Dunlop Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face

The classic fuzz of the 60s and 70s. Made to the original Germanium PNP transistor design and vintage specs. 9V battery required.

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $140.00

Dunlop

Submitted by giddy from Azerbaijan (14 points) on May 9, 2012
Got this reissue for cheap in a pawn shop. Like most reviewers here, at first I didn't think too much of it, until I opened it and started messing with the trim pots â€” which is when I realized I could tweak it almost like a Fuzz Factory (minus the starve knob).

But the problem is, I want immediate access to those damn inner pots withouth having to open the pedal up every time! Solution? Rehousing the damn thing and drilling holes above said trim pots (well, a friend did it for me and even added a DC input).

Now I have a smaller and more versatile Fuzz Face than ever. I usually adjust it for the right amount of crackle and run it through a Boss FZ-2 for over-the-top harshness. Of course, I can't mess with the gate during a set, but it's fun to be able to change settings every once in a while.

Underrated pedal if you know what to do with it.
Good Points: Sound can be sculpted via trim pots. There's more to this than just the factory settings.
Bad Points: Bulky, ugly, reversed inputs, no DC in. Needs some work if you want to make it useable.
Price Paid: US$30.00
Purchased At: pawn shop
Was this review helpful to you?

Yes No

Submitted by AULOS from Hereford Uk (488 points) on Jul 25, 2008
This works really nice as a top end with a tube amp. I run it through a Traynor YCV40 and it sounds amazing. Like EHX the inputs are in reverse to most pedals but it's a 5 minute fix. I think this sounds better than the Blue Hendrix edition and just defines the output tone. It's used by Tom Morello of RATM and Bob Balch of Fu Manchu also Jive Stick and a shitload of others. It only runs on battery but it nicely built and looks really cool. Mine has a white label on it that has "Dunlop Manufacturing INC." On it make it look like a happy fuzz face!
Good Points: Good control Nice top end Defines Tone Simple and Strong - Easily Modded
Bad Points: Battery Only! Reverse Inputs - (Easily switched) The Rubber tends to Raise up
Price Paid: US$99.00
Purchased At: Guitar Center AZ
Was this review helpful to you?

Yes No

Submitted by Marco from Brescia (138 points) on Apr 18, 2006
not the best fuzz of the market. I think it's less harsh and fat than the big muff, and less lo-fi than the soda meiser or the FZ-2, and it hasn't a great volume output. It's good for stoner, not for noise...
Good Points: -it has it's own personality, with guitar...
Bad Points: -very big -not a great pedal for noise, check others
Price Paid: US$0.00
Purchased At: borrowed
Was this review helpful to you?

Yes No

Submitted by m00k13 from Grand Blanc, MI (40 points) on Mar 16, 2004
As the other reviewer pointed out, the Fuzz Face is pretty much an 'all or nothing' effect. It does a decent job as a noisy fuzz but nothing out of the ordinary. If you have a mixer with aux sends, it seems to work well in that situation versus in a chain.
Good Points: Its a fuzz
Bad Points: switch on mine has taken a dump and you have to stomp it a few times before it actually turns on/off.
Price Paid: US$0.00
Purchased At: got it free
Was this review helpful to you?

Yes No

Submitted by Kalaab from Chillicothe, IL (24 points) on Feb 10, 2004
A good source for a lo-fi, difficult-to-control noise. Expect complete muddiness from this beast.
Good Points: Bult well, creates an uncontrollabe lo-fi sound.
Bad Points: Lacks dynamic. Very static, unchangable sound.
Price Paid: US$70.00
Purchased At: Musician's Friend
Was this review helpful to you?

Yes No