The First Fuzz Pedal

It first happen in 1960 during the recording of Marty Robbin’s classic hit “Don’t Worry About Me”. Here’s the story about the first fuzz pedal creator, Glenn Snoddy.

“In 1960, Snoddy inadvertently discovered the fuzz pedal effect while working on a session for Robbins. In the middle of the song “Don’t Worry,” Grady Martin’s bass guitar started making a distorted sound because the transformer in the amplifier blew up. Snoddy later constructed a guitar pedal that would replicate the fuzz tone, which would later become a crucial element in what is now known as “The Nashville Sound.” The effect became massively influential in rock music.” [1].

When covering “Don’t Worry About Me” on my album “This is Blues Country” I tried on all the tracks to stay true to the original melodies. When it came to “Don’t Worry About Me” I had to stay true to original fuzz sound during the solo. So I actually stacked two fuzz pedals on the track. I used the first pedal I ever owned. My parents bought it for me for Christmas in the late 1960’s, UMI Buzz Tone then stacked on top of that my Keeley Electric Mud making for one huge fuzzy mess of tone.

Glenn Snoddy passed away recently at the age of 96. His contribution to rock & roll music is still being heard today. Every time you here a fuzzed out guitar it’s because of him.

Here is a link to my cover of “Don’t Worry About Me”.

Peace,
Jimmie