Maestro FZ-1 Fuzz-Tone

The Maestro FZ-1 Fuzz-Tone was the first widely marketed fuzz distortion guitar and bass effect. Introduced in 1962, it achieved widespread popularity in 1965 after the Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards prominent use of the FZ-1 on the group's hit, "Satisfaction". Later in 1965 the design was slightly modified, designated as the model FZ1-1a. Although quite rare, a few examples of a model FZ-2 have surfaced that were produced by the Gibson distributor in Canada during the late 1960s. In the wake of the success of the Rolling Stones' "Satisfaction," numerous recordings—mostly from 1960s garage rock and psychedelic acts—featured Maestro Fuzz-Tones on guitars. More significant design changes made after 1967 resulted in different renditions of the Fuzz-Tone released over the years. In the 1990s, Gibson re-issued the FZ-1a, but it was later discontinued.