English
Owner’s Manual
7 The FZ-5 uses COSM technology to replicate three types of vintages fuzz boxes especially prized for their sound quality. These fuzz boxes incorporated
germanium transistors in their circuitry, a key component to their sound. Germanium transistors are extremely rare today; the FZ-5 models these hard-to-nd
transistors at the component level to authentically reproduce the classic fuzz sounds of the 1960s and 1970s.
7 The FZ-5’s FUZZ knob features a BOOST range that allows you to achieve a deeper distortion than is possible with the original vintage models.
Even single-coil pickups can be made to satisfyingly distort just like humbucking pickups.
Panel Descriptions
Main Features
AC Adaptor
(PSA series; sold separately)
Electric Guitar
LEVEL knob
This knob controls the volume of the fuzz eect.
OUTPUT jack
Connect this jack to the input of a guitar amp or
another eects processor.
Guitar Amp
DC IN jack
Accepts connection of an AC Adaptor (PSA series; sold separately). By using an AC Adaptor, you can play
without being concerned about how much battery power you have left.
* We recommend that you keep batteries installed in the unit even though you’ll be powering it with
the AC adaptor. That way, you’ll be able to continue a performance even if the cord of the AC adaptor
gets accidentally disconnected from the unit.
* Use only the specied AC adaptor (PSA-series).
* If the AC adaptor is connected while power is on, the power supply is drawn
from the AC adaptor.
CHECK indicator
This indicator shows whether an eect is ON/OFF, and doubles as the Battery Check indicator.
The indicator lights when an eect is ON.
* If this indicator goes dim or no longer lights while an eect is ON, the battery is near
exhaustion and should be replaced immediately.
MODE knob
This knob selects the fuzz box model.
For details, refer to “MODE List.”
Pedal switch
This switch turns the eects ON/OFF.
Thumbscrew
When this screw is loosened, the pedal will open, allowing you to change the
battery.
* For instructions on changing the battery, refer to “Changing the Battery.”
FUZZ knob
This knob controls the amount of fuzz eect applied.
Turning the knob clockwise intensies the distortion.
Setting the knob at the center position produces the maximum distortion for
the modeled fuzz box.
Turning the knob into the BOOST range creates distortion even greater than the
original model can produce.
Precautions When Connecting
5
To prevent malfunction and equipment failure, always turn
down the volume, and turn o all the units before making any
connections.
5
Once the connections have been completed, turn on power to
your various devices in the order specied. By turning on devices
in the wrong order, you risk causing malfunction and/or damage
to speakers and other devices.
When powering up: Turn on the power to your guitar amp last.
When powering down: Turn o the power to your guitar amp rst.
5
Before turning the unit on/o, always be sure to turn the volume
down. Even with the volume turned down, you might hear some
sound when switching the unit on/o. However, this is normal and
does not indicate a malfunction.
Use of Battery
5
A battery is supplied with the unit. The life of this battery may be
limited, however, since its primary purpose was to enable testing.
5
If you handle batteries improperly, you risk explosion and uid
leakage. Make sure that you carefully observe all of the items
related to batteries that are listed in “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and
“IMPORTANT NOTES” (supplied on a separate sheet).
5
When operating on battery power only, the unit’s indicator will
become dim when battery power gets too low. Replace the
battery as soon as possible.
5
Batteries should always be installed or replaced before connecting
any other devices. This way, you can prevent malfunction and
damage.
5
The use of an AC adaptor is recommended as the unit’s power
consumption is relatively high.
5
If operating this unit on batteries, please use alkaline batteries.
Changing the Battery
1. Hold down the pedal and loosen
the thumbscrew ,
then open the pedal upward.
* The pedal can be opened without
detaching the thumbscrew completely.
2. Remove the old battery from
the battery housing , and
remove the battery snap
connected to it.
3. Connect the battery snap to the new battery, and place
the battery inside the battery housing.
* Be sure to carefully observe the battery’s polarity (+ versus -).
4. Slip the coil spring onto the spring base on the
back of the pedal, and then close the pedal.
* Carefully avoid getting the battery snap cord caught in the
pedal, coil spring, and battery housing.
5. Insert the thumbscrew into the guide bush hole and
tighten it securely.
9 V Battery
Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (supplied on a separate sheet).
After reading, keep the document(s) where it will be available for immediate reference.
(Composite Object Sound Modeling)
Composite Object Sound Modeling—or “COSM” for short—is
BOSS/Roland’s innovative and powerful technology that’s used
to digitally recreate the sound of classic musical instruments
and eects. COSM analyzes the many factors that make up
the original sound—including its electrical and physical
characteristics—and creates a digital model that accurately
reproduces the original.
INPUT jack
This jack accepts signals coming from a guitar or other musical instrument, or
another eects unit.
* The INPUT jack doubles as power switch.
Power to the unit is turned on when you
plug into the INPUT jack; the power is
turned o when the cable is unplugged.
When not using the eects unit, be sure to
disconnect the plug from the INPUT jack.
© 2017 Roland Corporation
02
Operating the Unit
1. When you have made the necessary
connections, set the knobs as shown
in the illustration.
2. Depress the pedal switch to turn the
eect on. (The CHECK indicator lights when the eect
is on.)
3. Select the fuzz box model with the
MODE knob.
4. Adjust the amount of distortion with
the FUZZ knob.
The original distortion range of the selected
fuzz box model is reproduced when the
FUZZ knob is set anywhere from fully
counterclockwise to the center position.
Turning the knob past the center position enables the BOOST range,
which produces distortion that exceeds that available on the original
model. The BOOST range provides plenty of distortion, even when
using single-coil pickups.
5. Adjust the output volume with the
LEVEL knob.
Normally, you should adjust the LEVEL knob
so there’s no dierence in the volume when
switching the eect on and o.
MODE List
F (FACE)
Models the Dallas-Arbiter FUZZ FACE.
This unique round-shaped pedal was indispensable
to the psychedelic fuzz sound of the late ’60s.
This modeled tone reproduces the fat sound of the
Dallas-Arbiter units that used AC128 germanium
transistors.
M
(MST FUZZ)
Models the Maestro FZ-1A.
It faithfully reproduces the sound of models
equipped with 2N2614 germanium transistors.
A characteristic of this fuzz sound is a prominent
boost in the high-frequency range.
If the FUZZ knob is set to the left of center, the
sound might be interrupted or have insucient
volume.
This is because the original unit is being faithfully
modeled; it is not a malfunction.
O
(OCTAVE FUZZ)
Models the Octavia fuzz.
This model reproduces the original’s characteristic
of overlaying sound an octave higher as the sound
decays.
This distinctive sound can be obtained especially
with single note in high pitch.
Please try playing single note higher than 12th fret
on 1st – 3rd string. Lowering the volume on the
guitar or turning down the FUZZ knob makes it
easier to obtain this eect.
Main Specications
Nominal Input Level -20 dBu
Input Impedance 1 MΩ
Nominal Output
Level
-20 dBu
Output Impedance 1 kΩ
Recommended Load
Impedance
10 kΩ or greater
Power Supply Alkaline battery (9 V, 6LR61)
AC adaptor (PSA series: sold separately)
Current Draw 60 mA
* Expected battery life under continuous use:
Alkaline: 4 hours
These gures will vary depending on the
actual conditions of use.
Dimensions 73 (W) x 129 (D) x 59 (H) mm
2-7/8 (W) x 5-1/8 (D) x 2-3/8 (H) inches
Weight 405 g / 15 oz (including battery)
Accessories Leaet (“USING THE UNIT SAFELY,” “IMPORTANT
NOTES,” and “Information”)
Alkaline battery (9 V, 6LR61)
Options
(sold separately)
AC adaptor (PSA-series)
* 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms
* This document explains the specications of the product at the
time that the document was issued. For the latest information,
refer to the Roland website.
