?: The Velvet Fuzz is manufactured by Wampler Pedals, a boutique brand known for high-quality guitar effects.
What is the typical price for a Wampler Velvet Fuzz?: The pedal typically retails in the range of £179, depending on the specific retailer.
What improvements were made in the 2016 version?: The 2016 version introduced relay-style soft switches, top-mounted jacks, and upgraded graphics for better reliability and aesthetics.
What is the benefit of relay-style soft switches?: Relay-style soft switches are considerably more reliable and hardwearing compared to traditional mechanical switches used in original models.
Where are the jack inputs located on the current version?: The jack inputs are located at the top of the unit, which helps to minimise the amount of space the pedal occupies on a pedalboard.
How many fuzz modes does the Wampler Velvet Fuzz offer?: The pedal offers two distinct fuzz modes, allowing the user to choose between a classic, wild fuzz and a more controlled sound.
What does the 'Big' mode sound like?: The 'Big' mode provides a massive, classic fuzz sound with high levels of sustain and compression, similar to a traditional large-box fuzz.
How does the 'Tight' mode differ from the 'Big' mode?: The 'Tight' mode brings the fuzz under control, offering a sound that is more reminiscent of a high-gain distortion while retaining fuzz textures.
Can the Wampler Velvet Fuzz be used with other pedals like chorus or delay?: Yes, it can be used alongside pedals such as the Behringer UC200 Ultra Chorus or Boss DD-3T Digital Delay to create complex signal chains.
Does this pedal require a noise suppressor?: While it is a high-gain effect, it is designed for modern standards. Users with high-gain setups may still choose to use a pedal like the Boss NS-2 to manage their signal chain.
How does it compare to an Electro-Harmonix Big Muff with Tone Wicker?: While both offer classic fuzz tones, the Velvet Fuzz provides a specific 'Tight' mode to tame the signal and features a boutique build with top-mounted jacks.
Is the Wampler Velvet Fuzz suitable for professional pedalboards?: Yes, the inclusion of top-mounted jacks and robust relay switching makes it highly suitable for professional, space-efficient pedalboard setups.