SM Fuzz

In 2010, Scott and Luke approached me to examine the Fuzz Face circuit with the goal of manufacturing it under Scott’s name. Despite his initial embarrassment, Scott’s original unit was impressively built, especially for someone with limited experience at the time. As an electronic engineer familiar with Germanium transistors, I analyzed the circuit and concluded that its 1960s design was truly inspired, achieving its iconic fuzz effect with just a handful of components. However, Germanium transistors are highly temperature-sensitive, prompting us to experiment with modifications to improve stability without altering the classic tone. After months of testing, we developed a design that preserved the vintage sound while ensuring reliable performance on stage. This collaboration gave birth to the SM Fuzz, a pedal that blends vintage magic with modern engineering.