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Went to the local pawn shop today and they have a Maestro Fuzz-Tone FZ-1B for $250. Now, I don’t know much about buying vintage, so I’m looking for some expertise here.

Is that price fair?

How many different models of the Fuzz-Tone are there?

When I inspect the pedal, what should I look for?

This one?



Pop it open and report back how many transistors are inside.
That's an OK price, not great, but fair enough.
I've seen at least 4 different circuits in there with 2, 3 or 4 Si trannies.
You might want to try it too -- that's an unusual fuzztone -- real gated. It has a weird squelch circuit so the gating is quite extreme.
Real gnarly buzz. I like it (mine had4 trannies)

Yes. that's the one. I'll go back to see how many transistors are inside. Would the pots have dates?

Its clean, except the knobs felt sticky.

Should be a date code -- mine was 1968 or 9.
The 2 trannie version has more of a fuzz face kinda sound, while the 4 trannie is super gated.
Either way, it's a cool wee box. Very 60s sounding. Not super long sustain or anything.