 Vox Amplification has officially stolen the spotlight by bridging the gap between vintage soul and modern reliability. The legendary manufacturer has announced the launch of two new pedals: the VFZ-1 Fuzz and the VTB-1 Treble Booster.
These releases represent a significant technological leap for purists. While both pedals are inspired by the iconic British circuits of the late 1960s, Vox has abandoned the temperamental nature of Germanium transistors in favor of a proprietary, highly stable Silicon design that promises “Germanium magic” without the headaches.
The VFZ-1 Fuzz: The Mk 1.5 Reimagined
The VFZ-1 Fuzz is a love letter to the classic two-transistor “Mk 1.5” circuit that fueled the British Invasion. Historically, these pedals were prone to “temperature drift”—sounding great in a cold studio but failing under hot stage lights.
Vox engineers have solved this by utilizing dual Silver Can BC108 Silicon transistors. By precisely biasing these components, they have replicated the interdependent, musical breakup of the originals.
Key Innovations for Modern Boards
Unlike vintage fuzzes that often “choke” when placed after a wah-wah or a buffered pedal, the VFZ-1 features a high input impedance. This allows guitarists to place it anywhere in their signal chain.
New control features include:
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Bass Cut: Tightens the low end for humbucker players.
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Tone Cut: Smooths out high-end fizz for a “violin-like” sustain.
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Crunch Switch: Simulates the “cleaned up” tone of a rolled-back volume knob instantly.
The VTB-1 Treble Booster: The AC30’s Best Friend
The VTB-1 Treble Booster aims to recreate the legendary pairing of a booster and a Vox AC30—a combination used by Brian May and Rory Gallagher to define the sound of rock.
Vox has modeled the nonlinear behavior of rare Germanium units to ensure the VTB-1 retains the “edge-of-breakup” sweetness that Silicon usually lacks. Using a single, hand-selected Silver Can BC108, the VTB-1 offers exceptional volume-knob cleanup, turning a roaring lead tone into a sparkling chime with a simple twist of the guitar’s pot.
Versatility On Tap
The VTB-1 isn’t just for vintage treble screams. The inclusion of a Fat Switch allows players to broaden the frequency range, making it equally effective for thickening up single-coil pickups or adding punch to modern high-gain settings.
Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | VFZ-1 Fuzz | VTB-1 Treble Booster |
| Circuit Style | Mk 1.5 (Two-Transistor) | Vintage Single-Transistor |
| Transistors | 2x Silver Can BC108 | 1x Silver Can BC108 |
| Unique Feature | Crunch Switch & High Impedance | Fat Switch (Frequency Shift) |
| Best For | Liquid Sustain & 60s Psych | Pushing Tube Amps & Harmonic Chime |
| Power | 9V DC (Standard) | 9V DC (Standard) |
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
Q: Do these pedals use Germanium transistors? A: No. They use specially voiced Silicon BC108 transistors. Vox developed a unique biasing method to replicate the warmth and nonlinear “sag” of Germanium while providing the stability and low noise of Silicon.
Q: Can I use the VFZ-1 Fuzz after my Wah pedal? A: Yes! Thanks to the high input impedance design, the VFZ-1 is fully compatible with wahs and buffers, solving a major headache associated with vintage fuzz designs.
Q: Are these pedals “True Bypass”? A: While they are designed for modern pedalboards and feature exceptionally low noise, they are engineered to interact with your guitar’s electronics just like the vintage units did.
Q: Will the VTB-1 work with non-Vox amplifiers? A: Absolutely. While it is tuned to make an AC30 sing, the “Fat Switch” makes it versatile enough to push any tube amplifier into harmonically rich overdrive.
Conclusion
With the VFZ-1 and VTB-1, Vox has successfully modernized the “unobtainable” tones of the 1960s. By combining the legendary Silver Can BC108 transistors with smart, player-centric features like the Crunch Switch and Fat Switch, these pedals are set to become staples on both vintage-inspired and modern pedalboards alike.
Price & Availability
The VFZ-1 and VTB-1 are available at Andertons, priced at £115 each
The VFZ-1 and VTB-1 are available at Sweetwater, priced at $149.99 each
More Information
#Vox #VFZ-1 #VTB-1
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