As adjectives go, “cute” and “raging” are usually an odd fit. But apart from, perhaps, a rabid pug with vampire fangs, few things are as deserving of both descriptors as Tech 21’s Fuzzy Brit. This light, solidly built, and miniscule menace machine is an all-analog, 2-channel approximation of Marshall amps from the Bluesbreaker to ’60s plexi and ’70s JMP models—all paired with a cool take on a Fuzz Face. And it’s a satisfying substitute when you can’t lug a massive Marshall head and 4x12 along to the show.
At just 7.75" x 2.75" x 1", the Fuzzy Brit is smaller than it looks. It’s slender enough to stuff in your back pocket, which makes its capabilities impressive. Channel A is the cleaner of the two channels. It’s lively, clear, and present, sounds particularly pretty and chimey with a Telecaster, and readily lends sass and energy to mid-scooped tube amps that get flat and characterless at lower-club volumes. Channel B is dirtier. It responds exceptionally well to advanced-gain levels that generate a plexi’s signature punky, fat, and growling distortion, but also excels at recreating the creaky nuances of a loud, unadorned Marshall at lower-gain settings. Speaking of adornments, the Fuzz Face rips and is a superb pairing, particularly in Channel B. The Fuzzy Brit’s one obvious limitation is a lack of independent EQ for each channel. Still, it’s a very convenient and satisfying way to get Marshall might from a backline amp that’s easy on the back and the bank.
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Guitarists are used to coveting cranky, old gear, but if you’re not a rack user, the H3000 might not be for you! If you ever see one of these in a studio, be sure to take some time to check it out, and maybe give the plugin a try.