Behringer Super Fuzz SF300 – Dirt Cheap Dist Box

Controls:
Features:
Performance:
Value:

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When people ask us what is the best cheap distortion pedal, we first ask “How cheap?” And if the answer is “Very cheap,” we will probably say Behringer Super Fuzz SF300, one of the very few distortion pedals under $25 we believe offers a solid sound – if not the only one.

For the listed price, which is probably close to the amount you spend on coffee in less than a week, you will get an actual functioning pedal you can use in a variety of styles and genres. It's not the best stompbox in the world, but it's certainly the best one for this price.

Features

The pedal was crafted to recreate a variety of heavy fuzz tones, primarily associated with '60s and '70s rock, meaning you'll be able to travel down the same lane as some of the all-time six-string titans such as Jimi Hendrix, Pete Townshend and the rest of the gang.

What some people tend to complain about here is the plastic casing, and while it does decrease the durability, it also decreases the price, significantly. We can't really complain, it worked just fine for us, and as long as you don't stomp it too hard, the device will serve you right.

Apart from that, we're looking at one In jack, one Out jack, a LED status indicator, and a large on/off button.

Control

First of all, it is best to focus on the three-way Mode switch. This fella allows you to choose between one of the three available working regimes – Classic Fuzz, (Fuzz 1) Grunge (Fuzz 2) and Gain Boost. Each of them will give you a different tonal foundation to further shape with the remaining four knobs, so study them well. As for those knobs, this is what we have:

Level – A very standard control, also knows as Output or Volume; use it to adjust the level of distortion that is infused into your sound. The more it's up, the less clean guitar tone and more overdrive you'll get.

Gain – Gain is one of the essential components of distortion, so the more you crank this one up, the more distorted, fuzzy and heavy your sound will be.

Treble + Bass – These two provide you with control over higher and lower frequencies, respectively. It's essentially standard EQ stuff, so the more you crank Treble up the brighter your sound gets; likewise, dialing in higher Bass values will increase the presence of low-end frequencies.

Performance

Very good for the listed price! The pedal is practical and easy to use, and the sound isn't half bad either. It's mostly bass-driven, versatile and powerful enough to be used for live shows. The device is very well suited for beginners, so if you want to delve into the world of distortion at a very cheap price, this fella is most likely your winning ticket. We are always very careful about recommending budget-friendly pedals, but this one is quite alright in our book.

Conclusion

The best super cheap distortion out there? Quite possibly, yes. This pedal is made to be used by newbie and intermediate players, provide them with an authentic tone they can use for developing their craft and performing in the studio and onstage. It is bound to keep you interested in further growth and the abilities of distortion pedals, just like any good device should. If that sounds alright to you, buy this puppy today!

For more info about the Behringer Super Fuzz SF300, click here.
For more Distortion Pedals Currently On The Market, click here.