When I look at the history of fuzz pedals, it always amazes me how a simple pedal helped to define the sound of an entire era.
For Jimi Hendrix, it was all about that legendary Hendrix style fuzz. That gritty, electrifying distortion we now associate with rock ‘n’ roll. And it was all powered by the “OG” of Hendrix style fuzz pedals: the Fuzz Face.
But maybe you don’t just want to imitate Hendrix, or perhaps you’re looking for something a bit more affordable or different. This article will help you get started creating those wild, howling tones to add some raw energy to your tone.
Let’s take a look at the top Hendrix style fuzz pedals that can get you closer to that legendary tone.
Table of Contents
13 Best Hendrix Style Fuzz Pedals to Get That Iconic Tone
1. Dunlop Jimi Hendrix Fuzz Face
A timeless classic. The Dunlop Jimi Hendrix Fuzz Face is a faithful reproduction of the 1969–70 Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face that Hendrix used on iconic albums like Electric Ladyland.
Built around the BC108 Silicon transistor, this pedal delivers the bright, aggressive fuzz Hendrix favored later in his career. The vintage-correct circular chassis and turquoise hammertone finish make it as visually striking as it is tonally authentic.
For any guitar player chasing Hendrix’s signature fuzz, this pedal nails the tone and look of the original.
2. Analogman Sunface BC108
The Analogman Sunface is a favorite among fuzz enthusiasts for its use of BC108 Silicon transistors—the same type Hendrix began using in the late ‘60s.
It’s known for delivering a bright, aggressive fuzz, but the BC108 provides a more focused tone with less harmonic “ghosting” compared to Germanium versions.
While it is a premium option, the Sunface BC108 is widely regarded as one of the best Fuzz Face-style pedals available. It offers awesome sustain and clarity, especially in higher-gain settings.
3. Fulltone ‘69 and ‘70 Fuzz
The Fulltone ’69 and ’70 Fuzz pedals are well-known for capturing distinct aspects of Hendrix’s fuzz tones.
The ’69 Fuzz uses matched Germanium transistors, delivering a smooth, warm tone reminiscent of Hendrix’s early fuzz sounds, with a Contour control to shape midrange and harmonics.
The ’70 Fuzz, built with mismatched Silicon transistors, produces a rawer, more aggressive sound that aligns with Hendrix’s later, more psychedelic tones.
Both these pedals offer excellent options depending on which era of Hendrix’s fuzz sound you want to go for.
4. Jam Pedals Fuzz Phrase Si
As with most Jam Pedals, the Fuzz Phrase Si looks super cool, but it’s more than just an awesome design.
This pedal’s BC107 Silicon transistors replicate the classic Fuzz Face circuit in a modern way, offering a rich harmonic profile and dynamic response. It delivers that signature “hairy” Hendrix style fuzz with long sustain and super impressive clean-up when you roll back your guitar’s volume.
Due to the simplicity of this pedal, when I had a go with it, I found dialing in that classic Hendrix tone pretty easy.
5. Wampler Velvet Fuzz
While not a direct clone of the Fuzz Face, the Wampler Velvet Fuzz offers a versatile take on vintage fuzz tones.
With clipping modes, this pedal lets you explore thick, saturated fuzz reminiscent of classic tones, or tighten things up for a more controlled, distortion-like sounds.
Whether you’re after a big, compressed fuzz or a distortion feel, the Velvet Fuzz won’t let you down. Its flexibility makes it a great option for players who want to push their tone in new directions while still capturing elements of Hendrix’s fuzz-driven sound.
6. Sabbadius ‘66 Germanium Fuzz
The Sabbadius ‘66 Germanium Fuzz is renowned for its dedication to vintage authenticity.
Handcrafted with a focus on recreating the classic germanium fuzz tones, this pedal delivers the warm, smooth sound that captures the spirit of Hendrix’s Woodstock performance. Its Bias control allows players to adjust for temperature changes, a common characteristic of germanium transistors, ensuring consistent performance in varying environments.
Although it’s now out of production, you can still find the Sabbadius ’66 on the second-hand market, making it a sought-after vintage fuzz gem.
7. Keeley Monterey
The Keeley Monterey is more than just a fuzz pedal—it’s a modulation powerhouse. Alongside classic fuzz, it offers octave, rotary speaker, vibe, and wah effects, allowing players to explore a wide range of Hendrix-inspired tones.
Whether you’re chasing the psychedelic swirl of “Machine Gun” or the fuzzed-out power of “Voodoo Child,” this pedal will deliver.
With an expression pedal option and multiple sound configurations, the Monterey offers endless tonal exploration for any player wanting to dive into Hendrix sounds.
8. King Tone miniFUZZ V2
King Tone is known for producing versatile, high-quality pedals; the miniFUZZ V2 is no exception.
This pedal combines the tones of both Silicon and Germanium fuzz, giving you the ability to switch between two distinctive tonal options. It has a wide range of controls, including a Bias control for dialing in everything from smooth, sustaining fuzz to gritty, vintage tones, it’s perfect for exploring a lot of Hendrix style fuzz sounds.
I’m impressed by the miniFUZZ for its versatility. It’s certainly a great choice for anyone needing a wide range of fuzz tones—from Hendrix’s warm, dynamic fuzz to more modern, aggressive sounds. If you’re looking for maximum flexibility without sacrificing tone quality, the King Tone miniFUZZ V2 is a standout choice.
9. JHS 3 Series Fuzz
The JHS 3 Series Fuzz is an affordable yet high-quality option that perfectly balances vintage and modern fuzz tones.
A key feature is the Bias control, which lets you adjust the sound from gated and sputtery to smooth, classic fuzz. Use the Fat toggle to add a bass boost for a fuller, more powerful tone.
The flexibility of this fuzz pedal makes it ideal for players who want a range of fuzz tones without a complicated setup.
10. Fjord Fuzz Odin V3
The Fjord Fuzz Odin V3 brings a fresh take on classic octave-up fuzz, offering gritty, raw tones with a unique edge.
With two independent channels—one for standard fuzz and one for octave fuzz—this pedal provides a range of sounds that cut through the mix.
Inspired by Scandinavian mythology. The Odin III combines versatility and character, making it perfect for players seeking Hendrix-inspired fuzz with a twist.
11. Catalinbread Octapussy
The Catalinbread Octapussy offers a dynamic take on the classic octave-up fuzz, perfect for achieving the high-flying tones Hendrix favored during his “Band of Gypsys” era.
With its unique circuit featuring three silicon transistors and two diodes, this pedal delivers a sweet upper-octave effect that adds richness and texture to your solos.
Whether you’re after soaring, sustained leads or a wide range of different fuzz tones, the Octapussy can won’t dissapoint.
12. MXR Fuzz 108 Mini
The MXR 108 Fuzz Mini is a compact yet powerful pedal, ideal for players with limited pedalboard space.
It brings that classic Silicon Fuzz Face tone that Hendrix is known for, powered by the BC-108 transistor for a rich, dirty crunch.
Additional features like a buffer switch ensure compatibility with wah pedals and longer signal chains. The MXR 108 Fuzz is a great option for getting that Hendrix style fuzz sound without sacrificing versatility or space on your pedalboard.
13. Mythos Golden Fleece Fuzz
I have to tell you, I might be a little biased here. Not because I have any connection to Mythos, but because this is my fuzz pedal of choice. For my playing, I absolutely love it.
The Mythos Golden Fleece Fuzz skillfully blends fuzz and overdrive, offering everything from subtle grit to full-blown fuzz. It’s perfect for getting raw, aggressive fuzz tones similar to Hendrix.
This simple one-knob pedal responds beautifully to your playing dynamics. It cleans up with softer playing or delivers rich fuzz when you really dig in.
For me, the flexibility of the Mythos Golden Fleece makes it perfect for exploring a range of textures, effortlessly transitioning from smooth overdrive to thick, saturated fuzz.
Fuzz is Just the Beginning
Here’s the thing about Hendrix style fuzz: it’s not just about dialing in the perfect replica of his tone. It’s about embracing the spirit of exploration and seeing where the sound can take you.
So, as you work through these fuzz pedals, consider how they get you closer to that classic Hendrix vibe and how they fit into your own personal playing style. Whether you’re aiming to recreate iconic tones or shape something entirely your own, each of these pedals offers the perfect foundation. The rest, well, that is up to you.
FAQs
Did Jimi Hendrix put fuzz before Wah?
It’s not a straightforward answer. Hendrix often placed the fuzz after the wah, as seen in performances like Stockholm and Woodstock, but his setup did vary over time.
How to get the Hendrix tone?
Hendrix got his tone using a Fender Stratocaster guitar and a Marshall Plexi amp. For pedals, he used a fuzz face for thick, dynamic fuzz, a wah for expressive filter sweeps, and a univibe for swirling modulation.
