There’s something about a great fuzz pedal that makes you forget what you were supposed to be practising. One riff becomes another, the amp gets a little louder, and suddenly you’re wondering where the afternoon went.
The EarthQuaker Devices Black Ash has all the ingredients to inspire that kind of session: vintage fuzz heritage, an interesting circuit and just enough control to explore its personality.
The example at Colemans Music in South Melbourne is #010 from the original run of 1,500. For anyone with a soft spot for unusual pedals, that’s a pretty inviting starting point.
A Little Box With a Great Backstory
EarthQuaker Devices released the Black Ash in 2018 under the name Endangered Fuzz. Its limited production was tied to the supply of particular components used in its construction.
Founder and designer Jamie Stillman drew on his personal collection of parts, including paper-in-oil capacitors and NOS half-watt carbon composition resistors. These were part of a deliberate recipe for the sound he wanted.
According to Stillman, the original run sold out in just eight hours. A small Japan-only reissue followed in 2024, but the original numbered release remains a distinct part of the Black Ash story. Our #010 belongs to that first chapter.
What Makes the Black Ash Sound Special?
The Black Ash takes inspiration from classic Tone Bender fuzz, with Stillman drawing ideas from the Mk I and Mk II designs.
His aim was to combine the stability of silicon transistors with some of the warmth associated with germanium fuzz. Carefully selected low-gain transistors and paper-in-oil capacitors helped him arrive at that balance.
The resulting character brings together weighty lows, a strong midrange and an assertive top end. There’s plenty of aggression available, with scope to back the gain down into a warmer, rough-edged drive.
That range is a big part of the attraction. You can approach it as a fuzz for big riffs and sustained leads, then explore its lower-gain side for something closer to an amp being pushed hard.
The Top Control Is Worth Getting to Know
With Fuzz, Top and Level, the Black Ash keeps its controls refreshingly simple.
Fuzz sets the gain, while Level handles the output volume. The interesting one is Top, which shapes the upper frequencies between approximately 2kHz and 10kHz and helps determine how prominently your guitar sits in a mix.
EarthQuaker describes lower Top settings as warmer and woodier. Turn it up and the response becomes sharper, bringing more bite and harmonic detail.
It’s worth exploring this control with the gain backed off, too. EarthQuaker notes that its effect is most noticeable at lower Fuzz and Level settings through a clean or slightly breaking-up amp, particularly with low-to-medium-output pickups.
Why Collectors Will Love #010
For collectors, the appeal starts with its place in the original 1,500-pedal run. Add the component story, its connection to Stillman’s personal stash and the unusually low #010 number, and you have an example with plenty of personality.
We think that low number adds a lovely finishing touch. It’s an immediately recognisable detail that gives this particular pedal its own identity.
Who Is It For?
The Black Ash makes a particularly tempting prospect for:
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Fuzz enthusiasts who enjoy exploring variations on classic Tone Bender sounds.
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EarthQuaker collectors looking for an original limited-run release.
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Rock and blues players interested in the territory between gritty drive and full fuzz.
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Players who enjoy distinctive gear with a story behind its design.
If your idea of a good afternoon involves a guitar, an amp and finding out what three knobs can do, this belongs on your shortlist.
Our Take: A Pedal Worth Getting Excited About
What appeals to us about the Black Ash is how neatly its story and musical purpose fit together. The limited component supply explains its original production run, while the circuit gives players something interesting to explore.
#010 adds another layer of appeal to an already intriguing fuzz. For an EarthQuaker fan or a dedicated fuzz collector, it’s a particularly special opportunity to own a piece of the brand’s history.
And while the serial number might start the conversation, the next step should involve a guitar cable.
Check out the EarthQuaker Devices Black Ash Fuzz #010 of 1500 at Colemans Music South Melbourne. Visit us in-store to talk through your rig, or shop online with Fast Shipping Aus Wide.
