The NerFuzz has the distortion basics comprehensively
covered with some superb tones. But it’s the pedal’s
more freakish sounds that make it really intriguing.
Buy If...
you want a tremendous range of dis-
tortion sounds—some very uncon-
ventional—in a single analog unit.
randomness in the pitches generated by
other notes, adding a unhinged quality to
the sound.
Memory 8, Patch A, a fizzy sound, caused
a note to start off constricted before erupting into a much fatter tone, and Memory
6, Patch B (Swell) created a similarly crazy
blossoming effect. Another preset called
Theremin High (Memory 10, Patch A)
was especially fun to experiment with. This
setting emitted a pedal tone, the pitch of
which can be fluctuated with a guitar’s volume knob. (You can hear it for yourself at
the beginning and end of the second audio
example in the online version of this review.)
Once I became acquainted with the
NerFuzz by browsing through its factory pre-
sets, I found that it actually wasn’t too difficult
to tweak the parameters and store my own set-
tings. Because each parameter is adjustable in
increments from 0 to 99, I came to appreciate
the unit’s potential for shaping tones in very
subtle ways. And although I wouldn’t necessar-
ily try tweaking the parameters during a gig,
it’s simple to prepare a menu of killer sounds
to switch between onstage.
Skip If...
your distortion needs can be met in
a basic, 3-knob stompbox.
The Tone God
Street $399
thetonegod.com
The Verdict
The Tone God’s NerFuzz is a superb boutique pedal that covers basic distortion
sounds, plus some that are insane and otherworldly. It’s built uncommonly tough and
should withstand years of even the heaviest
use. With its numerically controlled parameters and memory banks, the pedal allows
users to precisely recall their most inspiring
settings. And while those new to programming more complex effects pedals might
face a steep learning curve, the potential
sonic rewards are abundant.
or use a mobile device to download
audio examples of the pedal at
CLICKHere…
premierguitar.com/mar2011
• Meticulous d Tape™ Echo Algorithms • Über-Flexible Tape Character Controls • Tape Age, Wow & Flutter, Tape Crinkle and More • Built-In Tape-Style Looper • True Bypass
d Tape Echo
®
www.strymon.net
