Select-a-Fuzz
The fOXX Select-a-Fuzz is a true hidden gem in the world of vintage guitar effects. Introduced in 1973 as a more versatile follow-up to the brand's popular Tone Machine, this rare fuzz pedal was designed to cover an expansive tonal range, from subtle overdrive to full-throttle, speaker-shredding distortion. At the heart of the Select-a-Fuzz lies a unique five-position Fuzz Sound Selector switch, each mode offering a distinct sonic character. Tube Amp mode delivers a low-gain, spitting gated tone with a "blown speaker" vibe, while Natural Distort adds buzzy, clipped edge and low-end heft. Light Fuzz introduces more harmonic complexity and sustain, perfect for expressive lead work, while Medium Fuzz thickens the tone further with increased low-end mass. The final Heavy Fuzz setting unleashes the pedal's most aggressive voice, a chaotic wall of gain and compression that borders on unhinged intensity. Complementing the Fuzz Selector is the Sustain (Mellow-Brite) control, a versatile knob that simultaneously adjusts gain, tone, and sustain. At lower settings, it conjures a gated, sputtering response reminiscent of vintage Tone Bender circuits. Crank it up, and the Select-a-Fuzz transforms into a thick, harmonically-rich distortion machine, capable of massive, extended sustain. Despite its limited production and commercial obscurity, the fOXX Select-a-Fuzz has since become a highly coveted collector's item, prized for its bold visual style, sonic versatility, and overall experimental nature. A true hidden gem from the golden age of boutique effects.
