Boss FZ-5 and FZ-1w?

[Chistopher]

I'm not in the market for a fuzz right now, but I just noticed these in an advertisement on my computer.

Any opinions on these? Oddly enough the non-waza pedal looks more capable than it's more expensive cousin.

[Masta' C]

The FZ-1w is on my G.A.S. short list.

The FZ-1w is an entirely new analog fuzz circuit by Boss with some cool features. It seems really versatile and high quality to me.

The FZ-5 is an "ok" sounding COSM (digital) pedal that tries to emulate a handful of well-known vintage fuzzes. There are some good sounds in it, but it's never gained the appreciation of most Boss fuzz enthusiasts.

[PFDarkside]

The FZ-1w is on my G.A.S. short list.

The FZ-1w is an entirely new analog fuzz circuit by Boss with some cool features. It seems really versatile and high quality to me.

The FZ-5 is an "ok" sounding COSM (digital) pedal that tries to emulate a handful of well-known vintage fuzzes. There are some good sounds in it, but it's never gained the appreciation of most Boss fuzz enthusiasts.

FZ-1w follows in the footsteps of the FZ-2 and FZ-3 in being a unique analog fuzz. FZ-5 being COSM just doesn’t live up to the others. Part of the appeal of the FZ-5 is that it’s an easier to use fuzz. For that task I think the Wampler Velvet Fuzz is much better. And if you want a fuzz face, maestro or octavia, there are rather inexpensive versions of these you can try now. All IMO. (I personally own the FZ-2, FZ-3, FZ-5 and TB-2w. I plan on getting the FZ-1W as well)

[Aceman]

Behringer for the budget win.

[GuitarStv]

The FZ-5 is an "ok" sounding COSM (digital) pedal that tries to emulate a handful of well-known vintage fuzzes. There are some good sounds in it, but it's never gained the appreciation of most Boss fuzz enthusiasts.

I always kinda thought it was underrated. It does a decent fuzz face sound, a decent Maestro fuzz sound, and a decent octave fuzz sound. If what you want is a pedal to cover early fuzz territory, it's not a bad choice to pick up used.

[Chistopher]

FZ-1w follows in the footsteps of the FZ-2 and FZ-3 in being a unique analog fuzz. FZ-5 being COSM just doesn’t live up to the others. Part of the appeal of the FZ-5 is that it’s an easier to use fuzz. For that task I think the Wampler Velvet Fuzz is much better. And if you want a fuzz face, maestro or octavia, there are rather inexpensive versions of these you can try now. All IMO. (I personally own the FZ-2, FZ-3, FZ-5 and TB-2w. I plan on getting the FZ-1W as well)

How's that Tone Bender working out for you? Those things look pretty sick, but I missed out on the run.

[Chistopher]

The FZ-5 is an "ok" sounding COSM (digital) pedal that tries to emulate a handful of well-known vintage fuzzes. There are some good sounds in it, but it's never gained the appreciation of most Boss fuzz enthusiasts.

How on earth did Boss manage to design a digital circuit that was cheaper to produce than a fuzz pedal?

[Masta' C]

In terms of bang-for-the-buck, the FZ-5 is a solid choice if you're ok with "decent" sounds as GuitarStv said.

It's essentially a fuzz-centric multi-effects unit in a compact package, but the models it contains are limited. You give up some character by going digital (fuzz is one of the hardest sounds to accurately replicate digitally from what I understand, despite the circuits being relatively simple), but you do get a handful of genuinely usable sounds in a road-worthy form factor for about $90 or so used or $120 new.

The FZ-1w, on the other hand, is a dynamic, pro-level fuzz that has very versatile vintage and modern modes and will undoubtedly become a classic in the Boss lineup moving forward. Whether it's worth an extra $50 over an FZ-5 is completely user-dependent. For me, having gone through a lot of fuzzes, it would be, but that's certainly not the case for everyone.

[Masta' C]

How on earth did Boss manage to design a digital circuit that was cheaper to produce than a fuzz pedal?

They've been creating COSM effects since the mid-'90s. Digital is their thing. Also, it was probably the most space-saving and cost-effective way to house 3 different fuzz "circuits" in a single unit.

[GuitarStv]

In terms of bang-for-the-buck, the FZ-5 is a solid choice if you're ok with "decent" sounds as GuitarStv said.

It's essentially a fuzz-centric multi-effects unit in a compact package, but the models it contains are limited. You give up some character by going digital (fuzz is one of the hardest sounds to accurately replicate digitally from what I understand, despite the circuits being relatively simple), but you do get a handful of genuinely usable sounds in a road-worthy form factor for about $90 or so used or $120 new.

The FZ-1w, on the other hand, is a dynamic, pro-level fuzz that has very versatile vintage and modern modes and will undoubtedly become a classic in the Boss lineup moving forward. Whether it's worth an extra $50 over an FZ-5 is completely user-dependent. For me, having gone through a lot of fuzzes, it would be, but that's certainly not the case for everyone.

Is the FZ-1w picky about being the first pedal in line, or did Boss work some sort of buffering magic into it?

[Masta' C]

Is the FZ-1w picky about being the first pedal in line, or did Boss work some sort of buffering magic into it?

Good question! I know it has a special buffer and several reviews indicate that the pedal seems to work fine further down the chain, but it's still a fuzz, so...