The Buzzter is a boost pedal from Beetronics, announced in 2018 as part of the maker's Royal Series, the newest addition to its line at the time1. It is a double boost: two boosts in one pedal give three different stage levels, so you have your clean tone and two steps up from that2. Street price for the Buzzter Standard was $179.00 when it launched1, and guitar.com's review lists it as made in the USA134.
A double boost with three levels
The idea behind the Buzzter is simple: instead of one boost, you get two presets with different volume levels, which allow you to differentiate the volume of the two presets2. A second footswitch lets you hop between two output levels, or three if you include bypass6. The pedal can also run straight without either preset engaged, giving a total of three boost tones from one pedal7.
Beetronics had a particular player in mind. Delicious Audio's Paolo De Gregorio wrote that the pedal was created with the modern rocker in mind, since that genre is built on dynamics that can require more than one step between quiet and loud2.
It is not a clean boost. As Delicious Audio put it, the Buzzter "adds a little chime to your tone making it a great tone enhancer," which also helps cut through the mix when needed2.
The controls
The Buzzter keeps things to three knobs, all housed on a raised metal control plate like the one on the Royal Jelly6.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Honey | Master boost level, dials the overall boost level61 |
| Nectar | Attenuator setting the volume of one of the two presets; also the pedal's single boost control2 |
| Pollen | Attenuator setting the volume of the other preset2 |
"Honey dials the boost level"
What reviewers said
Guitar.com's Richard Purvis reviewed the Buzzter alongside the Overhive overdrive in July 2019, a pair of pedals that took Beetronics into overdrive and boost rather than the fuzz the maker was known for8. His verdict: "Does exactly what it claims to do, while looking ridiculously cool"6. In a later piece rounding up the maker's range, the same publication concluded that both the Overhive and Buzzter were great8.
The Buzzter requires a 9V DC power supply that is not included, so budget for a supply if you do not already have one on your board7.
Related Beetronics pedals
Beetronics' line includes the Buzzter, a Standard series fuzz whose pedals carry street prices of $179.00 each1. Players comparing boost options can also browse the site's wider guide to boost pedals.
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Questions
Does the Beetronics Buzzter come with a power supply?
No. The Buzzter requires a 9V DC power supply, and one is not included with the pedal. As with most boost pedals, plan on using your own supply or an isolated output on a pedalboard power brick.
Is the Beetronics Buzzter made in the USA?
Yes. Guitar.com's review of the Buzzter lists it as a dual booster pedal made in the USA, and it forms part of Beetronics' Royal Series.
What do the Honey, Nectar and Pollen knobs do?
Honey is the master control that dials the overall boost level. Nectar and Pollen are attenuators that set the volume of the pedal's two presets, so you can differentiate the volume of each stage. Nectar is also the pedal's single boost control.
Is the Buzzter a clean boost?
No. Delicious Audio describes it as not a clean boost, saying it adds a little chime to your tone, making it a great tone enhancer that also helps cut through the mix when needed.
How big is the Beetronics Buzzter?
Guitar.com lists the Buzzter's dimensions as 145 x 99 x 68mm, with its controls housed on a raised metal control plate.
Sources (8)
- Beetronics Unveils the Royal Jelly and the Buzzter, Premier Guitar, 2018-06-05
- Beetronics BUZZTER Dual Preamp Boost, Delicious Audio, 2019-10-25
- Beetronics' Royal Jelly and Buzzter pedals fly the hive, MusicRadar, 2018-06-07
- Beetronics unleashes two gnarly, gain-lovin’ pedals, Guitar.com, 2018-06-06
- Buzzter - Beetronics, Beetronics
- Review: Beetronics Overhive & Buzzter, guitar.com, 2019-07-25
- Beetronics' Royal Jelly and Buzzter pedals swarm out in time for summer, gearnews.com, 2018-06-07
- Review: Beetronics Swarm, guitar.com, 2019-07-31
