Duo Fuzz
The Shaftesbury Duo Fuzz is a true icon of the fuzz pedal world, tracing its lineage back to the legendary Shin-ei FY-6 Super Fuzz. This UK-distributed variant, originally marketed under the Shaftesbury name, has become a revered staple among discerning guitarists. What makes the Duo Fuzz so special? It's all about that iconic octave-up fuzz tone that defined the sound of 60s and 70s rock. Crank the Expander and you're greeted with a buzzing, snarling fuzz that leaps an octave above your guitar's fundamental pitch, cutting through the mix with ferocious intensity. But the Duo Fuzz's versatility lies in its two-way Tone switch, which lets you dial in either a scooped, low-end-heavy fuzz with pronounced octave character, or a midrange-forward tone that almost mimics a cocked wah pedal. This responsive, touch-sensitive fuzz was a favorite of legendary players like Pete Townshend of The Who, who used it extensively on landmark albums like Live At Leeds. Steve Hackett of Genesis also relied on the Duo Fuzz's aggressive yet musical nature during the band's progressive rock heyday. Its ability to excel at both rhythm work and scorching lead lines has cemented its place in the pantheon of iconic fuzz pedals. While original Shaftesbury units are now rare and highly sought-after, modern reissues from Rose-Morris and ThorpyFX faithfully capture the magic of this iconic circuit, allowing a new generation of guitarists to experience the Duo Fuzz's unique voice. It's a true tone classic that deserves a spot on any serious pedal aficionado's board.
