In this EarthQuaker Devices Hoof review, we’re going to be discussing the pedals features, tone and performance to find out what makes this fuzz pedal so highly regarded.
EarthQuaker Devices Hoof Review
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There’s no such thing as middle ground with fuzz pedals. You either fall in love with them, or you start to hate them at once. If you belong to the first group, you already know what to expect from such pedals. The fuzz sound has been shaped decades ago.
Not many things have changed since Hendrix and his mind-blowing Fuzzface tones. Practically, there is a couple of iconic pedals that represent different fuzz philosophies. The two most famous fuzz pedals are the aforementioned Fuzzface and the Big Muff. Some of the pedals that came after stand in the middle, taking a little bit from both worlds. However, a vast majority of pedals are nothing more than clones of two legendary stompboxes.
The EarthQuaker Devices Hoof is no exception. It delivers a tone that is heavily influenced by the legendary Big Muff pedal. However, it performs in such amazing way that many guitar players around the world have already replaced the original unit with this one. The reason lays not just in the amazing tone, but also in the fact that this pedal goes a little bit beyond the tonal range of the legendary Electro-Harmonix’s unit.
Also, guitarists love the fact that the pedal is simple and that you can dial great tones with ease.
Features and controls
The first thing you’ll notice about this pedal is its compact size. Unlike most fuzz pedals that are bulky and sometimes complicated to use, the EarthQuaker Devices Hoof keeps things super-simple. First of all, the pedal is so small that will fit any pedalboard with ease. The housing is built like a tank, while controls are super simple.
Before I start with controls, let’s say a couple of words about the design. The pedal features a pretty familiar circuit design but the interesting thing is that the manufacturer uses a fancy combination of materials for circuits and transistors. There is a combination of germanium and silicon, which ensures a perfect balance between fuzz and overdriven amp tones. That’s the reason why this pedal offers such amazing range of colors and why it works great with so many amps.
Fuzz pedals usually don’t feature too many knobs and controls. This one is no exception. You will find just four knobs on it and most of them are pretty familiar to everyone who has little experience with fuzz pedals
On the left, you can find Tone and Level knobs, things that are present on pretty much every pedal around, no matter the effect. Of course, the tone knob lets you find the most appropriate balance between bass and treble tones, in accordance with your preferences. As you may presume, Level is nothing more than pedal’s volume knob.
Things are far more interesting on the right side. First of all, there is the Fuzz knob, which allows you to dial the level of saturation. Also, there is the Shift knob, which is probably the best feature of this pedal. This is the thing that makes the pedal so versatile. To say in simple words, this knob allows you to boost certain frequencies, primarily mid-range tones. Combined with Fuzz knob, it lets you go through an extremely wide range of tones.
Below these four knobs, you will find a typical bypass switch, which is extremely quiet and allows noiseless switching. Of course, it is a true bypass, as we are talking about a genuine analog pedal.
I’ve mentioned so many times that this is a very simple pedal. Therefore, the backside features nothing more than one input and one output. The pedal runs on a 9V power supply, which is not included in the price.
When it comes to size, this is an extremely compact device. With 2.25”x2.5”x4.75” (5.7cm x 6.35cm x 12cm) dimensions, there’s no doubt that this pedal will fit any pedalboard with ease. Also, it weighs only 0.6 pounds (270g).
Tone and Performance
We have finally come to the most important aspect of this pedal. With good fuzz pedals, it’s all about sound quality but the EarthQuaker Devices Hoof is also pretty versatile, untypically versatile for a fuzz pedal. Fuzz pedals that tend to offer a wide tonal range usually compromise the tone quality. That’s not the case with this one. Moreover, the overall tone quality is top-notch and I’m sure this is one of the best-sounding fuzz pedals you can find today.
In the spectrum of fuzz tones, the EarthQuaker Devices Hoof is very close to the legendary Big Muff pedal. Moreover, it features pretty much the same circuit, so you may count on a typical kind of saturation. Still, this stompbox has a couple of aces up its sleeve.
Even if you don’t like to bother with knob tweaking too much, you may count on excellent tones. Still, it would be a real shame not to use these amazingly-responsive knobs more. Those three typical knobs (Tone, Level and Fuzz) do the job great and guitar players particularly like the sensitivity of the Fuzz knob. However, the Shift knob definitely steals the show.
After just a couple of minutes of playing with Shift and Fuzz knobs, you will realize that this pedal offers an impressive range of tones. Not only that you can count on all kinds of fuzz colors, but you can also get the sound where tones aren’t clipped that much, but rather walk on a fine line between fuzz and distortion. In practice, this means that you can get pretty good clarity even at higher fuzz levels, which sounds perfect for soloing and lead tones in general. This particularly sounds great on Strats and other guitars with single coils, though humbuckers sound amazing as well.
EarthQuaker Devices Hoof Conclusion
To summarize, tones that you can get with EarthQuaker Devices Hoof will cover pretty much everything that has something to do with good-old fuzz-rock tones, and goes a little bit beyond. It is a great unit for a wide range of styles, from Hendrix to various metal genres.
So, if you need a top-notch fuzz pedal that covers a tonal range of the legendary Big Muff and goes even a little bit beyond that, you will hardly find a better pedal than EarthQuaker Devices Hoof. This is arguably one of the best fuzz pedals on the market. It sounds impressive, it is compact, easy to use and extremely durable. Moreover, it is handmade, while the manufacturer gives a lifetime guarantee.
Customer Review Rating
EarthQuaker Devices Hoof Fuzz has a rating of 4.5* out of 5* on Amazon – >>>Check out the Latest Amazon Customer Reviews of the EarthQuaker Devices Hoof <<<
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FAQ – EarthQuaker Devices Hoof V2
What is the EarthQuaker Devices Hoof V2?
The EarthQuaker Devices Hoof V2 is a fuzz pedal known for its distinctive and versatile fuzz tones. It is a hybrid fuzz pedal, combining both Germanium and Silicon transistors to provide a wide range of tonal possibilities.
What makes the EarthQuaker Devices Hoof V2 different from other fuzz pedals?
The EarthQuaker Devices Hoof V2 stands out as a unique fuzz pedal due to its hybrid design, blending the characteristics of Germanium and Silicon fuzz circuits. This combination offers players a choice between classic, warm Germanium fuzz and modern, aggressive Silicon fuzz tones.
How does the EarthQuaker Devices Hoof V2 compare to the Fuzz Face or Russian Muff?
Compared to the Fuzz Face and Russian Muff, the Hoof V2 offers more versatility in shaping the fuzz tone. Its circuitry allows players to sculpt the sound towards a smoother or more scooped tone, providing a wider range of tonal options.
What type of player would benefit from using the EarthQuaker Devices Hoof V2?
The EarthQuaker Devices Hoof V2 is ideal for players who crave versatility and want to add a distinctive character to their guitar tone. Whether you’re into classic rock, modern metal, or anything in between, the Hoof V2’s versatile operation will complement your playing style.
How does the EarthQuaker Devices Hoof V2 respond to changes in guitar volume?
The Hoof V2 responds excellently to changes in guitar volume. By rolling back the volume knob, players can achieve cleaner tones, and as they turn it up, the fuzz effect kicks in, resulting in a seamless relationship between the guitar’s volume and the pedal’s intensity.
Is the EarthQuaker Devices Hoof V2 suitable for both live performances and recording sessions?
Absolutely! The Hoof V2’s high-quality technology ensures it performs well in both live and studio settings. Its decent noise control and versatile tonal options make it a great choice for various musical scenarios.
How does the EarthQuaker Devices Hoof V2 handle mid-range frequencies?
The EarthQuaker Devices Hoof V2 has a well-balanced mid-range response, allowing your guitar’s mids to cut through the mix without becoming too harsh. This makes it well worth considering for players who want a fuzz pedal that won’t get lost in the band’s sound.
Can you describe the fuzz tones produced by the EarthQuaker Devices Hoof V2?
The Hoof V2 delivers fuzz tones that can be best described as cool and classic. The hybrid design adds a modern twist to the vintage character, resulting in a fuzz sound that is both familiar and fresh.
How does the EarthQuaker Devices Hoof V2 handle the guitar’s tone and shift its signal?
When engaged, the Hoof V2 interacts harmoniously with the guitar’s tone, allowing players to shape the sound by adjusting the tone knob. Turning the tone knob clockwise adds brightness and clarity, while turning it counterclockwise enhances the fuzz’s warmth and thickness.
How can I purchase the EarthQuaker Devices Hoof V2?
The EarthQuaker Devices Hoof V2 is available for purchase through various authorized dealers and the official EarthQuaker Devices website.
Is the EarthQuaker Devices Hoof V2 worth the investment?
If you’re looking for a fuzz pedal that offers versatility, distinctive tones, and top-notch build quality, the EarthQuaker Devices Hoof V2 is definitely well worth the investment.
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