Hands-on review: ZVEX Effects Fuzz Probe

2012-02-24

The ‘fuzz’ needs only sparse introduction, rearing its beautiful head when the American pedal steel guitarist Orville ‘Red’ Rhodes (1930-1995) fell upon the sound by accident when a faulty recording console preamplifier circuit produced an unusual (for the time) fuzzy sound from Grady Martin’s guitar during the recording of Marty Robbins’ 1961 song "Don’t Worry."

Based on the sound he heard, Rhodes developed the first fuzz box that resulted from the console’s problem, which really wasn’t a problem since Rhodes recognized the potential of such an unusual tone. Musicians, including The Ventures, began inquiring about the ‘new’ sound and Rhodes offered a fuzz box he made to the group, which they used to record 2000 Pound Bee in 1962.

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Hands-on review: Pritchard Black Dagger guitar amp

2012-01-25

If you were to ask an experienced guitarist whether s/he prefers tube amps or solid state amps, I suspect 99% of the time you will hear not only a preference for tube amps (and bickering over 6V6 vs. EL84 tubes), but whether it be Fender, Marshall, Vox or some other name brand. You may also get a snicker of “How dare you compare the warmth and liveliness of a tube amp to solid state circuitry.” Early solid-states did not help matters, and today most of such amps are manufactured to help establish a price niche, rather than cater to elite musicians.

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