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Pete’s Gear: Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face

Pete Townshend used a Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face fuzz pedal on stage for a brief period in 1968. The only photos showing its use are from August 1968.

The Fuzz Face featured a “smiley” face round configuration of its two controls (volume and fuzz) and footswitch, housed in a red housing. The Fuzz Face was used by many, including Eric Clapton, but was made famous by Jimi Hendrix. This could explain why Pete went to that pedal first after using the Marshall Supa Fuzz in 1967–68. (Pete had advised Hendrix about Marshall and Sound City amplifiers.)

As noted, Pete had previously used a Marshall Supa Fuzz in 1967–68, and following his brief use of the Fuzz Face, would go on to use the Univox Super Fuzz, starting December 1968.

Photo Gallery

Ca. August 1968, Singer Bowl, New York, with Dallas-Arbiter Fuzz Face. Amps aretwo customized Sound City L100 amplifiers, with four Sound City 200w 4×12s with herringbone grillecloth. Guitar is Fender Stratocaster.

2 Aug. 1968, Singer Bowl, New York, with Dallas-Arbiter Fuzz Face. Amps are two customized Sound City L100 amplifiers, with four Sound City 200w 4×12s with herringbone grillecloth. Guitar is Fender Stratocaster.

August 1968, at the Singer Bowl, New York, with Fuzz Face visible behind Pete’s foot.

2 Aug. 1968, at the Singer Bowl, New York, with Fuzz Face visible behind Pete’s foot.

10 August 1968, Jaguar Club, St. Charles, Ill., tuning up (Photo: Rick Giles)

Click to view larger version. 10 August 1968, Jaguar Club, St. Charles, Ill., tuning up. Guitar is Gibson SG Special (with Vibrola intact); pedal is Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face; amplifiers are Sound City. (Photo: Rick Giles)
For more, see The Who at the Jaguar, 10 August 1968.

Ca. August 1968, Fillmore West, San Francisco, with Dallas-Arbiter Fuzz Face. Amps are with three customized Sound City L100 amplifiers. Guitar is 1968 Gibson SG Special.

13–15 Aug. 1968, Fillmore West, San Francisco, with Dallas-Arbiter Fuzz Face. Amps are with three customized Sound City L100 amplifiers. Guitar is 1968 Gibson SG Special.

Ca. August 1968, Fillmore West, San Francisco, with Dallas-Arbiter Fuzz Face. Amps are with three customized Sound City L100 amplifiers. Guitar is 1968 Gibson SG Special.

13–15 Aug. 1968, Fillmore West, San Francisco, with Dallas-Arbiter Fuzz Face. Guitar is 1968 Gibson SG Special.

Ca. August 1968 at the Fillmore West, San Francisco. One of the earliest uses of the Gibson SG Special. Amps are three Sound City L100 into four Sound City 4×12 cabinets. Effects pedal is Dallas-Arbiter Fuzz Face.

13–15 Aug. 1968, at the Fillmore West, San Francisco, with Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face. Guitar is Gibson SG Special. Amps are three Sound City L100 into four Sound City 4×12 cabinets and two 8×10 Marshall PA cabinets.

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This page last updated 22 November, 2012