Voodoo Lab Superfuzz

Pretty simple really. Resonance is a kind of bass boost, the rest are pretty damn obvious. As for getting a good sound, that depends what you're using it for, but that's for the next section.

When I first got this unit, I tried it several times as a stand alone overdrive, and was never happy with the results. But just recently I discovered this pedals' true calling. I'm currently using a G&L ASAT Classic (all those shopping for a tele, do yourself a favor and skip the overpriced and shoddy Fenders, get yourself an ASAT)through a late 70's Marshall JMP 50 watt head, 2X12 cab w/greenbacks...pause for breath. Anyway, after setting the amp for a great crunchy rhythm tone - not too overdriven, still punchy and articulate - I tried the Superfuzz as a lead boost, volume at about 4, res. all the way up, tone all the way down, and attack at about half..WOW! I was trying to match the tone Nils Lofgren used for his lead on "Youngstown" on Bruce and the E-Street Band's "Live in NYC." I got pretty damn close. It is a more compressed type of sound, so those looking for nuanced and subtle leads might want to look elsewhere. But if you want to drive a single-coil bridge pu into howling searing lead tones then this is a winner.

Never a problem, very solid, true bypass

Never had to find out.

I play blues and rock, some country tinged stuff. This is a one use pedal for me. Not good for every lead I'd want to play, again not for the subtle leads, just for the scorchers. That's why it gets an 8 and not higher, one sound - but one very cool sound.

easy enough...resonance knob sounds differint with different amps (practice amps you cant tell anything, and live through loud amps it gives a slight bass boost.)tone knob actualy controls the mid.

if you are expecting univox super fuzz-type sounds, you will be quite dissapointed. NO sustain, and a brittle attack. I use it for bass now, and it works great. its got a big volume boost with the level up,but I cant get a useful guitar tone out of it

I toured Europe with it and it held up nicely...

THIS IS NOT A SUPER FUZZ REISSUE !! go buy a prescription outbox , or a black cat, or Boss hyper fuzz if your lookin fo that. thi pedal makes a great bass overdrive, or a good solo boost for guitar solos

Controls are straightforward, but this unit takes a fair amount of tweaking to get your desired tone. This is mostly due to the fact that there is such a wide range of gain and volume.

I use it with a '69 twin w/JBLs and a '69 princeton reverb. The tone can get very buzzy with the twin if the bright switch is on. Otherwise, it is very compatible with fender amps. I play single coils only, and the superfuzz retains single coil note definition - doesn't muddy it up.

At very low gain settings (barely on at all) the superfuzz gives a very natural tube like overdrive that I prefer to any other OD I've ever heard. The highs are very crisp and the bottom end gets just a bit fuzzy like a speaker breaking up. I use it in this mode almost exclusively.

When the gain is cranked, it gets very fuzzy, which is less usefull for the music I play (country/rock, alt country) but lesser settings give a raw, angry sound that is fun sometimes.

TRUE BYPASS!!

NO problems thus far... had it for about 9 months

Never dealt with...

I have been pleased with this pedal. I don't feel it's very versatile. Not to say it doesn't offer a wide range of tones- it's just that the gain gets very fuzzy and brittle at high setting which limit its usefullness. With a darker sounding amp this may not be a problem.

I recommend this pedal especially for its low-gain functionality.

Hey, it's a pedal ..... what'a some of you guys mean that it's hard
to use? yeah okay, so the knobs are too close - but at least the overall size of the box doesn't take up a lot of pedalboard either - so, deal with it and be happy man!

Hmmm, .... well, i certainly dig the way this pedal sounds - that's why i bought it - duh! i generaly have a disdain for fuzz type pedals-i've never really liked them. but, this one is different - it's more usable to me - way more varience in tone scuplting and gain offerings. i agree with the comment that it goes from a hip OD tone to a Fuzz and that it's drenched in '70's voicing. i tend to use it more as an OD because it's so different as an OD compared to OD pedals in general. i like it's toothy snarl when fuzzing - it's so smooth at the same time and not out of control. i haven't found a bad setting on it for my needs. i also dig this pedal because if i had to have only one dirt box this would be it - it covers more distortion
playground than any other pedal i've used - and it's a great value at the same time .... bonus! i use three Marshalls but only two of them with this pedal (JTM45 & 50wt. plexi - both reissues and recently converted to original specs by Don Butler at Toneman.com) my third Marshall is the SL-X .... no need for the Superfuzz with this puppy.
i use two different cabs - 2x12 with greenbacks or a 4x12 with greenbacks. one test i use when i demo a dirt box pedal is to try to get the Rolling Stones "Can't You Hear Me Knocking" tone. that tone man ..... there's always been something about it that sounds so easy to capture but is a bugger to nail down ..... go for it- i dare you too. anyhow, i came within a really very close exacting replica of that sound with the Superfuzz. of course, it also takes the right guitar too - for me i used my PRS McCarty with both pu's on and sometimes only the neck pu - i prefer the neck pu only. anyhow, i'll stop here because i can go on and on about this pedal. enough said - i like the pedal - it's a winner and a keeper.

Mine has been great so far - no probs. i know there have been some probs others have experienced - that's to be expected with any product that's mass produced. the cool thing is that they're a caring company and will take care of you.

No direct dealing with them - have had no need for such. others already attest to their quick and professional service - they won't leave you hanging it appears.

I dig this pedal in many ways because it allows me to cover a lot of
sonic ground. i'm a multi style player with a strong emphasis in rock-fusion, blues-fusion, etc. my fave players are the likes of:
Larry Carlton, Robben Ford, Frank Gambale, Eric Johnson, Pat Metheny,
Jimi Page, Joe Perry, .... you get the idea by now. this pedal will let me pay homage to any of these guys dirt tone - however, not always
exactly but never disappointing either. i also own and use the VL SparkleDrive and love it as well. i have it placed after the SuperFuzz and will use both in tandem at times for a sheering steroidic tubescreamer tone - with the tone sculpting on the SF and the refinement the SD offers, it makes for some very hip OD designing.
even though this review is all about the SuperFuzz, i highly suggest
placing the SparkleDrive along side it for an unbeatable setup.

Real easy. Attack = fuzz amount (if it's all the way down there's no sound, so for minimal fuzz settings it still has to be up slightly)The resonance control can be confusing, but as stated in other posts, it boosts low bass frequencies. Since I'm playing it through a deluxe reverb, it has almost no effect on the sound. I'll rate it a 7 since it does have these idiosychrocies.

I'm playing an old 3 pu teisco solidbody through the superfuzz, an EH memory man, and into a 76 deluxe reverb (with weber c-12NT speaker, so sweet...). Noise? All I hear is amazing fuzz tone. IMO, this is the best fuzz/distortion I've ever tried. I used to have a zvex fuzz probe, way too much fuzz for my style (surf, punk, blues all rolled into a big flaming ball o' mayhem). I traded it for the superfuzz (and $150) and can honestly say I don't regret it a bit. The superfuzz has all the cut and bite I found lacking in the zvex. (Disclaimer: zvex = great pedal, just different) However, the most amazing thing about it is how you can clearly here every note in a chord. In this sense, it almost has an overdrive feel to it, but much more raw and distorted. The tone control is unbelievable as well. Unlike the average tone control (turn down to gradually reduce sound to bassy mush), it's actually a mid cut/boost. 12 o' clock is flat: turn to left to scoop mids for a more metal/hard rock tone, turn to right to boost mids for a more old school, grainy, tweed type sound. With the mids cut, I can get my cheap made-in-the-60's guitar and small fender amp to do a decent Deftones impression at bedroom volumes. With the mids boosted, it's awesome for Blues Explosion riffs and general raw garage stuff. The bite on this thing is also great, with the neck pickup I get bassy, hollower notes that still cut through. All this great sound, plus true bypass, LED, and 9v input, for about $80 in the used market. Voodoo Lab knows how to maximize efficiency.

I can only see the underside of the circuit board so I don't know what's going on in terms of internal components, but it has a sturdy metal footswitch and aluminum box. I got it used and have only had it for two weeks, but it looks pretty tough to me.

Check the other reviews of VL stuff. One guy mentioned getting a personal response fromt the head of the company after posting an angry negative review. Not bad for being one of the bigger companies in the business.

This is a perfect match for my style of raw, distorted blues, punk, and even rockabilly stuff. I've been playing for 10 years and also own a VL bosstone fuzz (same as superfuzz but without tone controls. I'm selling it for $60 + shipping. E-mail me if you want it) a vibrolux reverb, and a Mosrite Ventures model (too bad about those small frets, but it sure is purty') If it disappeared I would definitely find another. Love everything about it. I guess the only thing I wish it had was point to point construction (it's a pc board) but all the cool boss and ibanez stuff from 20 years ago is still holding up. Buy one. If you're into the stuff I am, you'll love it.

after a few minutes it's clear what you can do-no manual w/this(used)...it's not a one-trick pony.

nothing's a '10'-not OD/fuzzes,anyway,as they will sound totally different with various amps,guitars,players,etc.this pedal will turn into a sort of tube screamer with the tone up and the attack down.i like the resonance control up w/smaller amps,in this case a sundown A-36 and an ampeg rocket 2...doesn't seem to be overly 'buzzy'-more 'splatty' with the attack up and tone down.i can see how others may not dig it, but i do-it's a fuzz,after all!

who knows? i also have a VL tremolo with a funky switch i'm hoping they will fix if i send it to them-the way these are made,the components don't seem easily accessable and i wouldn't try to get in there...the superfuzz seems OK so far,but i won't rate it for reliability.i think they are built to be dependable overall

email's in the past have been returned-i had a question about a pedal power unit i also have that was answered quickly enough.we'll see about the trem switch problem...

i had a VL bosstone which this is apparently based on-it was cool,but to gooey for me-this cuts more for an amp with a little preamp distortion-the bosstone to me is better w/a squeaky-clean fender,which i generally don't use.the SF can sound like a less over the top zvex fuzz factory,or a more over the top tube screamer if you want it to-it's a good pedal.

This is a follow up to my previous review. After the review was posted I was contacted via email by the president of the Digital Music Corp. He addressed all my problems one by one in the email. It was no "Dear John" letter they send to everyone. I believe very few companies today would take the time to do this, so I felt the need to pass along the info I recieved.

The "Resonance control" is a sub-harmonic boost according to the company. I was informed that the bass boosting effects of the control may not be completely audible through a 10" speaker set up. So take note, the pedal works best through a larger speaker (4 x 12" cab?). So although it does not help my situation I know that the control has a function. The "click" I experienced became a very loud "pop". The company offered to fix the "pop" for free as the problem is most likley a faulty switch. However, there may always be a small "click" because Voodoo Lab opted for true bypass switching instead of electronic (like Boss's system). Supposedly it lets the true clean sound of the guitar make it to the amp.

Still built like a tank.

This is where I really wanted to make my revision. The extra you pay for the pedal is well worth what you get in customer support. I never expected to get any response for my last review, much less from the President of Voodoo Lab. I would give this catagory an 11 if that was an option.
THERE IS A MANUAL that comes with the Superfuzz. Mine wasn't included in the package. Voodoo Lab sent me a manual and some picks for compensation. Very nice!

Great customer support!

Its a decent 70's distortion pedal. I think thats the only good thing I have to say for the Superfizz (not a typo). I just though I should submit a warning for potential buyers...This thing has NO instruction manual!!! At least the one I recieved did not. However, Voodoo Lab WAS kind enough to include a brochure on their other pedals. How thoughtful. Its pretty easy to get a classic distortion sound for the unit (look at the other reviews). But I can't figure out what the hell the "resonance" control is for. Voodoo Lab claims its some kinda mid range frequency control. I really don't hear much of a difference with it off or all the way up! You can go from muddy to sizzle with the "tone" control alone. One more little gripe. The battery is only accessible by the removal of four small screws (with a philips screwdriver) and a back plate! Even Crybaby wah pedals can have their back plate removed by hand!

I play through a Yngwie Malmsteen strat and a Fender Blues DeVille tube amp. Various other effects but usually don't use them with this one. I can get a good Hendrix/Deep Purple sound from the box. Nails the classic distortion sound of the 70's. Thats the only reason I didn't send it back. The switching (bypass to effect) unit makes a horrible, audible "click" when I tap the button. You can cover this up some if you are playing hard enough when you switch it. The Superfuzz can't hold a candle to Boss's switching system!!!

Seems sturdy. If the "click" messes up a live show too much I will get to test the reliability when it hits a wall!

Never tried. Probaly should give them a call about my pet "click".

This effect has SUCH great potential. I didn't play on one before I bought it (beauty of mail order). It was an impulse buy. The knobs are extremely close together, a hassle for adjustments. I have been playing almost every genre of music for the last 9 years. In my oppinion Boss and even low quality DOD pedals are superior to this one. Quiet switching and about $50 cheaper than the Superfuzz for similar models! I haven't spent much time with it. But usually I have an effect figured out after an hour or so. Not the case here. If it was stolen I would just be pissed for losing the $130. Contact me if you have any suggestions for me or problems with my review.

There are volume, resonance, tone and attack controls. While the Superfuzz is a little more complicated than some units, its still veryeasy to get a good sound out of it.

The Superfuzz is definitely one of the best fuzz units I have ever heard. Unlike fuzzfaces and other fuzz units, the resonance control on the Superfuzz allows to to get a fat, warm fuzz tone at lower volumes. The unit also has alot of gain. By contrast, the fuzz channel on my Fulltone Ultimate Octave has less gain. The sounds produced by the Superfuzz are definitely in the Hendrix/Jeff Beck/Eric Johnson territory and have a real '60s & early '70s vibe. The fuzz tone is really smooth and is not trashy sounding. The unit definitely sounds the best with a good tube amp as opposed to solid state.

This is the first Voodoo Lab pedal I have owned, but it seems well built.

The Superfuzz is an excellant fuzz pedal and perfect for getting some of those Hendrix sounds with a Strat and a tube amp. I have been playing guitar since at least 1968 and this unit does a great job of producing that vintage '60s/'70s fuzz sound and provides more gain than other units. The addition of the resonance control makes a big difference IMHO, since you can get a smooth sounding fuzz with enough low end so that you don't get that tinny fuzz tone at lower volumes.

The Superfuzz may be worthy of a 10, but I am almost certain that some of the expensive boutique fuzz units may be at least a little better.

Instead of one tone knob it has two, one marked resonance which is a bass boost, and one marked tone, which controls the midrange. Still, it's very simple to use, and most of the sounds are useable.

I use this with a Telecaster, Ampeg Reverborocket, and sometimes a Voodoo Lab Tremolo, Voodoo Lab Micro Vibe or Vox Wah. It's a little bit noisy at times but it's a fuzz. Probably less noisy than any other fuzz I've used. This is the best fuzz I've ever tried. It's incredibly flexible;it's no problem to get anything from Yardbirds sizzle to "American Woman" ooze to Hendrix warmth to Mudhoney Vintage Superfuzz shreik. It is the most musical fuzz I've tried. Compared to it my Fulltone '70 pedal sounds stodgy, and my Sovtek Big Muff sounds like a big fart. This pedal has some of the articulation of non-fuzz distortions while still retaining the fuzz weirdness. It also has tons of sustain.

I would count on it. My other Voodoo Lab pedals serve me well aside from the fact that the suck down batteries.

Never tried, never needed it.

I play punkish, psychedelic bluesy rock, and this pedal matches my style very well. I my sound to be fuzzy and still be able to hear what I'm playing, and this does the trick. I've been playing for 15 years and though I'm not a gearhed, I buy a few distortion and fuzz pedals every year and this is one of the best. It's purely a fuzztone, no tubelike sounds, but it's able to get just about any fuzz sound you would want. I think it helps me make music. If it were lost or stolen I would replace it.