Great guitarists, including Richard Fortus famous for brandishing the guitar with Guns ‘n’ Roses and Thin Lizzy, Scott Holiday lead guitarist and founder member of Rival Sons and Dave Catching who has been wielding the guitar for such bands as Queens of the Stone Age and Eagles of Death Metal have decided to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Jimmy Page by choosing to use the Rotosound Vintage Fuzz Pedal.

The recent reissue of the Rotosound Vintage Fuzz Pedal has caused quite a stir in the music world. It uses the same essential 1960’s design combined with modern components. The up to the minute technology gives an improved consistency and stability whilst by staying faithful to the original germanium workings, the authentic tone flavour and yesterday’s mojo are preserved. Made in the UK, it remains one of the simplest and easiest pedals to use, it is robust and hard wearing encased in a traditional press steel box.

Richard Fortus, lead guitarist with legendary band Guns ‘n’ Roses, loves his new Rotosound Fuzz Pedal. When describing it he said ‘It’s very Tonebender-ish. Reminds me a lot of my MkII but with more hair and beef to it.  I have a ton of fuzz pedals (both vintage and new), and the Rotosound has instantly become one of my go-to fuzz’s for sure!’

Scott Holiday, guitarist with Classic Rock’s ‘Breakthrough Act Of The Year 2012’, Rival Sons, has also discovered the musical qualities of the new pedal. ‘As a big fan of a proper fuzz box, it was exciting to hear Rotosound was going to do a limited run of their classic 60′s RotoFuzz. When I plugged it in it was very musical, nice range of tones…and very, very dirty (If desired. Yes please). Plus, they didn’t foul up the classic look and enclosure. Keeping it absolutely accurate, with the sound AND look. Nice one, Rotosound! I like it.’

Dave Catching, highly influential producer as well as guitarist with Queens of the Stone Age and Eagles of Death metal has also been impressed with the new pedal. He commented ‘The Rotosound Fuzz Pedal has that incredible 60′s psychedelic sound I’ve been searching for. Now it’s back and better than ever!!! Get one while you can!!!!’

If you would like to see what all the fuss is about, check out the Rotosound Fuzz Pedal at http://www.rotosound.com/fuzz_reissue.php.

Mark Simpson heads up the band, and brings over 30 years of playing with killer rhythm chops and screaming lead guitar. As a song writer, Mark has composed the majority of Shameful Behaviour’s original material to date. Mark cites his influences as Hendrix, Gary Moore, Eric Clapton, Randy Rhodes and Ritchie Blackmore. The band use Rotosound Roto Yellows and Roto Greys as well as Rotosound SM66 Swing Bass strings.

What Shameful Behaviour say about Rotosound

Rotosound strings give my bass the bite I want, and they’re consistent, reliable, feel great, have a great tone and never let us down – however we abuse them!

The trio is hard at work on their upcoming full-length album with legendary producer Arnold Lanni (Finger Eleven, Simple Plan, Our Lady Peace). Coupled with a European tour, including the MIDEM Festival in France, and slots on the North American festival circuit (which will see them in Austin for South by Southwest), the future looks bright. We’re proud to welcome them to the Rotosound family; the band use our Rotobass strings.

What The Balconies say about Rotosound

‘I love playing Rotosound strings because they are so versatile: great for both recording and touring. A brand new set of strings is so rich sounding, and they’re also really tough, which is great because I tend to play aggressively during gigs. On top of that, I tend to get sweaty when playing, but they still feel great’.

Burning Codes music concerns their own unique messages, the codes which are truly theirs, uniquely understood and owned by each of them, uniquely. The new album, Lightfinder, is the fourth Burning Codes release. It is born from a deep desire to express, share and communicate a will to experience a real sense of connectedness, diversity and inclusivity. ‘It is new music that sounds like nothing else around at the moment – beautiful, soulful, momentary paeans of glory, I kid you not’, says Iain Archer. Burning Codes will be playing the Sounds Central Festival, Central Park, Peterborough on 9th June and the Paul Bosco Show on Peterborough FM on 11th June and then will be appearing on the BBC Radio Cambridgeshire Stage at The Willow Festival, Peterborough on 14th July and then a special Arena Tent show preceding Peterborough’s Levity Festival on 18th July.

Rotosound supply strings to Hannah H Foxx and Paul Archer of Burning Codes, who use Rotobass 45′s, Rotosound British Steels and Rotosound Pure Nickel strings.

What Burning Codes say about Rotosound:

‘Rotosound have a fantastic heritage, and are a UK based manufacturer, but more than that they have quality products made by quality people. I’m always trying to push the limits of the soundscape I’m able to create so its great that Rotosound have such a wide selection of products to choose from. Not to forget the great support and friendship from Jason and the team at Rotosound UK’ Paul Archer

‘Trust, integrity and passion – three qualities I strive to achieve in all my relationships. When I met Jason How, I could tell those qualities were mutual. I was lucky enough to visit Rotosound HQ down in Kent which was fantastic to see that UK manufacturing is still out there and succeeding. The products are exceptional and have every option covered, I play music from across all genres, so that’s important to me. It’s great to be using strings that I’ve chosen rather than following the choices of others.’ Hannah H Foxx

The Swear is an Atlanta-based rock band led by award-winning songwriter and guitar player Elizabeth Elkins. Driven by a punk work ethic, the band has played hundreds of shows across the United States since its beginnings in 2005, and has released two records. The band’s songs have been on many television shows, including Smallville, Rescue Me and Jersey Shore.

The Swear’s songs ring with catchy melodies and Southern gothic themes. Mixing influences from Courtney Love to Morrissey, Alkaline Trio to Muse, the band creates dark power-pop songs that read like great literature. Brooklyn’s Resonator Magazine said, “theirs is one of the greatest rock records released by an Atlanta band. It’s an album of death and passion, full of ringing violence and gorgeous melodies. It’s edgy rawness balanced by pop perfection from a band that should be considered rock’s new great hope.”

Warped Tour veterans The Swear have also played BMI showcases in Nashville and Los Angeles, and have showcased at CMJ, Chicago’s Mobfest, Austin’s RedGorilla, Texas Rockfest and SXSW (where Elizabeth, a Grand Prize winner of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest and a finalist in the International Songwriting Competition, was a part of the Billboard/BMI Acoustic Brunch).

Over the last year, the band has been hard at work writing songs for and recording a new set of singles, called Gold and Hymns and Hell. The self-produced set of songs is raw and aggressive – and recorded mostly live – tying the group even closer to its punk roots. With titles like “Pornography on Avenue A” and “Sex and the Drugs”, the songs make no attempt at pop perfection. Elkins is at her sneering best with a nothing-to-lose bravado from the boys behind her. Kevin Williams uses Rotosound Swing Bass 66′s, Nexus Bass strings and Nexus Acoustic strings.

What Kevin Williams of The Swear says about Rotosound:

Growing up in the US, I have always been somewhat entranced and mystified by the sounds of the rhythm sections in British rock and punk bands from the 1970′s through to today. I vowed to capture that amazing bass tone, and spent years seeking the pieces of the puzzle. After conversations with many of my peers, engineers and producers; it was suggested that I try Rotosound strings. Many of those amazing players and groups I admired had used the red-headed steel whips on their low-frequency abusing tools. To my extreme pleasure, the first time I affixed the Swing Bass shiny beauties to my Rickenbacker 4003 I heard and felt ‘the tone’. Rotosound is the sound that I was looking for and was the final piece of the puzzle for me. I couldn’t be happier to be part of the Rotosound family’.

What Farewell to Arms say about Rotosound

‘I found Rotosound strings to be exactly what I was looking for. Perfect comination of gauges and awesome feeling helps me every day on stage and in the studio. They stay in tune, and I’ve never broken a string – what more can you ask for?’ Johnny

‘These strings are perfect for my tone and my feeling on the guitar. Furthermore they are the best choice if speed is an essential part of your playing’ Gordi

‘Rotosound is the only manufacturer that produces the combination of gauges that I prefer. For me they work the best. Thanks guys, I love you!’ Roley

‘I LOVE it!  It’s very Tonebender-ish.  Reminds me a lot of my MkII but with more hair and beef to it.  I have a ton of fuzz pedals (both vintage and new), and the Rotosound has instantly become one of my go-to fuzz’s for sure!’

If you fancy winning a limited edition, money-can’t-buy Fuzz Pedal, head over to our Facebook page and hit the ‘like’ button to be in with a chance of winning one of 3 exclusive pedals.

Image credit: Katarina Benzova

We’ve got three Limited Edition versions of our legendary Vintage Rotosound Fuzz Pedal to give away. To be in with a chance of winning all you need to do is visit the Rotosound Facebook page and ‘like’ it. When the ‘likes’ reach ten thousand three lucky winners will be chosen at random from all the new ones.

The Rotosound Fuzz Pedal was originally designed back in the 1960’s and todays re-issue uses the same essential circuit configuration combined with more reliable and stable modern components. Renowned as an easy to use pedal, it simplicity was always one of its major attractions along with the exceptional tone and smooth sustain.

The prizes are three limited edition pedals, one each in an exclusive finish of black, blue and gold, to be won. These are not available to buy anywhere and are sure to become highly sought after collectors’ items. So to win this ‘money can’t buy’ prize, visit the Rotosound Facebook page in May and simply like it to be entered. When the likes reach ten thousand, three of the new ones will be drawn at random and receive the pedal of their choice.

And while you’re there check out all the artist stories, product news, competitions, great videos and the stunning Rotosound photo collection that covers the many decades of their successful involvement with the music industry and its stars.

Here’s how to win a Rotosound Limited Edition Vintage Fuzz Pedal: -

1. Visit http://www.facebook.com/rotosound
2. ‘Like’ Rotosound

To make sure enough ‘likes’ are received to and put you in with a chance of winning this great prize why not share the Rotosound competition on your personal profile wall. Keeping checking back to see how the total is going. The closing date is 31^st May 2013, and open to everyone worldwide. GOOD LUCK!!