A Modern Take on a Fuzz Legend
Meet the Barrows Fuzz Attacker — EarthQuaker Devices’ masterfully reimagined take on the revered Tone Bender MkII. Built around a classic germanium three-transistor design, the Barrows blends vintage mojo with modern performance, delivering iconic fuzz tones without the finicky drawbacks of the originals. Whether you’re chasing soaring leads, gritty textures, or thick, sustaining walls of fuzz, the Barrows is your new sonic weapon.
Vintage Fuzz, Refined for the Modern Pedalboard
Inspired by the legendary Tone Bender MkII — itself a descendant of the Maestro Fuzz-Tone — the Barrows offers all the snarling midrange, low-end punch, and top-end bite that made the original circuit a studio secret weapon. But this isn’t just a clone. EarthQuaker founder Jamie Stillman modernized the circuit with phase correction, buffered output, and rock-solid reliability, making it ready for the rigors of today’s pedalboards.
Classic Germanium Tone, Consistent and Controllable
At the heart of the Barrows is a carefully tuned trio of germanium transistors. These transistors are matched and dialed in to offer a rich spectrum of fuzz textures — from touch-sensitive overdrive to full-on sustain-laden fuzz fury. Thanks to the phase-corrected output and modern buffering, the Barrows integrates seamlessly with other pedals in your chain, while delivering a consistent and reliable experience every time you stomp.
Simple Controls, Endless Possibilities
Level
Set your output volume with ease. Unity gain sits around noon, but there’s plenty of headroom to push your amp into natural breakup or ride the front of your gain stages for even more saturation.
Attack
This is where the magic lives. From smooth, amp-like distortion to searing fuzz with near-infinite sustain, the Attack control is your gateway to a universe of tone. Dial it back for articulate, dynamic response — or crank it up for thick, aggressive fuzz with attitude.
Built for Players, Designed for Pedalboards
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True Bypass Switching ensures a clean, unaffected signal when the pedal is off
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Standard 9V DC Power (center-negative) — no more battery-only or reverse-polarity headaches
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Buffered Output and Phase Correction for improved pedalboard integration
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Compact Footprint saves space on even the busiest boards
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Lovingly hand-assembled in Akron, Ohio by the EQD crew (and one helpful robot)
Pro Tips for Maximum Fuzz
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Place the Barrows first in your signal chain for best results
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Avoid placing buffers or buffered pedals before the Barrows
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Use your guitar’s volume knob to clean up or push the fuzz dynamically — the germanium circuit responds like an instrument of its own
Power Requirements
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Power Supply: 9V DC center-negative
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Current Draw: 10mA
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Do not exceed 9V — higher voltages may damage the pedal
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Use only isolated, pedal-specific power supplies for cleanest operation
Tech Specs
Channel the Classics, Without the Compromise
The EarthQuaker Devices Barrows Fuzz Attacker isn’t just a fuzz pedal — it’s a bridge between the past and present. Whether you’re chasing the tone of ‘60s legends or sculpting your own modern sound, the Barrows delivers iconic tone with unmatched reliability. Add one to your board and unlock decades of fuzz history with a stomp.
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BOOM!
