EarthQuaker Devices Barrows Fuzz Attacker Pedal

The EarthQuaker Devices Barrows Fuzz Attacker is a compact germanium fuzz pedal inspired by the character of classic MKII-style British fuzz circuits, but refined for modern pedalboards and reliable everyday use.

Built around a trio of carefully matched germanium transistors, the Barrows moves from responsive, amp-like distortion to thick, aggressive fuzz with long harmonic-rich sustain. Its simple Level and Attack controls make it easy to dial in everything from vintage-style breakup to full-bodied fuzz for rock, blues, garage, psychedelic, alternative and heavier guitar styles.

A buffered and phase-corrected output helps the Barrows integrate more easily with other effects, while its compact footprint makes it an excellent choice for crowded pedalboards.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	EarthQuaker Devices
Model	Barrows
Type	Germanium Fuzz Attacker Pedal
Condition	New
Circuit Style	MKII-Inspired Germanium Fuzz
Transistors	Three Matched Germanium Transistors
Controls	Level, Attack
Bypass	Mechanical True Bypass
Current Draw	10mA
Power	9V DC Centre Negative
Main Appeal	Vintage-inspired fuzz tone with modern pedalboard compatibility
Best For	Rock, blues, garage, psychedelic, alternative and classic fuzz tones

What Makes The EarthQuaker Devices Barrows Special?

The Barrows takes inspiration from the legendary MKII fuzz sound, known for its rich midrange, thick low end, biting upper frequencies and long sustain.

EarthQuaker Devices modernises the concept with carefully matched germanium transistors, increased output level and a buffered, phase-corrected output. This gives players the feel and response associated with vintage fuzz while making the pedal easier to integrate into a modern effects setup.

The Barrows also responds strongly to playing dynamics and guitar volume changes, allowing you to move from cleaner, lighter drive sounds into full fuzz without constantly adjusting the pedal.

Simple Two-Knob Control

Level

Controls the overall output volume.

Unity gain sits around the middle of the control, with plenty of additional output available if you want to push the front end of an amplifier or another pedal.

Attack

Controls the amount and character of the fuzz.

At lower settings, the Barrows produces a lighter, touch-sensitive distortion with an amp-like response.

Turning Attack clockwise increases saturation, aggression and sustain until the pedal reaches thick, harmonically rich fuzz tones.

Who Is It For?

The EarthQuaker Devices Barrows is ideal for players who want classic germanium fuzz character without the inconvenience often associated with older vintage fuzz pedals.

It is particularly well suited to:

• Classic rock
• Blues rock
• Garage rock
• Psychedelic rock
• Indie and alternative
• Stoner rock
• Vintage-inspired guitar tones
• Sustaining lead guitar
• Dynamic rhythm playing
• Players who use their guitar volume control to shape gain

Why Choose A Germanium Fuzz Pedal?

Germanium fuzz circuits are popular for their expressive response, softer clipping character and ability to react strongly to playing dynamics.

Rather than producing exactly the same level of distortion regardless of how you play, a responsive germanium fuzz can clean up as you reduce your guitar volume and become increasingly saturated as you play harder or turn the guitar back up.

The EarthQuaker Devices Barrows combines that vintage-style response with modern refinements designed to make it more practical for regular pedalboard use.

How It Compares

EarthQuaker Devices Barrows vs Traditional MKII-Style Fuzz

Traditional vintage-style MKII fuzz pedals can deliver fantastic tones but may also be sensitive to pedal order, component variation and signal-chain interaction.

The Barrows keeps the core germanium fuzz character while adding a buffered and phase-corrected output, making it easier to use alongside modern effects.

EarthQuaker Devices Barrows vs EarthQuaker Devices Hizumitas

The Hizumitas focuses on huge low end, heavy saturation and Muff-style sustain.

The Barrows has a different character, with a more traditional MKII-style germanium response, greater emphasis on playing dynamics and strong cleanup from the guitar volume control.

Choose the Barrows for vintage British-style fuzz character; choose the Hizumitas when you want a larger, denser wall of sustaining fuzz.

Barrows vs Overdrive

An overdrive pedal generally pushes or enhances the natural sound of your amplifier with lighter clipping.

The Barrows can reach much more saturated territory, producing the thick compression, sustain and harmonic texture associated with classic fuzz while still covering lighter distortion at lower Attack settings.

What's Included?

• EarthQuaker Devices Barrows Fuzz Attacker Pedal
• Product documentation

No power supply included.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Brand	EarthQuaker Devices
Model	Barrows
Product Type	Fuzz Attacker Pedal
Circuit	Germanium Fuzz
Transistors	Three Matched Germanium Transistors
Controls	Level, Attack
Input Impedance	10kΩ
Output Impedance	100Ω
Switching	Mechanical True Bypass
Power Requirement	9V DC Centre Negative
Connector	2.1mm Centre-Negative Barrel
Current Draw	10mA
Dimensions	95 x 51 x 44mm including knobs
Condition	New

Power Requirements

The EarthQuaker Devices Barrows requires a standard regulated 9V DC centre-negative power supply with a 2.1mm barrel connector and draws approximately 10mA.

No power supply is included.

Do not operate the pedal at voltages higher than 9V.

FAQs

What type of fuzz is the EarthQuaker Devices Barrows?

The Barrows is a germanium fuzz pedal inspired by the character of classic MKII-style fuzz circuits.

Does the Barrows use germanium transistors?

Yes. It uses a trio of carefully matched germanium transistors.

What controls does the Barrows have?

It features two controls: Level and Attack.

What does the Attack control do?

Attack adjusts the amount and intensity of the fuzz. Lower settings produce lighter, touch-sensitive distortion, while higher settings create thicker fuzz and increased sustain.

Does the Barrows clean up with the guitar volume control?

Yes. Its dynamic germanium circuit responds well to guitar volume changes, allowing you to reduce the amount of fuzz directly from your instrument.

Is the Barrows suitable for classic rock?

Yes. Its MKII-inspired response works particularly well for classic rock, blues rock, garage, psychedelic and vintage-style guitar sounds.

Is the Barrows true bypass?

Yes. It uses mechanical true bypass switching.

Why does the Barrows have a buffered output?

The buffered and phase-corrected output helps the pedal work more predictably with other effects placed after it in the signal chain.

How much power does the Barrows require?

It draws approximately 10mA at 9V DC.

Is a power supply included?

No. A suitable 9V centre-negative power supply is not included.

Can I use the Barrows with humbuckers and single coils?

Yes. The Barrows can be used with both and responds strongly to pickup output, guitar volume and playing dynamics.

Where should I place the Barrows in my pedal chain?

Like many responsive germanium fuzz circuits, it is generally a strong choice near the beginning of the signal chain where it can interact directly with the guitar.

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