Lauren Audio
B100 Pre-Order
B100 Pre-Order
5.0 / 5.0
(5) 5 total reviews
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PRE ORDER ESTIMTAED SHIP 2ND WEEK OF JAN '25
$10 DISCOUNT FOR PRE ORDER
The B100 Fuzz is a germanium fuzz based on the Neve B100 preamp card found in the 1053 and similar channel strips that preceded Rupert Neve's now famous 1073. When researching these modules I found the topology was similar to a two transistor fuzz, and with some experimentation I was able to get a nasty, high gain fuzz that also has a sweet side. By balancing the input and gain controls you can get smoky OD tones and warm, clean tones akin to a clean germanium preamp. Or you can dime both controls for a massive wall of fuzz that will move mountains (figuratively). The input control has an effect on the low end, while the gain has a focus on the mids and highs. This acts a pseudo EQ that helps give a little tone control.
Although a two transistor fuzz is relatively simple, there were some unique circuit elements that I carried over from the original Neve design that aren't typically found in fuzz pedals. I was hesitant to release a fuzz that was a clone of past designs, and as you will find familiarity in the sound, there is something unique about it that I'm proud to put forward. It has the width and compression of a vintage fuzz, and the cut and focused image from a modern device.
The build is a mix of the old and the new. Carbon film 1/2 watt resistors are paired with Polypropylene film caps for classic tone while making the fuzz feel fast and responsive. The only electrolytic in the audio circuit is a high grade bipolar MUSE cap, while the power caps are the trusty Panasonics. This batch is made using 2N404A transistors, which gives lots of grunt and grit when driven but are tasty and warm at low gain. Powder coat is a metallic teal with retro colored graphics on a custom folded aluminum chassis.
The B100 can be loud depending on the load, if you go for maxed input and gain, keep the output low to start or you will likely hear the following circuit clipping, over the actual sound of the B100. Inversely the output is very useful as a makeup stage when going for low gain tones.
Every pedal's transistor pairing is auditioned, matched, and biased to a sweet spot for the circuit. Users can induce extra gating effects or compensate for temperature effects on the germanium by adjusting the internal bias control.
Dimensions: 4.85" x 2.75" x 1.85"
**Does not include power adapter**
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Seriously versatile fuzz! I’ve been struggling with fuzz fitting into my sound, but after success with the Aerocomet last year, I had faith this would be an out of the ordinary pedal. So many ways to change the response, input volume, output, guitar volume. It’s amazing how clean or crazy it gets but there is always that amazing Lauren Audio harmonic layer in the touch. Love it!
I cannot recommend this pedal enough! Got it as a graduation present and couldn’t be happier. Cleans up into a nice, articulate tone right through to a really deep fuzz with great clarity- easy to operate and so so many fantastic tone options in a small package. Works a dream with both single coils (it LOVES my Jazzmaster) and humbuckers (my Firebird pickups again it absolutely plays perfectly with!)
Just the perfect fuzz for me and wonderfully made and looks beautiful too. On top of that was shipped quickly and had a note congratulating me on my graduation which was a lovely touch and contact throughout the ordering process was brilliant too- wouldn’t hesitate to recommend and can’t wait to check out more LA pedals! Thank you !
Ian I'm so glad you like the B100!! Thanks a lot for this great review. Really appreciate you a Julie! Take care and congrats on the graduation!
Incredible - been playing and hunting, and collecting good fuzz especially germanium for way too long. Delivers on all fronts, top tier with all pickups and has excellent clean up with your volume knob.
Thomas I'm stoked it's working so well for you!! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review, I hope everything is going well!! Take care!
Amazing pedal! Well built and fantastic tones! Highly recommend to players of all types
Chris you're a gem!! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review, and thank you for all your support over the years!! Really glad it can hang with your fuzz collection!!
Another massively satisfying experience from Lauren Audio. I’ve got the Mustang, the Aerocomet, and now this incredible B100. They are all made to be ultra wide sweet spots that you can dial in with any knob permutation and find tones you will get lost in. Highly highly recommended.
Sean
Edge of Breakup