function f(x) Clusterfuzz / Third Rail [ongoing reviews]

[Chankgeez]

Thanks to the kindness of culturejam, I've been borrowing a Clusterfuzz. (Thanks, culturejam.)

It's a very versatile fuzz and I'm having a super fun time playing with it. Aside from looking great, all the settings sound fantastic. I keep finding new settings I love.

There're so many things to like about this pedal. First off, I really like the soft touch footswitch. Makes it easy to tap it on and off quickly for quick blasts of fuzz.

I like how the clipping options are graduated in volume from quietest (Schottky) to loudest (no diodes). It makes it convenient to adjust on the fly.

Stacks pretty well so far (both ways). Right now I have it sandwiched between a Kowloon Walled Bunny (before) and a Pharaoh (after). The high cut filter is also a nice feature. I've been running a Warped Vinyl MKI before it and using the high cut takes out some of the background noise. (I'm using an Audition Swinger with a microphonic pickup into a vintage Airline amp. So, not the most silent of rigs.) I've been using the FET and LED clipping options the most. It gets really loud with the diodes out. Messing around with the fuzz and 8-bit knobs yields a ton of different textures.

I'm still just getting to know what it can do. So, I'll probably post stuff as I go along. I'll try to record some video/audio clips when I have a chance too. I'll also post some of the settings that I like the best.

[sylnau]

Thanks Chank.

[Dandolin]

Put it in the loop of a dual Mini

Run the mix through it.

Seriously, that is one well-thought out fuzz.

[culturejam]

Thanks guys!

Chank, if you have any questions about functionality or design philosophy or anything else, please feel free to ask. That also goes for anyone else!

[Chankgeez]

Thanks, culturejam. I read the manual, which's pretty well written. Gives a good place to start. You guys really did think things out quite intuitively.

I was just using the following setting as a kinda dirty boost:

Volume: 3:00
Tone: fully CCW
Fuzz: fully CCW
8-Bit: fully CCW
Clipping: LED
Filter: to the left

I'll probably be posting lots of favorite settings… because there're lots of 'em.

[Uncle Grandfather]

This thread needs dem clips

[goroth]

Man, this just increased my gas!

Been hanging out for this fuzz since I first got wind of it. Can't wait to get my finances in order!

[sylnau]

This thread needs dem clips

[insubordination]

One of the best things I found with the CF is that you can have a real biting tone with the 8-bit knob up a ways, and then roll back your guitar volume for a more gritty fuzzy rhythm tone, and then right back up for fuzz mayhem.

[Chankgeez]

Yes, there will be clips (when I have a chance).

Haven't tried any volume knob cleanup yet, insubordination, I'll have to give that a whirl. Thanks.

[univalve]

Yummy clusterfuzz. Want hard.

[frigid midget]

Since there's no EU dealers, and since function fx got a ton of exposure thanks to us...

It only seems fair for them to cut me -and my fellow european ilf'ers- a deal on a direct sale. Just to compensate for the extra shipping costs and customs fees and what not

Obviously, they'd get even more user reviews in return, which undoubtfully will be as raving as everything ese that's been written till now.

I'm only half kidding. Or am I?

[Dandolin]

One of the best things I found with the CF is that you can have a real biting tone with the 8-bit knob up a ways, and then roll back your guitar volume for a more gritty fuzzy rhythm tone, and then right back up for fuzz mayhem.

[culturejam]

I'm only half kidding. Or am I?

We decided to build a strong dealer network instead of doing direct sales (and there is a sales tax exemption on "raw materials" if we only manufacture and do not retail).

We are working on getting a dealer or two based in the EU. It's still going to be more expensive for you guys because of the import duties and whatnot, but at least it would be a lot easier in terms of dealing with someone relatively local. Shipping would be a few Euros cheaper, but I don't think it will be significantly cheaper for you to buy the pedal from a local business because they will pass on to you the same taxes/duties as you would have to pay direct. At least that's how we understand it. But we are very new to EU tax law, so we welcome any input you might have.

Also, if you can suggest your favorite retailers that you think would want to carry our stuff, we will contact them and see if we can work out a deal.

[frigid midget]

Pretty much the response I was expecting ofcourse

To be honest, even at half the price I couldn't justify ANY fresh pedal at the moment. Need to clean out a ton of unused pedals first and flip a guitar or two.

As far as European online retailers go, I almost exclusively order new stuff at thomann and www.bax-shop.nl. They're far from small gear boutiques, but there's just not a lot of those around

I'm sure there's a good reasons why those big online stores don't offer anything but main stream brands and more established boutque brands, but it's a shame imo. Great prices, excellent return policy, fast delivery,...

You're right btw, EU stores do indeed pass on the taxes/duties to their customers.

I'm sceptical about the TTIP, I'm not yet convinced it will make it easier for small businesses to reach european customers, but you never know