An All-new JHS-designed Fuzzbox Enters the Ross Lineup
Compression, chorus, distortion, phaser: by and large, the JHS-helmed reboot of Ross pedals is faithful to the brand’s original array of offerings. While those pedals certainly cover most of your bases, Josh Scott and company found one glaring omission from Ross’ OG lineup: fuzz. The Ross Fuzz is essentially the Ross pedal that never was, boasting a design tweaked from the distortion circuit on one of Bud Ross’ transistor amplifier models. It’s an exceptionally idiosyncratic-sounding fuzz pedal that gives you a Vintage mode in addition to a clearer, brighter Modern mode that’s engaged with a side-mounted switch. Plus, the Ross Fuzz’s visuals are borne straight out of the company’s classic tradition, with a vintage-style slanted enclosure and recessed Level/Fuzz control knobs. All in all, it’s a stunning addition to the Ross line — hopefully, there are many more additions come!
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Swap between Vintage and Modern modes
Besides your fuzzbox-standard Level and Fuzz knobs, the Ross Fuzz boasts a side-mounted 2-position switch to swap between two distinct fuzzy tones.
- Vintage mode: This mode is based on the distortion/fuzz circuit found on one of Bud Ross’ transistor amplifier models — an amp famously utilized by John Fogerty throughout Creedence Clearwater Revival’s entire career. What does it sound like? Fuzzboxes based on old solid-state amps don’t come around terribly often, so the Ross Fuzz truly offers a tonality you can’t get anywhere else. Vintage mode gives you a smooth, even-sounding distortion that morphs into an aggressive treble-tinged bite on more extreme settings.
- Modern mode: Clearer, brighter, and more articulate, Modern mode captures the same flavor of Vintage mode, only with a significantly cleaner and more defined presence. When testing the Ross Fuzz out at Sweetwater, we found this setting provides just a touch more versatility, and its brighter timbre makes it a natural choice for players with humbucker-equipped guitars or going through a dark amplifier.
Myriad modern enhancements
From their iconic slanted enclosures to their recessed control knobs, JHS’ line of Ross pedals spares no expense when it comes to vintage authenticity. Of course, this comes as no surprise, considering Josh Scott’s status as one of the world’s foremost guitar pedal historians. That being said, the original Ross designs have pushed well into retirement age at this point, so JHS saw fit to make a few modern functionality upgrades to pair with the line’s thoroughly vintage-accurate tone. Each pedal now sports a soft-touch bypass and a drastically lowered noise floor for a much cleaner operation overall. Additionally, each and every pedal in the Ross lineup comes equipped with an alternate JHS-style voice, accessed by the click of their side-mounted switches.
Josh Scott’s Ross renaissance
The story of Ross pedals begins in the early 1960s with the birth of Kustom Amplification, Charles A. “Bud” Ross’ solid-state line of distinctive tuck-and-roll amplifiers. These amps would make waves in the hands of Creedence Clearwater Revival, Johnny Cash, and The Jackson 5. By the time the mid-1970s rolled around, the ever-restless Bud experimented with the still-growing market of guitar effects pedals. He ultimately chose Ross as the moniker for his series of stompboxes. While the pedals were by all accounts top-notch, Bud eventually sold the company and exited the music business for good. By the ’90s, Ross was all but a footnote in pedal history.
Thereafter, Ross pedals were relegated to cult-classic status — until 6-string virtuoso Trey Anastasio of Phish achieved his idiosyncratic sound courtesy of an old grey-boxed Ross Compressor. Since then, the demand for vintage-style Ross pedals skyrocketed, with precious little supply. Luckily for guitarists everywhere, JHS’ Josh Scott has teamed with Bud’s grandson, Cameron Ross, culminating in a complete relaunch of the Ross lineup! Each pedal is manufactured in JHS’ Kansas City, Missouri-based facility to the same exacting standards as the company’s own products, and to the same sonic specs that defined Ross pedals in their heyday. After decades of inactivity and exceedingly rare reissues, Ross pedals couldn’t be in better hands.
Ross Fuzz Guitar Pedal Features:
- An all-new Ross creation based on the distortion circuit from Bud Ross’ amplifier-building days, built and designed by JHS in Kansas City, Mo.
- Offers a versatile fuzz sound that goes from smooth distortion-like tones to bright, ripping lead sounds, boasting a topology that’s wholly distinct from almost any other fuzzbox
- Ultra-simple 2-knob operation: Level and Fuzz
- Side-mounted 2-position switch offers a Vintage mode (based on Bud's original distortion circuit design) and a Modern mode (brighter, more defined) that kicks your gain and bass response into overdrive
- An assortment of modern functionality upgrades, including a significantly lowered noise floor, LED indicator, and soft-touch bypass
- Vintage-correct slanted enclosure and recessed knobs
