what is that gadget?
A “fuzz box” is an electric guitar special effects box. It distorts the sound of an electric guitar in distinctive way we now associate with many of the great classic rock bands from the mid-60’s through the ‘70’s.
Jimi Hendrix was the first guitar great known for using a fuzz box. Guitarists from many other classic rock bands, such as Pink Floyd, The Who, and Frank Zappa, also used them.
The “Big Muff Pi” and the competing “Fuzz Face” were the most famous fuzz boxes from back in the day. Vintage examples are now very valuable collector's items.