Pete’s Gear: Marshall SupaFuzz fuzz pedal
Pete Townshend’s Marshall model 1975 SupaFuzz fuzz pedal, courtesy rockstarsguitars.com. Used 1967–68 on stage, often paired with a Grampian reverb.
The Supa Fuzz was made for Marshall by Sola Sound, the maker of the original Tonebender fuzz pedal, which Pete had used in 1965 and 1966 on stage (the Tonebender MkI). The Supa Fuzz was based on the Sola Sound Tone Bender MkII.
Note: this stenciled logo model differs from the generally available 1967 raised lettering model.
Following the use of the Marshall Supa Fuzz, Pete would go on to use a Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face briefly in August 1968 before switching permanently to the Univox Super Fuzz in late 1968.
On the pedal pictured below:
From rockstarsguitars.com: The pedal was given to a guy who helped haul gear at Wolverhampton, 1973. He was given a small amount of cash and the pedal (not functioning at the time) for his help. It must have been at the bottom of a case for some time!
Photo Gallery
Top view of Pete Townshend’s Marshall model 1975 SupaFuzz fuzz pedal, courtesy rockstarsguitars.com.
Bottom view of Pete Townshend’s Marshall model 1975 SupaFuzz fuzz pedal, courtesy rockstarsguitars.com.
4 May 1967, European tour, Marshall Supa Fuzz, with Marshall Super 100 amplifiers and Grampian Reverb.
Click to view larger version. 25 Aug. 1967, Kiel Opera House, St. Louis, Mo., with Fender Showman amps with 2×15 cabinets, likely borrowed from the Herman’s Hermits. Guitar appears to be a Rickenbacker 330Fireglo 360-12, also likely borrowed from the Herman’s Hermits. Effects pedal appears to be Marshall Supa Fuzz.
Click to view larger version. 25 Aug. 1967, Kiel Opera House, St. Louis, Mo., with Fender Showman amps with 2×15 cabinets, likely borrowed from the Herman’s Hermits. Guitar appears to be a Rickenbacker 330Fireglo 360-12, also likely borrowed from the Herman’s Hermits. Effects pedal appears to be Marshall Supa Fuzz. And Bobby Pridden is visible behind Pete’s amplifiers.
June 1967, Monterey Pop, showing two Super Beatles, with tops reversed on the chrome roller rack. Pedal is a Marshal Supa Fuzz.
Resources and Information
- D*A*M Stompboxes Sola Sound/Tone Bender history: stompboxes.co.uk/gpage1.html2.html
Acknowledgements
- Rock Stars Guitars: rockstarsguitars.com