Z.Vex Vexter Fuzz Probe review

A theremin-fuzz pedal? Oh, go on then…

  • £189
  • €249
  • $219
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The built-in antenna alters the pedals 'stability' parameter depending on the proximity of your foot

MusicRadar Verdict

A brilliantly bonkers marriage of a fuzzbox with a theremin.

Pros

  • +

    Ideal for end-of-song freak-outs. Clever, practical idea. Lots of fun.

Cons

  • -

    If you demand precision control, this may not be for you.

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Z.Vex's Probe series takes a pedal and adds theremin-like gesture control to it. The Fuzz Probe combines a Fuzz Factory with a copper antenna built into an acrylic plate.

"Wave your foot around for police car sirens and faux-theremin squeals"

Wave your foot around near the plate and you'll disturb a field of RF energy coming from the antenna, altering the circuit that generates it.

That circuit, via the brightness of an LED and photoresistive cell, controls the stability knob of the Fuzz Factory.

If you stay clear of the antenna (the energy field extends to about two inches) the Fuzz Factory works as normal with its massive range of fuzz sounds, including a whole arsenal of screaming feedback.

It's in that screaming that the Probe comes into its own. Determined by the setting of the stability knob, you can wave your foot around for police car sirens and faux-theremin squeals.

A Fuzz Factory with an expressive extra layer of madness: great for freaking out at the end of songs. We like it a lot.

Trevor Curwen

Trevor Curwen has played guitar for several decades – he's also mimed it on the UK's Top of the Pops. Much of his working life, though, has been spent behind the mixing desk, during which time he has built up a solid collection of the guitars, amps and pedals needed to cover just about any studio session. He writes pedal reviews for Guitarist and has contributed to Total Guitar, MusicRadar and Future Music among others.