Mark Gutierrez has shared a great video on how to make a $1 Fuzz Pedal using parts found on Amazon, and it is well worth a watch.
To help you expand this article, I’ve added technical context, a step-by-step assembly guide, and a section on why this specific build works so well for beginners.
The “Dirt Cheap” Secret: Why the LM386?
While most professional fuzz pedals use transistors (like the classic Fuzz Face), this $1 build utilizes the LM386 audio power amplifier chip. Originally designed for low-power battery applications like clock radios or portable speakers, the LM386 has a unique characteristic: when you push its gain beyond its intended limits, it produces a thick, “square-wave” clipping that sounds remarkably like a vintage velcro fuzz.
What You’ll Need (The Shopping List)
In addition to the core components Mark mentioned, you’ll want a few household items to finish the build:
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The Core: LM386 Mono Amp Module (pre-assembled PCB).
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The Jacks: 1/4″ Mono Panel Mount Jacks (one for Input, one for Output).
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The Connections: Solderless Jumper Wires.
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Power: A 9V Battery and a battery clip/connector.
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The Enclosure: An Altoids tin or a small plastic box.
How to Assemble It
Because Mark uses a pre-assembled LM386 module, the “heavy lifting” of soldering tiny resistors and capacitors is already done for you. Here is the general flow of the build:
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Prepare the Enclosure: Drill two holes for your 1/4″ jacks and one small hole for the battery wires.
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Wire the Input: Connect your guitar’s input jack to the IN and GND (Ground) pins on the LM386 module using the jumper wires.
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Wire the Output: Connect the OUT and GND pins of the module to your output jack (which leads to your amp).
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Add Power: Connect the Red wire of your 9V battery clip to VCC and the Black wire to GND.
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The “Fuzz” Mod: Most of these modules have a small blue potentiometer (trimmer) on board. Turning this all the way up increases the internal gain, transforming the clean signal into a saturated fuzz.
Why This is the Perfect First Project
This build is a “gateway drug” into the world of DIY Guitar Pedals. It teaches the basics of signal flow (Input -> Gain Stage -> Output) without the frustration of complex circuit board etching.
Pro Tip: If the fuzz is too bright or “fizzy,” you can solder a small capacitor (0.05) across the output jack to bleed off some of the high-end harshness, giving it a smoother, more “muff-style” tone.
$1 Dollar DIY Amazon Fuzz Pedal Parts List
The short video explains everything you need to build a $1 Fuzz Pedal. Below are Mark’s links to the components you need from Amazon.
Panel Mount 4 Pin 1/4″ Mono Jack
Solderless Ribbon Jumper Wires
It is based on a LM386 mono amp, requires minimal soldering (if any), and could be a great way for musicians to make a simple yet effective fuzz pedal.
Altoids Tin?
All you need are the simple components and maybe something to house it, like an old Altoids tin.
Conclusion: Boutique Tone on a Basement Budget
The beauty of the $1 Amazon Fuzz lies in its simplicity. While professional boutique pedals can cost hundreds of dollars, Mark Gutierrez’s project proves that great tone doesn’t always require a massive investment—just a bit of curiosity and about ten minutes of assembly time.
Whether you are a seasoned guitarist looking for a unique, lo-fi “velcro” sound or a complete beginner wanting to dip your toes into the world of DIY electronics, this build is the perfect starting point. It’s more than just a cheap effect; it’s a hands-on lesson in how guitar gear actually works. So, grab an old Altoids tin, order your parts, and start building—your new favorite signature sound might just be a dollar away.
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