no. 35 Haztone - Fuzz Booster
The Greco No. 35 Haztone Fuzz Booster is a rare and enigmatic gem from the early days of Japan's burgeoning effects pedal industry. Shrouded in linguistic ambiguity, this wedge-shaped wonder is believed to have been manufactured by Nisshin Onpa, the company that would later become the legendary Maxon. Channeling the raw, aggressive tones of the Maestro FZ-1A Fuzz-Tone, the Haztone delivers a distinctly Japanese take on the classic fuzz sound. Its germanium transistor circuit imparts a compressed, dynamic response that sits somewhere between the smooth sustain of a Tone Bender and the gritty snarl of the Maestro. The simple Volume and Attack controls allow you to shape the intensity of the fuzz, from a subtle boost to a full-on wall of distortion. What really sets the Haztone apart is its elusive history and limited documentation. Mentioned primarily in obscure Japanese sources, this pedal remains a mystery to many Western players. Yet its role in the evolution of Japanese effects cannot be overstated. As a precursor to the iconic Ibanez and Maxon designs that would follow, the Greco No. 35 represents a formative step in the country's rise to global dominance in the effects market. For the discerning fuzz aficionado, the Haztone is a rare and captivating find - a window into the early days of Japan's pedal-making prowess, and a unique voice that deserves to be heard. Its tones may be raw and uncompromising, but the Haztone's place in history is undeniable.
