Park Fuzz Sound

A vintage fuzz classic returns in modern form

What You Need To Know

• Made entirely by hand in lovely Akron Ohio by the folks at EarthQuaker Devices, the new Park Fuzz Sound is a collaboration between them and the recently relaunched Park Amplifier company.

• The recreated Park Fuzz Sound bears some cosmetic similarities with its renown predecessor, but is built into a considerably smaller and more pedalboard friendly enclosure measuring 4.75" L x 2.5" W x 2.25" H.

• The blue color with slightly glittery white lettering is similar to the originals, and the use of the classic Park logo and the same type font for the lettering as used on the vintage pedals further reinforces the family resemblance. The Marshall style knobs and circular arrow graphics around the control knobs also add to the vintage vibe. This is a really cool and classy looking pedal!

There are three knobs on the Park Fuzz Sound - Fuzz, Volume and Treble/Bass.

• The Fuzz control sets the amount of fuzz. It ranges from moderately low levels of dirt to extremely thick fuzz and offers significantly more range than the vintage pedal provided, so while all of the original sounds are still available, the knob settings you use to get them will be different than those on the vintage pedal. Three transistor Mk III type Tonebenders typically don't clean up when you roll off your guitar's volume knob nearly as well as their two transistor cousins, but this pedal does become less distorted, warmer and less present sounding as you roll back the volume, providing enough variation to let you easily go from rhythm to lead tones right from your guitar without having to dance around on your pedalboard.

• Volume controls the overall output level of the pedal. There is plenty of volume on tap, and no one is going to accuse this pedal of suffering from anemic output like some 'bender versions occasionally do. The unity gain setting varies depending on how much fuzz you have dialed up, but it is usually well below 12 o'clock on the Volume knob, and often as low as the 10 o'clock position.

• Unlike the earlier versions, Mk III 'benders included a tone control. The tone knob is labeled Treble Bass, and is a bit unusual, but true to the original design. It functions like a balance control, with increasing treble when turned counter-clockwise from noon, and more bass when turned the opposite direction. This gives you considerable control over the overall tonality of the fuzz. When cranked all the way towards the bass side, you get the beefy bottom end that some Mk 1.5 'bender and most Fuzz Face circuits are known for, while going to the full treble setting gives you a much thinner and reedier tonality. In between are a wide variety of interesting and useful tones for your inner knob tweaker to explore, including brighter shadings that may remind you of the brighter Mk I and Vox Tonebender models.

• Depending on how you have the tone and fuzz controls set the sound of this pedal can get thick and heavy sounding in a way that is somewhat similar to a Mk II, but it is a bit smoother and more refined sounding. It is generally brighter than most Fuzz Face and Mk 1.5 Tonebender type fuzzes, and while it can cop all the classic sounds of the pedal it is based on, compared to the vintage Park Fuzz Sound pedals it offers increased fuzz range and greater sonic options. It's also noticeably quieter too, in no small part due to the use of metal film resistors and capacitors in its construction.

• The original Park Fuzz Sound pedals used unmarked germanium transistors in TO-1 type metal cans. This has made reproducing them a difficult proposition until now, because there was no way to visually tell what transistors the originals used. With Park Amplification's help, EarthQuaker Devices was able to examine and measure the transistors, and more importantly, listen to several vintage units in order to insure the new version matches the sound of the vintage models.

• EarthQuaker uses a carefully selected hand-matched trio of AC125 PNP germanium transistors in the new version, with attention paid to the amount of gain and leakage of each individual transistor, resulting in just the right sound. However, it would be a mistake to assume that the new Park Fuzz Sound is identical to the vintage pedals in all respects. In fact, EarthQuaker has made some changes to make it even better, so it's more suited to the needs and expectations of modern players.

• The original Park Fuzz Sound was battery powered only. Even when they do include an adapter jack, one of the biggest problems with PNP germanium transistor based pedals is that they usually require their own power supply and can not be used on the same power daisy chain with other pedals. EarthQuaker Devices gets around these significant limitations by including not only a standard 2.1mm center-negative power receptacle, but also a charge pump circuit within the pedal. This isn't part of the audio path and it has no effect on the sound of the fuzz, but it does regulate and convert the power from standard power supplies internally, allowing you to use the pedal with multi-outlet supplies and to daisy chain it with your other pedals - no separate power supply or cable required!

• Any 9VDC power supply with a 2.1mm center-negative plug will work with the Park Fuzz Sound, or you can use a standard 9V battery. The battery compartment is accessed by removing the four screws and bottom plate. The power jack is located at the top of the pedal, along with the 1/4" input and output jacks, making it very pedalboard friendly from a width standpoint.

• Switching is true bypass, and a very bright white LED illuminates when the Device is activated - which is another pair of features that the original Park Fuzz Sound pedals lacked, but that modern players will no doubt appreciate.

• Construction, as I have come to expect from EarthQuaker Devices after reviewing several of their pedals, is first rate. High quality, full sized through-hole components are used throughout and mounted on a black printed circuit board. The three rotary controls are mounted and soldered directly to the circuit board as well.

• A canvas drawstring storage bag is included with the pedal.

Limitations

• There is no internal battery clip or foam to secure the battery, and the battery rattles around a bit inside. If you prefer to use batteries and this bothers you, adding a bit of foam to wedge the battery against the enclosure and switch, or some velcro to the inside of the case and some to the battery will secure it and get around this minor limitation.  

• Those who expect a reissue that is identical to the originals in every way - including the huge physical packaging, will be disappointed. Those who are more interested in sound quality and modern conveniences than mere physical authenticity will not be at all disappointed.

Conclusion

Park Amplification and EarthQuaker Devices have recreated the classic Park Sound Fuzz, but have done so in a way that goes beyond mere cloning. The new version respects the heritage of the originals while simultaneously improving on the original design and retaining the sound that makes those vintage pedals so cherished. The range of fuzz available is increased, but you can still get all the tones of the vintage originals. The case is smaller and much more pedalboard friendly, and the ability to use the pedal with modern power supplies and power daisy chains is a huge plus, and much more environmentally friendly than relying on batteries too.

This is an outstanding sounding fuzz pedal with loads of versatility. Not only can you get thick, wooly tones with tons of bass, but stiletto sharp tones that cut enough to draw blood too. The tone control makes it far more adaptable than the two knob / two transistor Vox style 'bender / Mk 1.5 / Fuzz Face fuzzes (all of which share similar circuits), and it can even hang with the three transistor / two knob Mk II Pro Tonebender version. While it won't totally replace separate pedals for everyone, the tonal versatility coupled with the increased gain range gives the new Park Fuzz Sound the ability to cover a lot of similar sonic territory as those other pedals without having to buy several different 'bender versions. Collectors may be a bit disappointed that it's not an exact clone of the original, but players who have been searching for a rare Park Fuzz Sound are going to love this pedal, as will players who want to add an exceptionally well thought out MK III type 'bender to their pedal arsenals. For those new to Tonebender type fuzzes, you simply won't find a better introduction to this classic effect at anywhere near this price point anywhere else. Highly recommended!  

Resources

Park Fuzz Sound product web page ($175.00 MSRP, available from Musician's Friend)

EarthQuaker Devices product web page

Phil O'Keefe is a multi-instrumentalist, recording engineer / producer and the Senior Editor of Harmony Central. He has engineered, produced and performed on countless recording sessions in a diverse range of styles, with artists such as Alien Ant Farm, Jules Day, Voodoo Glow Skulls, John McGill, Michael Knott and Alexa's Wish. He is a former featured monthly columnist for EQ magazine, and his articles and product reviews have also appeared in Keyboard, Electronic Musician and Guitar Player magazines.