When we put together our year–end list of the most popular pedals on Reverb back in December, there was a surprising lack of fuzz boxes represented in the ranks of hip delays and must–have overdrives.

The reason for this likely has to do with the simple nature of fuzz circuits. Fuzzes are relatively easy to build and rely more on specific component selection and construction than on any real technical innovation.

That's not to say there aren't super innovative fuzz pedals (several are represented below), but it does mean that virtually any new garage–dwelling pedal operation can build a compelling fuzz. Some companies — like D*A*M or Jext Telez — specialize in the format, offering a nuanced lineup of historic recreations and new designs.

There are, as a result, a lot of different fuzzes out there, which makes for a more diffused market than many other pedal categories. In the small–shop, boutique realm especially, the appeal of an individual pedal usually has more to do with intangible sonic characteristics than it does a specific feature set, further fueling fuzzheads' never–ending quest for the next great addition to their boards.

To shine some light on that corner of the pedal world, today we're presenting the most popular boutique fuzz pedals on Reverb based on the last year of total sales for used and brand new units.

Takeaways: