Fuzz: The Sound That Changed the World (my take)

Okay, I know that Kevin Ian Common just did a guest review on “Fuzz: The Sound That Changed the World“, but I finally got to watch it in its entirety last night. And since it’s about guitars/effects… I just felt like I needed to add my two cents into.

First, I wanted to say that I’ve been fascinated with the idea of pedal building. I’ve mentioned that in previous posts. I have great respect for the people that make pedals, that design circuits, and can actually make a business building, modifying and selling these things. It’s a rough world out there, and it definitely takes a special breed.

Going into this movie/documentary, I was expecting a ‘history lesson’ on the fuzz pedal. There actually is some good information and important historic points discussed in the film, but what I really got excited about was seeing what types of people are building these pedals today. A view into their personalities, and getting a view of how people can think in terms of electronics.. while maintaining a understanding of music, and musical needs and purpose.

Last year I watched, “Les Paul: Chasing Sound” and I was so intrigued of how a person can be talented (artistic) and still have the part of the brain to design/build/tinker. It seems rare to me to find individuals that are left/right brained.. and balanced on both sides. I felt that this doc really exposes those individuals.

I was also inspired to see how the “art” was brought into electronics. This could be cosmetic (ala ZVex) or crazy circuits or circuit bending (ala ZVex or Death By Audio, etc) for the need to make the sound the true voice of  the signal, and the guitar plays a part of it. Interesting concept.

If you’re remotely interested in building or modifying pedals, this is a great film. If you’re a musician and are interested to see what drives pedal development and fuels these crazy people to make more pedals.. again, this is a great movie to watch.