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Boss FZ-5 Fuzz
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Users reviews
  • Theo PBTheo PB

    Good but not necessarily suitable

    Boss FZ-5 FuzzPublished on 08/08/13 at 02:42
    (This content has been automatically translated from French)
    Everything has been said digital pedal (and therefore not editable) which models fuzz 3 years 60/70. Case Boss, basic connectivity, 9V.

    UTILIZATION

    The use of this pedal is very simple: a knob to choose between the three effects, and then the classic Gain and Volume. No need for a manual here.
    Note the absence of tone, shame but I think a fuzz does not need this parameter, and then he did not fail me.

    SOUND QUALITY

    So here we have three fuzz.
    The very first classic, a fat and dirty sound, proper sound quality but nothing exceptional. The Gain knob can go a pretty dirty to a very runny porridge boost, and that's exactly what we're looking for with a fuzz!
    The seco…
    Read more
    Everything has been said digital pedal (and therefore not editable) which models fuzz 3 years 60/70. Case Boss, basic connectivity, 9V.

    UTILIZATION

    The use of this pedal is very simple: a knob to choose between the three effects, and then the classic Gain and Volume. No need for a manual here.
    Note the absence of tone, shame but I think a fuzz does not need this parameter, and then he did not fail me.

    SOUND QUALITY

    So here we have three fuzz.
    The very first classic, a fat and dirty sound, proper sound quality but nothing exceptional. The Gain knob can go a pretty dirty to a very runny porridge boost, and that's exactly what we're looking for with a fuzz!
    The second allows you to play Satisfaction, but nothing else! The fuzz is very special, and very little use.
    The third faithfully reproduces the octavia used notably by Jimi Hendrix. For use with handle microphones and a small gain for replaying old songs or improvise.

    I use only the first effect, and I do not use that coupled with an overdrive pedal. It is my opinion that in this use fuzz gets really interesting. With the gain at minimum, boost the signal and is a little dirty, very useful in all rock styles. With a higher gain, we get a very fat sound that can be used in many ways ...
    In short, the sounds offered by the fuzz are correct, knowing that only the first effect is really interesting for me.

    OVERALL OPINION

    Used frequently for over 4 years, including several times on stage, she was never a problem for me.
    This pedal can be interesting face fuzz quality which are much more expensive, but it all depends on what you intend to do. Personally, 100 € to boost an overdrive on certain songs or solos, it's a little expensive.
    So quality / price ratio not too bad, but keep in mind that the three effects, two are reserved for exceptional use say.
    I do not think the choice again: I may be leading to analog fuzz.
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  • HatsubaiHatsubai

    COSM based modeling fuzz

    Boss FZ-5 FuzzPublished on 11/29/11 at 13:58
    For about 8 years, there wasn't a single fuzz in the Boss line up. Finally, they decided to make a fuzz, but they changed it up this time. Instead of the normal fuzz style components, they decided to make use of their famous COSM technology to help create an almost modeling style fuzz. It's a bit different, so it's not for everybody, but it's definitely something interesting. It has a knob for the level, knob for the amount of fuzz and a three way selector switch that allows you to select between three different fuzz types.

    UTILIZATION

    The manual that Boss provides is wonderful. It's easy to understand what everything does and how everything works. It also gives you some exam…
    Read more
    For about 8 years, there wasn't a single fuzz in the Boss line up. Finally, they decided to make a fuzz, but they changed it up this time. Instead of the normal fuzz style components, they decided to make use of their famous COSM technology to help create an almost modeling style fuzz. It's a bit different, so it's not for everybody, but it's definitely something interesting. It has a knob for the level, knob for the amount of fuzz and a three way selector switch that allows you to select between three different fuzz types.

    UTILIZATION

    The manual that Boss provides is wonderful. It's easy to understand what everything does and how everything works. It also gives you some example sentences to help you get some good sounds right away. The knobs are easily accessible, and it's small enough to fit on nearly any pedalboard. The pedal is FET bypassed, so it can be used as a buffer to help boost/preserve your signal, but it doesn't sound quite as good as true bypass. The housing is awesome and will withstand even the most extreme abuse out there. It's withstood the test of time, and there's a reason why they keep using it.

    SOUND QUALITY

    The fuzz tones are pretty decent, and it's meant to model the Fuzzface, FZ-1A and Octavia. All three of these fuzzes are pretty iconic in the fuzz world, and they've helped create a majority of the old school 60s/70s tones that were famous back in the day. However, I can't help but think neither of them sound quite as close to the real thing. I mean, they get you in the ballpark, but they don't seem to be able to recreate the complexity and organic-ness that the originals have. The good news is, if you've never played those pedals, you'll probably really like this as it's a fairly versatile fuzz pedal that can create all kinds of different sounds.

    OVERALL OPINION

    If you need something for a decent price that can get a good amount of famous fuzz tones, this could be what you're looking for. I find that it's a solid pedal, but it can't match the real things. They just have something special going on that can't be recreated with today's modeling technology, but they might be able to in the future.
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  • stan toweliestan towelie

    Boss FZ-5 FuzzPublished on 07/19/09 at 12:11
    (This content has been automatically translated from French)
    What are the effects or types of effects available?
    3 fuzz found (or else must be prepared to spend 300/400 euros on ebay) modelisesdans a housing boss: fuzz face, octavia maestro fuzz and tychobrahe;


    What technology is used? (Analog, numrique, lamp ...)
    is modeling vintage pedaleanalogique by COSM technology, in the numerator of fros is a great quality of micro-components (that make changes or even possible at this time on tantrecherches the pedals boss) and which restores a sound identical to the original fuzz (I think it copies the frequency of the pedal has the same)
    Are ditables? Via an editor Mac / PC?
    off-topic
    What is the connection? (Audio / MIDI)
    in and out, in 9v…
    Read more
    What are the effects or types of effects available?
    3 fuzz found (or else must be prepared to spend 300/400 euros on ebay) modelisesdans a housing boss: fuzz face, octavia maestro fuzz and tychobrahe;


    What technology is used? (Analog, numrique, lamp ...)
    is modeling vintage pedaleanalogique by COSM technology, in the numerator of fros is a great quality of micro-components (that make changes or even possible at this time on tantrecherches the pedals boss) and which restores a sound identical to the original fuzz (I think it copies the frequency of the pedal has the same)
    Are ditables? Via an editor Mac / PC?
    off-topic
    What is the connection? (Audio / MIDI)
    in and out, in 9v .......... What boss <img class="smiley" src="https://fr.audiofanzine.com/images/audiofanzine/interface/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt="" />
    Is this a rack or rack MODEL?
    it&#39;s just a basic Boss


    UTILIZATION

    Configuration gnrale Is it easy?
    is the kind of pedal that can be used without problems even if it is packed to the last degree <img class="smiley" src="https://fr.audiofanzine.com/images/audiofanzine/interface/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt="" />
    The edition of sound effects or is it easy?
    is more than simple, we chose the fuzz (central selector in the form of mini-knob) you go up the level, the boost and found his sound in two minutes;
    The manual is clear and sufficient? ...
    so simple that I have not read it, force a boss textbooks go directly to the trash ........


    SOUND QUALITY

    The effects are they effective, suitable and adequate ralistes?
    Effective: oh yes it is powerful; appropriate? bin it depends what you do, but I think what is fantastic for the grunge or stoner rock (and even post-rock drones like it is a pedal that I recommend for those who play this kind of music they may Tripp much as I do! by the lovers against country music or rock 80&#39;s are going to hate!
    the effect is trsrealiste but also the boost allows for a fuzz "upgrade" which gives her a monstrous face the fuzz sounds at the same store with my fuzz face (despite what did the germanium transistors, the sound of the fuzz face sounds like boss), for others I have not tried the original so I can not compare ... I&#39;m just all about tonefrenzy.com to see if a little ca sounded about the same, and actually looks like ca ca Detre! <img class="smiley" src="https://fr.audiofanzine.com/images/audiofanzine/interface/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt="" />

    Which instruments do you use?
    fender jag-stang, jaguar ... Storm VT10 amp (lol I know it&#39;s not a luxury but the amp with good lamp is cool)
    I also passed through a synth and a drum machine ..... sometimes no sound !!!!!! !!!!( it&#39;s not advisable in my opinion a cosmetic technology, it must work well with skyscrapers ...)
    What are those you prfrez, you dtest?
    my favorite is the maestro fuzz fuzz, it is great, the sound is super dry and metal, trs typ amp crevices of the 60&#39;s a link wray, and moreover, the distortion acts dynamically (the more you play, the more saturated distortion!)
    dallas fuzz face the good being that I have given an analog I see no point in using it ..
    NOW LET ALA BEAST: Tychobrahe the Octavia and this pedal is really terrible, the sound is incredible: basically it is as if the amp burned and that you continue to play it, has revealed that this pedal really everything with the potential boost to the bottom (its just the carnage, the distortion makes noise even if your guitar volume knob is a minimum, a mediator of stroke and boom, it&#39;s the avalanche of harmonics <img class="smiley" src="https://fr.audiofanzine.com/images/audiofanzine/interface/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt="" />
    without the boost (say a limit of boost) the sound is typical 60&#39;s psychedelic hendrix has (which incidentally was used), the greater the more boost you get the impression that you hold the pedal doom metal of the moment, only able to compete in my opinion is the Ampeg Scrambler (and even its sound is raproche addition to the maestro for his cot edge) ... I also test (in terms of ultra powerful distortion) electro harmonix Hot Tubes reissue, whichis same team when two 12AX7 tubes, and which I think was the distortion of plusagressive I had heard, but the Octavia tychobrah him "MIDI literally mouth" ( Pardon my language but it was stronger than me <img class="smiley" src="https://fr.audiofanzine.com/images/audiofanzine/interface/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt="" /> )

    little tip: when you play, boost a building on the 12, 13th and 14th fret of the skyscraper is a tremolo that sounds ... it&#39;s weird but fun solo
    Billy Corgan said of the pedal which sounded like the end of the world ..... yeah, it&#39;s a little ca <img class="smiley" src="https://fr.audiofanzine.com/images/audiofanzine/interface/smileys/icon_biggrin.gif" alt="biggrin" />


    OVERALL OPINION

    How long have you use it?
    1 years ago
    What is the particular feature you like best and least?
    most: three legends in a fuzz with a great sound reproduction

    the least (and even when it poses a serious problem) we must arm themselves with battery if you want to play a long time: in fact the battery is going to take a one hour break everything, technology cosmetic looks of be particularly energy-intensive (in fact it eats as much as a behringer multi effects) makes the Duracell battery was a new one (which is not the original original charge to a quarter) I was so surprised lapse in the pedal I thought was a short juice (ah yes the joys of digital! rather than the sound of the pedal loses definition and becomes more distortion when the battery starts to tire (like a boss ds1 for example), ca direct hit, and bim! end of the trip!) I released the battery, the tests, no juice, already dead ... after one hour .. It sucks, the coup now he is constantly on branch adapter boss;
    basically if you buy this pedal remember to leave a 9v adapter, otherwise ruin;

    Have you tried many other models before acqurir?
    all distortion boss, electro harmonix some ....
    How do you report qualitprix?
    as usual Why this is around 100 euros and is the ca
    Exprience with, you will do again this choice? ...
    I had to buy two sil <img class="smiley" src="https://fr.audiofanzine.com/images/audiofanzine/interface/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt="" />
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  • iamqmaniamqman

    Boss FZ-5 FuzzPublished on 04/11/11 at 23:23
    Chalk this thing up in the WTF were they thinking category. This thing sounds as awful as you would expect it to sound. This pedal is basically the fuzz equivalent of a Boss DS-1. It is that bad! The worst thing about it is, the thing doesn't sound like a fuzz box of any sort.

    When I think of fuzz distortion I think of a Electro Harmonics Big Muff or a Zvex Fuzz Factory or a Peppermint Fuzz from Analogman. I like some Boss distortions but this thing is beyond the pale. I had heard forks going across plates sounding better than this pedal.

    UTILIZATION

    FZ-5: Fuzz

    * Vintage sounds inspired by famous fuzz pedals of the ’60s and ’70s
    * Uses advanced COSM® technology to recrea…
    Read more
    Chalk this thing up in the WTF were they thinking category. This thing sounds as awful as you would expect it to sound. This pedal is basically the fuzz equivalent of a Boss DS-1. It is that bad! The worst thing about it is, the thing doesn't sound like a fuzz box of any sort.

    When I think of fuzz distortion I think of a Electro Harmonics Big Muff or a Zvex Fuzz Factory or a Peppermint Fuzz from Analogman. I like some Boss distortions but this thing is beyond the pale. I had heard forks going across plates sounding better than this pedal.

    UTILIZATION

    FZ-5: Fuzz

    * Vintage sounds inspired by famous fuzz pedals of the ’60s and ’70s
    * Uses advanced COSM® technology to recreate classic fuzz
    * BOOST control for more aggressive tone
    * Road-tough BOSS metal construction

    Nominal Input Level
    -20 dBu
    Input Impedance
    1 M ohm
    Nominal Output Level
    -20 dBu
    Output Impedance
    1 k ohm
    Recommended Load Impedance
    10 k ohms or greater
    Controls
    Pedal switch, LEVEL knob, FUZZ knob, MODE knob
    Indicator
    CHECK indicator (Serves also as battery check indicator)
    Connectors
    INPUT jack, OUTPUT jack, AC adaptor jack (DC 9 V)
    Power Supply
    DC 9 V, Dry battery 6F22 (9 V) type (carbon), Dry battery 6LR61 (9 V) type (alkaline), AC Adaptor (PSA series: optional)
    Current Draw
    36 mA (DC 9 V)
    Expected battery life under continuous use
    Carbon: 3 hours, Alkaline: 10 hours * These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.
    Accessories
    Owner's Manual, Leaflet, MODE sticker, Dry Battery
    Options
    AC Adaptor (PSA series)

    SOUND QUALITY

    The only thing that is remotely usable on this box is the octave setting. That setting sounds pretty decent, but the rest of it is garbage.

    It doesn't matter what amp or guitar you use with this thing it sounds like trash. I like Boss products and I love they way they last forever under harsh gigging conditions. Even though this thing will last forever, it will give you a horrible tone for that long.

    If you do some ambient crazy weird sounds like Radiohead that sound low-fi or AM radio quality, then this thing will do that for you. If you have to make a guitar tones sound horrible and low-fi then this would work for you. I could see it being used on some sort of weird Radiohead recording.

    OVERALL OPINION

    Unless you are going for a low-fi fuzz tone that sounds trashy and scratchy then I would go for a Big Muff any day of the week over this thing. At new they come in at around $90 which in my opinion is a complete waist of money. They claim that this thing is the sound of the 60's and 70's fuzz tones and quite honestly I am not sure what records they were listening to to get this tone, but I would never buy that album.

    I wouldn't recommend this pedal to anyone. If I got it for free I would sell it for $30 on craigslist and call it a day. No amount of money is acceptable for this pedal.
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  • Audiofanzine FRAudiofanzine FR

    Boss FZ-5 FuzzPublished on 12/01/08 at 23:56
    (Originally written by Sebpoto/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
    Digital fuzz pedal that simulates three legendary fuzzes. Standard Boss housing, input, output, 9-volt PSU or battery operation.

    Controls:

    -Level (to boost the signal if needed)

    -Fuzz to adjust the distortion (at the center detent you've got the maximum distortion of the original fuzzes. Above that point you get a mega-fuzz);

    -Mode selector to choose the fuzz model. F = Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face; M = Maestro; O = Roger Mayer Octavia.

    UTILIZATION

    Ultra easy... Boss....

    SOUND QUALITY

    The COSM modeling technology reproduces the typical Hendrix sound (Face model), the very distorted mids of "Satisfact…
    Read more
    (Originally written by Sebpoto/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
    Digital fuzz pedal that simulates three legendary fuzzes. Standard Boss housing, input, output, 9-volt PSU or battery operation.

    Controls:

    -Level (to boost the signal if needed)

    -Fuzz to adjust the distortion (at the center detent you've got the maximum distortion of the original fuzzes. Above that point you get a mega-fuzz);

    -Mode selector to choose the fuzz model. F = Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face; M = Maestro; O = Roger Mayer Octavia.

    UTILIZATION

    Ultra easy... Boss....

    SOUND QUALITY

    The COSM modeling technology reproduces the typical Hendrix sound (Face model), the very distorted mids of "Satisfaction" (Maestro model) or the original Hendrix solo sound (Octavia). It's amazing!

    (Tip: the Octavia provides great results when the gain is set at the minimum and you play high notes.)

    OVERALL OPINION

    It's true that digital modeling won't ever have the same character as the analog devices but it's very authentic!
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