This post may contain affiliate links
“Calling All Sonic Sculptors, Your Tools Have Arrived”
Guitar pedal pioneers and makers of the first fuzz pedal, Maestro Electronics, just released a brand new line-up of pedals called “The Original Collection”.
The Original Collection features five different pedals:
Maestro Fuzz-Tone FZ-M: A modern take on the first fuzz pedal ever made, the Maestro Fuzz-Tone FZ-1
Maestro Invader Distortion: Modern, High Gain Distortion with an optional Gate
Maestro Ranger Overdrive: All-analog overdrive with two selectable modes
Maestro Comet Chorus: All-analog, bucket-brigade chorus with two selectable modes
Maestro Discoverer Delay: All-analog, bucket-brigade delay pedal with optional modulation
Each pedal in The Original Collection utilizes the same form-factor: A pedalboard-friendly enclosure with a simple three-knob layout and a toggle switch that changes between two different modes.
Here’s a bit more information on each pedal in The Original Collection.
Maestro Fuzz-Tone FZ-M:
In 1962, Maestro introduced the world’s first fuzz pedal, the Fuzz-Tone FZ-1. As part of the Original Collection, Maestro has brought us the Fuzz-Tone FZ-M, which is a more modernized take on the original FZ-1.
Fuzz-Tone FZ-M Controls
Attack – Controls the amount of fuzz
Tone – Adjusts the timbre of your sound
Level – Controls the output volume of the pedal
Toggle Switch – Switches between classic FZ-1 inspired fuzz and a thicker, more modern fuzz
Maestro Invader Distortion:
The Invader Distortion is an analog, high-gain distortion pedal that can create a wide range of distortion sounds. The Invader Distortion also features a built-in noise gate to help bring more clarity to your tone.
Invader Distortion Controls
Gain – dials in the amount of distortion
Tone – adjusts the high and low frequencies of your sound
Level – controls the output volume of the pedal
Toggle Switch – Turns the noise gate on or off. There is also an internal trim pot to adjust the gate’s threshold
Maestro Ranger Overdrive
Inspired by the overdrive of classic tube amps, the Ranger Overdrive is an analog overdrive pedal with two distinct modes.
Ranger Overdrive Controls
Gain – Adjusts the amount of gain
Tone – Controls the high and low frequencies of your tone
Level – Dials in the output level of the pedal
Toggle Switch – Switches between a warm, expressive amp-like overdrive and a cleaner overdrive effect that is more touch-sensitive
Related: The best overdrive pedals
Maestro Discoverer Delay
The Discoverer Delay is an all-analog, bucket-brigade delay pedal that delivers up to 600 ms of the classic, warm, analog delay sounds that we all know and love.
Discoverer Delay Controls
Delay – Adjusts the delay time (20-600 ms)
Mix – Dials in how prominent the delay sound is
Sustain – Controls the number of repeats
Toggle Switch – Turns the optional modulation on or off.
Related: The best delay pedals
Maestro Comet Chorus
The Comet Chorus is an analog chorus pedal that utilizes bucket-brigade technology to bring you classic, warm chorus sounds. The different modes offer anything from subtle chorus to full-blown modulation reminiscent of a rotary speaker.
Comet Chorus Controls
Depth – Adjusts the depth of the chorus
Mix – Dials in how prominent the chorus effect is within the signal
Speed – Adjusts the modulation rate
Toggle Switch – Switches between a classic chorus effect (Earth mode) and a chorus effect with amplitude modulation that simulates the sound of a rotary speaker (Orbit mode). There is also an internal trim pot that allows you to adjust the level of the rotary speaker effect.
Related: The best chorus pedals
Overall, this is quite exciting news from the Maestro Electronics team. For more information on the Original Collection, head over to the Maestro website.