FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Where and how are FuzzHugger Effects made?

All FuzzHugger pedals are hand-made in the US, in the mountains of Pennsylvania. Every step—from drilling the metal enclosures, to creating and applying graphics, finishing, PCB population, and wiring—is done by hand, in-house. (PCBs are printed out-of-house, also in the US.)



How long do email replies take?

As a one-person shop, emails are prioritized: troubleshooting, repair, and important order questions come first—same day, or next. (If I take longer, don't hesitate to re-send.) Other emails come after repairs, building, and order fulfillment...some are bound to slip between the cracks. Some replies can be short, and some require me to wait until I have time to sit down and write a long, focused message. I enjoy and welcome emails, but it can be hard to keep up. Recently, I've taken steps (including moving back to direct-only) to be more available for non-essential emails...but please understand, I'm a parent and artist before I'm a businessperson.



Do you do custom work?

For many years, nearly half of my work was custom. Currently, as I'm working on meeting demand and introducing new models, the answer is: sometimes. All custom work is on a case-by-case basis, and depends on my time and inspiration. I've done many custom graphics, finishes, styles, and mods (most of which have been posted on the FuzzHugger Facebook page). Also, I'm happy to discuss options with no pressure to buy—we discuss and work out all possible details before you decide whether you want to order the pedal.



Will you modify my FuzzHugger pedal?

In some cases, yes; contact me with questions or available mods.



Can I tour / visit your shop?

Sorry, Wonka-style tours are not available. Safety and time constraints. I'm also a hermit.



How do I power my pedal?

All FuzzHugger pedals use the industry-standard: 9 volt, negative-tip (center
negative) adapter, 2.1mm jack. (Check specs or manual for max voltage.) Yes, you can daisy-chain, but a power supply with isolated grounds offers quieter operation. FuzzHugger has been battery-free since 2008...we've saved untold thousands of batteries from ending up in landfills.



International shipping is taking longer than estimated. When should I worry?

This can happen sometimes, especially around holidays and/or during global pandemics. I frustratingly can't do anything if your country's mail courier is slow. Often, it's because tied up in your country's customs system.

Since 2008, I think only two international shipments have been lost in the mail. In both cases, I verified it with USPS, and more importantly, sent replacements to the customer. If you ordered a pedal, you will get that pedal. Guaranteed.



What's FuzzHugger's Deluxe Finish?

Thick, domed, high-gloss, hard-wearing acrylic.



My knob makes a scratching sound when adjusted; when is this normal?

Not actually a frequently asked question, but it might save an email. Voltage and Bias knobs both make a scratching sound when adjusted--this is the circuit adjusting to the live voltage change.



What's the difference between various finishes?

• FuzzHugger's Deluxe Finish is a thick, domed, hard-wearing acrylic. It adds extra visual depth and vibrance to my signature vibrant graphics. It's durable and chip-resistant. It costs the most, as it requires extensive hand-finishing. • FuzzHugger's "Graphic, No Finish" makes for a lower price-point. It's flat, thin, and glossy, but is more chip-resistant than a silk-screened graphic, and/or a sprayed clear-coat. • FuzzHugger's "Matte Finish" adds a thin clear-coat over the graphic. • FuzzHugger's Metalwork finishes are screened, acid-washed, and sealed with a clear-coat.



Do you use high quality parts?

Yes. I source quality, time-tested parts and back them with a non-expiring, transferrable warranty.



My knobs have become difficult to turn (not actually a "frequently asked question").

Not actually frequently asked, but occasionally I see an old FuzzHugger for modification or repair, and one or more knobs are difficult to turn. This is simple to correct. If your knobs are difficult to turn, you likely have pushed your knobs down onto the potentiometer threads over time. You'll need a small / micro / glasses screwdriver (flat head); raise the knob off the pot threads, so that you can see 1-2 millimeters of smooth shaft, and re-tighten.



Does the graphic need a finish? What's the Deluxe finish?

The FuzzHugger standard graphic is a thin, durable, chip-resistant celluloid (like vintage pickguards). It doesn't need a finish. (A spray finish is more likely to scratch or chip, aging less gracefully.) The Deluxe finish adds a thick, domed, hard-wearing acrylic over the graphic, but is mainly about looks.