Fuzz Factory 7 Engraved

on the cusp of the 29th anniversary of the invention of the ZVEX Fuzz Factory 1995, ZVEX introduces our latest raw engraved enclosure variation of the Fuzz Factory 7.  Each unit is uniquely hand-engraved by Lisa McGrath beneath the sunny south-facing windows of our Minneapolis workshop. The darkened, engraved surface pattern is balanced with luxurious clear knobs revealing the raw machined metal shafts and bushings of the seven controls.

The electronics package features vintage GT308 germanium transistors with flying saucer rims illuminated through a circular Lexan window. The expressive hand-engraving process is limited to short runs so these pedals will only be available in small quantities, released as they are completed. This is the toughest, rawest, wildest version of our craziest fuzz with a new artistic twist.

The Fuzz Factory 7, a new take on our original company flagship Fuzz Factory. The Fuzz Factory 7 features a 9-position rotary sub switch that opens the pedal up to an astounding new bottom end as well as thin, reedy fuzzes. This means the pedal can oscillate at much lower registers as well has higher ones. The fuzz works equally well with both guitar and bass signals. There’s also a second stomp switch and an associated tone control. This passive tone control operates much the way the one on your guitar does, and when the stomp switch is activated it will let you roll off the high end of the fuzz sound so you can mellow out the tone if you like.

The controls of the Fuzz Factory 7 are arranged in a circle around a Lexan window that reveals two NOS 1960s GT308 germanium transistors (from Ukraine), individually hand-tested for the perfect gain range and low leakage. These rare and magnificent-sounding transistors are illuminated by LEDs when the pedal is engaged.

SUBS SWITCH: The Fuzz Factory 7 has two new knobs (when compared to the original Fuzz Factory.) One of these, located at the 5 o’clock position, is a nine-position rotary switch that controls the internal tone of the fuzz, getting fatter and subbier to the left and thinner and reedier to the right. This switch will obviously change the oscillation range of the pedal as well, when the other knobs are set to an oscillating or squealing tone. Around the middle you’ll find the original Fuzz Factory setting.

KNOBS: Although the six main control knobs are named for the parameters over which they seem to have the most control, please don’t hold us to it. They are controls for various operating levels and biases, and basically shape you a personalized fuzz.

VOL: Controls output volume.

GATE: Squelches noise after end of sustain. Turn to right to eliminate squeals, hiss and buzz, stopping just as they disappear, or use to tune in exact feedback pitch, if you’re that kind. Turning to left opens gate.

COMP: Adds attack characteristic when turned to left, which gets softer to right, and suddenly pinches tone when all the way right. Also use to tune in fat feedbacky fuzz, if you’re that kind. Lower the Stability and see what happens to this control.

DRIVE: Increases distortion when used as a “normal” fuzz, and adjusts feedback pitch and tonal thickness, if you’re that kind. This control becomes meaningless when Compress is all the way right.

STAB: Use all the way right. Do not attempt to adjust this control
below 2:00, unless you like your fuzz soft and squishy. Use to control feedback pitch.