Fuzz effects have been a pedalboard staple since 1962, when the Maestro FZ-1 Fuzz-Tone pedal was introduced to emulate the sound session guitarist Grady Martin created for Marty Robbins’ 1961 hit “Don’t Worry.” The BOSS FZ-1W Waza Craft fuzz pedal pays tribute to early fuzz circuit designs while eliminating some of the issues of vintage effects and providing modern flexibility. The FZ-1W features vintage and modern modes to give you access to a range of fuzzy tones, from glitched-out sputters and raspy fuzz grind to singing, string-like sustain. In vintage mode, the FZ-1W emulates classic fuzz circuits but with higher gain and a wider expressive range, and a tilt-EQ-style knob simultaneously adjusts the high and low frequencies for dialing in the perfect old-school fuzz tone for any situation. Modern mode is specifically designed to provide a cutting, contemporary sound, with even more gain on tap and some serious fatness. In modern mode, the tone knob has a unique tuning that lets you sculpt the high end without reducing the midrange — you’ll never get lost in the mix! Guitarists at Music Experience have found that the FZ-1W also doubles as a powerful boost pedal for juicing your tube amp and adding some hair to your favorite overdrive and distortion pedals. Get a comprehensive history of fuzz in a single, Waza Craft-quality stompbox with the FZ-W1 Waza Craft fuzz pedal from BOSS.
The Japanese word “waza” means art and technique, an appropriate name for BOSS’s premium line of redesigned guitar effects pedals. You see, the pedal collectors here at Music Experience have seen more than enough special-edition stompboxes that are only a paint job away from the originals, which is why we’re so blown away by what BOSS has done with the Waza Craft series. Even in their Standard modes, Waza Craft pedals sound like idealized versions of the originals, offering the same sonic character that made them iconic but with less noise and a more consistent tone. And when you A/B the Standard mode with the Custom, the contrast is nothing short of astonishing.
More than 10,000,000 BOSS guitar and bass effects pedals have been sold to players worldwide, including such top players as Yngie Malmsteen, Dave Navarro, John Petrucci, Marty Friedman, Steve Vai, and Joe Satriani. You've also no doubt heard BOSS pedals recorded and onstage beneath the feet of bands of all genres, including Muse, The Killers, and Silversun Pickups. The reason for the success is clear: not only do BOSS effects pedals sound great - but they're also built like tanks and designed with serious use in mind. Each BOSS pedal is housed in a stomp-ready metal box and features a rubberized stomp area and base, to help safeguard against slipping. So, whether you're a fresh-out-of-the-gate beginner, an axe-veteran designing your dream pedalboard, or anywhere in between, you can depend on BOSS's proven line of pedals to craft your tone.
Fuzz was the first type of distortion pedal, and the retro sound of vintage units from the 1960s remains coveted by guitarists to this day. Realized through deep analysis of many legendary pedals and detailed Waza craftsmanship, the all-analog FZ-1W delivers the inspiring tone, feel, and vibe of classic fuzz in a reliable modern design. And like all Waza Craft pedals, the FZ-1W features premium components for top-quality performance and extended range for maximum tonal versatility.
When introduced in the 1960s, fuzz pedals changed the game for electric guitarists, giving them a bold and aggressive new voice that redefined the sound of rock music forever. Through those early days, innovative pedal builders tweaked and refined fuzz circuits based on the creative input of many now-legendary guitarists. Ultimately, this led to a small number of standout designs that became the benchmarks for the broad spectrum of players. While developing the limited-run TB-2W Tone Bender, we explored and analyzed many vintage fuzz pedals and gained deep knowledge along the way. This experience inspired us to reimagine the classic fuzz effect with our unique Waza craftsmanship and expertise. Unlike previous Waza Craft models, the FZ-1W does not provide a reproduction of a past design. This pedal is our modern interpretation of vintage fuzz, and it carries the number “1” in its name to show our great respect for the classic circuits that helped shape the sound of rock guitar and launch the effect pedal industry that we all love today.
The simple circuits of the most sought-after vintage fuzz units produce bright and aggressive tones with long sustain. They’re very sensitive to playing dynamics as well, and the best designs allow you to clean up the sound by rolling back the guitar’s volume knob. But these classic pedals are also famously inconsistent—even between models of the same design—and variables like age, battery type, temperature, and more can have a dramatic effect on their sound and performance. Backed by Waza innovation, the FZ-1W lets you enjoy all the great musical characteristics of vintage fuzz without the downsides. While inspired by historic circuits, this pedal presents an all-new BOSS approach fueled by our forward-thinking perspective and deep knowledge of effect design. Using top-quality silicon transistors, we’ve created a unique circuit that delivers authentic tone and response while maintaining stable performance in any temperature or operating condition. In addition, our modern approach greatly expands the sound possibilities over vintage designs, offering higher gain, lower noise, deeper tone-shaping control, and more.
With the FZ-1W’s Vintage mode, BOSS has redefined the classic fuzz voice with more gain and wider expressive range. The sound character is raspy and assertive without being harsh, and you can smoothly transition from heavy fuzz to crunch to crystal clean simply by riding your guitar’s volume. The powerful Tone knob simultaneously adjusts the high and low frequencies, allowing you to dial in a variety of different fuzz colors. And by turning down the Fuzz knob and cranking the Level, the FZ-1W works great as a boost for your amp and other gain pedals.
Modern mode delivers a more refined and versatile fuzz voice with focused midrange and fatter tone, making it ideal for all types of current music styles. The gain range is even wider than Vintage mode, and cranking the Fuzz knob past three o’clock conjures rich, singing sustain for inspired solo playing. The Tone knob offers a different tuning that lets you tweak the brightness without altering the midrange, ensuring your sound always cuts through. And when used as a boost, Modern mode dishes a heap of girth with rich, mid-driven character.
Since the beginning, the engineers at BOSS have been committed to achieving the finest guitar tones using any technology necessary, from old-school analog circuits to high-tech DSP. This enthusiastic spirit continues on with the Waza Craft series, bringing you exceptional tone and touch response through carefully selected analog components, refined circuitry, and meticulous attention to detail. In Japan, “Waza” is the term for art and technique, and these special edition pedals proudly carry the Waza symbol to represent the pinnacle of BOSS design and craftsmanship.
