Behringer BASS BRASSMASTER: Vintage Brass Fuzz Reborn for Bass and Guitar

The Behringer BASS BRASSMASTER isn’t just another fuzz box—it’s a modern homage to a rare 1970s circuit that left a lasting mark on adventurous bassists and guitarists. The video opens with a nod to the original Maestro Brassmaster, a pedal whose brief production run and unique sound palette made it a cult favourite among players like Chris Squire and Dave Bestie. As Behringer points out, original units are now both scarce and prohibitively expensive, pushing this distinctive fuzz further into the realm of legend.

Rather than simply replicating the past, Behringer’s take is designed for both bass and guitar, despite what the name might suggest. The video is quick to dispel any notion that this pedal is only for bassists, highlighting its ability to deliver equally compelling results on six strings. The BASS BRASSMASTER doesn’t attempt to literally mimic brass instruments, but instead channels the spirit of those bold, harmonically rich fuzz tones that cut through a mix with authority.

Central to the BASS BRASSMASTER’s character is its split input stage, a design that allows users to blend clean and fuzz signals in parallel. This isn’t just a marketing gimmick—the video demonstrates how this approach creates a fuzz sound that retains clarity and punch, even at high gain settings. The result is a texture that’s both chaotic and controlled, offering the best of both worlds for players who want their notes to remain defined amidst the mayhem.

This blend is key for bassists seeking to avoid the dreaded low-end loss that often plagues traditional fuzz circuits. By keeping the clean signal present, the BASS BRASSMASTER ensures that the fundamental frequencies stay intact, while the fuzz adds harmonic complexity and grit. The video’s examples make it clear that this pedal is as much about definition as it is about destruction.

A suite of controls gives users plenty of room to sculpt their sound. The brass volume knob governs the amount of fuzz introduced, acting as the main drive control. Turning it up brings in more of the signature fuzz character, allowing for anything from a gentle sizzle to a saturated roar. The bass volume knob, meanwhile, lets players dial in the desired amount of low-end, ensuring the pedal can adapt to different instruments and contexts.

The sensitivity control is where things get interesting, as it blends the clean and fuzz signals to taste. This is the heart of the split input stage, and the video demonstrates how subtle adjustments here can dramatically alter the pedal’s response. Whether you want a touch of clarity or a wall of fuzz, the sensitivity knob puts that power at your fingertips.

Additional switches provide further tonal options. The brass switch toggles between two voicings, with position two offering a mid-boost for cutting through dense mixes. The harmonic switch lets users select between upper and lower harmonics, adding another layer of flexibility. These features combine to make the BASS BRASSMASTER a genuinely adaptable fuzz, capable of everything from vintage warmth to modern aggression.