The EarthQuaker Devices Barrows Fuzz Attacker effects pedal is a meticulously crafted homage to the legendary MkII circuit, revered by guitarists for its crushing tones and rich harmonic detail. With three hand-matched germanium transistors at its core, Barrows captures the snarling midrange, fat low end and soaring sustain that made the original a studio and stage icon. But this isn’t a museum piece—it’s a modernized fuzz designed for today’s pedalboards. With refinements like phase-corrected buffered output, standard 9V power compatibility and a compact enclosure, Barrows delivers vintage fuzz magic without the headaches of finicky old units. Built in Akron, Ohio, it’s a fuzz that channels the past while staying fully future-ready.

Germanium Transistors Deliver Vintage-Inspired Fuzz

At the heart of the Barrows are three carefully selected germanium transistors that recreate the unmistakable character of the MkII circuit. These components deliver the singing sustain, rich harmonic bloom and mid-focused bite that have inspired players from early hard rock pioneers to shoegaze sound architects. Thanks to meticulous tuning, the Barrows covers a wide range of gain—from touch-sensitive, amp-like grit at low settings to crushing, saturated fuzz walls at higher levels. The result is a pedal that feels alive under your fingers, responsive to your dynamics and capable of tones that span decades of rock history.

Straightforward Controls Unlock a Wide Range of Sounds

The Barrows proves that less is more with its two-knob layout. The Attack control shapes the intensity of the fuzz, offering everything from sweet overdrive-like textures to massive, sustain-drenched tones. The Level knob manages output volume, with enough gain on tap to push your amp into overdrive if desired. This simplicity makes it easy to dial in inspiring tones without endless tweaking, while still giving you the flexibility to match the Barrows to your guitar, amp and playing style. Whether you want subtle grit or a wall of fuzz, the Barrows puts it all within reach.

Modern Refinements Improve Playability and Reliability

While vintage fuzz circuits often came with quirks, the Barrows is engineered to perform flawlessly in modern rigs. A phase-corrected, buffered output ensures compatibility with the pedals that follow in your chain, while an increased output level keeps your signal strong in any context. Unlike vintage MkII units that required odd power setups, the Barrows runs on standard 9V DC power supplies, making integration into your pedalboard seamless. These upgrades mean you get all the tone of the past without sacrificing the convenience demanded by today’s players.

Compact Design With True Bypass Switching

EarthQuaker Devices designed the Barrows with the realities of modern pedalboards in mind. Its small footprint saves valuable space, while true bypass switching preserves your core tone when the effect is disengaged. The rugged enclosure and hand-assembled construction ensure it’s built to withstand the rigors of touring, rehearsals and studio use. Every detail, from the intuitive layout to the power efficiency, reflects EarthQuaker’s commitment to making pedals that sound incredible and fit effortlessly into the lives of working musicians.

Legendary Fuzz Tone Meets Modern Reliability

The EarthQuaker Devices Barrows Fuzz Attacker effects pedal delivers legendary fuzz tone at the feet of a new generation of players. By blending authentic germanium saturation with modern reliability and thoughtful design, Barrows offers everything from classic rock growl to shoegaze bliss. Whether you’re building a wall of fuzz-laden textures or adding dynamic bite to your riffs, Barrows is a compact powerhouse ready for the stage or studio. Step into decades of fuzz history—refined and reborn for today.