Fuzz Bob-Omb
$194.99
The Fuzz Bob-Omb: an epic pedal of epic epicness. Easy to dial in with intuitive controls, the Fuzz Bob-Omb produces diverse fuzz tones – from subtle rumble to high pitched scrapes. A fuzz for those who hate fuzz, it finds a home in varying musical genres: blues, metal, rock, or songs that make you think about death and get sad and stuff. Sounds just as good on bass, even if you only play one note the entire song. Available exclusively from Rare Buzz Effects.
The Fuzz Bob-Omb is the culmination of substantial research and development at Rare Buzz Effects. This discrete hybrid fuzz features a JFET input buffer that feeds a four-stage germanium fuzz core followed by a simple transistor buffer to preserve signal strength at the output jack. Each germanium stage incorporates carefully selected surplus Soviet transistors – three different varieties are used. Fuzz is created by rectifying the signal, done by a deliberate arrangement of four germanium diodes – topology based on an incredibly rare Soviet-era circuit from the 1970s.
Controls:
- Output: Controlled by the larger knob. A passive volume control that adjusts the final output of the Fuzz Bob-Omb.
- Timbre: Controlled by the small trimmer. This unique control adjusts the balance of the last rectifier stage, dramatically changing the voicing of the fuzz. Quickly adjusts to different guitars and amplifiers.
Switching, including the LED indicator light, is completely isolated from the audio path using a relay and dedicated voltage regulator. Controlled with a mechanical switch, if power is lost the Fuzz Bob-Omb will remain in whatever state it was last in – perfect for advanced pedalboards using loop switching. Neutrik audio and Lumberg DC jacks are used. Housed in a metallic red Gorva C65 enclosure, prepared by AmplifyFun in Portland, Oregon. Art by Christopher Blain of Blain Studio. Note: As with many high gain circuits, the Fuzz Bob-Omb is sensitive to native pickup noise. This may present as a slight hum when the strings are idle and goes away during play.
| Dimensions | 2.8" X 4.8" X 2.6" |
|---|---|
| Weight | — |
| Input | 1/4" Instrument (Mono) |
| Output | 1/4" Instrument (Mono) |
| Input Impedance | 510K |
| Power | 9V; 2.1mm DC Jack |
| Consumption | 55mA |
Fuzz Bob-Omb in the Media
Collector//Emitter
Demos in the Dark
Harsh Tones
Get Offset
How It Started:
The Kazan Booster: part of a rare line of industrial audio effects pedals from the former Soviet Union, the Kazan Booster was released in 1977. Two versions of the circuit exist, differing in the number of transistors and placement of diodes in the signal path. The name “booster” must have been lost in translation as modern players would definately consider this a fuzz box. Other effects in this series include a tremolo and a wah pedal, both housed in similar treadle enclosures.
Perhaps a result of its odd configuration, the Kazan Booster did not sell well – new old stock examples are still available nearly 50 years later for those with deep enough pockets.
Image courtesy of the Tone Report.
How It Started:
The Kazan Booster: part of a rare line of industrial audio effects pedals from the former Soviet Union, the Kazan Booster was released in 1977. Two versions of the circuit exist, differing in the number of transistors and placement of diodes in the signal path. The name “booster” must have been lost in translation as modern players would definately consider this a fuzz box. Other effects in this series include a tremolo and a wah pedal, both housed in similar treadle enclosures.
Perhaps a result of its odd configuration, the Kazan Booster did not sell well – new old stock examples are still available nearly 50 years later for those with deep enough pockets.
Image courtesy of the Tone Report.
How It’s Going:
The Fuzz Bob-Omb is based on the more complex four tranistor version of the Kazan Booster. The folks at Rare Buzz spent long hours experimenting with different transistor types and values to find the ideal combination of gain through the signal path. Additional silicon support stages were added to enhance the voicing and to increase output.
Relay switching and intentional power regulation keeps the mechanical switch and the LED separate from the audio path. Careful circuit design further reduces switching noise. The Fuzz Bob-Omb is true bypass.
A modern footprint makes the Fuzz Bob-Omb more pedal board friendly than the Kazan Booster. Get playing quickly with simple controls – finding a great tone is easy, but choosing your favorite will take a while.
How It’s Going:
The Fuzz Bob-Omb is based on the more complex four tranistor version of the Kazan Booster. The folks at Rare Buzz spent long hours experimenting with different transistor types and values to find the ideal combination of gain through the signal path. Additional silicon support stages were added to enhance the voicing and to increase output.
Relay switching and intentional power regulation keeps the mechanical switch and the LED separate from the audio path. Careful circuit design further reduces switching noise. The Fuzz Bob-Omb is true bypass.
A modern footprint makes the Fuzz Bob-Omb more pedal board friendly than the Kazan Booster. Get playing quickly with simple controls – finding a great tone is easy, but choosing your favorite will take a while.