Boss Hyper Fuzz FZ-2

Designed to bring the traditional fuzz tones of the 1960’s in to the 1990s, the Hyper Fuzz was often compared to the Univox SuperFuzz. While it was only manufactured between 1993 – 1997, it has since built up a cult following within the industrial, doom and stoner rock genres.

The Hyper Fuzz FZ-2 has three modes. Fuzz mode 1 is a dirty garage sounding, Rolling Stones ‘Satisfaction’ style fuzz. In terms of fuzz, this mode is tamer than the big muff, and would be suitable for garage rock.

Boss Hyper Fuzz FZ-2 Fuzz mode 2 is a very dry, metallic, industrial style tone. Think Downward Spiral era Nine Inch Nails, and that’s probably getting close. There is a hint of ring modulation in mode 2, although not enough to distract you from the grind. This is were you would leave the pedal set if you are into industrial, heavy style music. For a good example of what mode 2 sounds like, have a listen to the Orgy cover of ‘Blue Monday’.

The third and final mode is Gain Boost. This is probably the most surprising mode available on the pedal. When I’ve run the FZ-2 in Gain Boost mode in front of my JCM800, my amp screams. The level of boost the FZ-2 can provide is huge.

It’s easy to see why there were people that ran to two FZ-2’s in their rigs, one for fuzz, the other solely for a clean boost.

While long discontinued, the FZ-2 can still be picked up on the second hand market, however their cult status has seen their second hand market price sky rocket in recent years. Fortunately, I picked mine up quite a few years ago off eBay, in near new condition for $35 USD, lately however, the prices seem to be hovering in the $300 – $500 USD range, depending on the condition. I’d recommend this pedal on the basis of the Gain Boost alone, but throw in the two modes of Fuzz, and this pedal becomes a “must buy”. Get one before the prices go any higher.

Pro guitarists known to have used the Boss Hyper Fuzz FZ-2 include Stephen Carpenter (Deftones), Amir Derakh and Ryan Shuck (Orgy), Mike Sarkisyan (Spineshank), Robert Schneider (Apples In Stereo), and Robin File (Badly Drawn Boy).