The Beetronics FATBEE Overdrive "Classico" is a compact overdrive pedal from Beetronics, the first circuit in the company's Babee Series of small pedals. Beetronics describes it as a fully original overdrive circuit designed in collaboration with Howard Davis, whom the company calls a legendary pedal designer, and says "The Fatbee packs the fattest overdrive tones on the smallest bee yet."1
Beetronics describes the circuit as a JFET drive, a design that uses junction field-effect transistors to generate the breakup, and says it "breaks up sweet and smooth like a tubee amp."1 For players comparing overdrive flavors, that places it apart from the clipping-diode designs covered on the Overdrive Pedals type page and in comparisons like Boss SD-1 vs Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer.
Size, weight and power
The Classico is a genuinely small pedal. That footprint fits crowded boards where a full-size enclosure would not. Beetronics gives the dimensions both ways, with and without the hardware that sticks out from the enclosure:
| Dimension | Pedal only | Including knobs, switches and hardware |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 4 1/2" x 2 1/4" x 2 1/4" | 5.5" x 3.5" x 2.75" |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs / 0.25 kilos | 0.5 lbs / 0.25 kilos |
For shipping, the package weighs 0.75 lbs / 0.5 kilos and measures 6.75" x 5.25" x 3.25".1
Power is standard pedal territory with one thing to watch. Beetronics requires a 9VDC supply with a center-negative connector, and the pedal draws 36mA. The supply is not included, so you will need to bring your own.1
At 36mA, the Fatbee draws more current than many compact overdrives. Some daisy-chain outputs and low-current isolated outlets on pedalboard power supplies are rated below that figure, so it is worth checking your supply's per-output ratings before slotting the Fatbee into an existing board.
Availability and buying from Beetronics
The Classico edition is listed as sold out on the Beetronics product page as of October 2026.1 The Fatbee circuit has appeared in other editions, including the Beetronics Fatbee, the Beetronics FATBEE Overdrive "Vitral", and the Beetronics Fatbee FB941, so the Classico is one version of the design rather than the only one.
The listed price on the Beetronics product page is £192.00 GBP as stated by the maker.1
If you order directly from Beetronics, the company's return terms are:
- A 14-Day Hive Happiness Guarantee1
- A return window of 30 business days from receiving the order, shipping not included1
- A possible restocking fee of 15%, or store credit instead, if a returned product shows wear and tear or is missing accessories1
- Once an RMA form is issued, the item must be sent back within 7 days1
- The refund is processed within 5 business days of the return arriving1
Questions
Who designed the Beetronics Fatbee?
The Fatbee is a fully original overdrive circuit designed in collaboration with Howard Davis, whom Beetronics describes as a legendary pedal designer. It is the first pedal in the company's Babee Series, a line of compact pedals, and the Classico is one of several editions of the Fatbee circuit.
What power supply does the Beetronics Fatbee need?
Beetronics specifies a 9VDC power supply with a center-negative connector, the same standard used by most modern pedals. The pedal draws 36mA. Because it has no battery option listed and draws more than many low-current pedals, a dedicated supply output or a supply with enough headroom is the sensible choice.
Does the Beetronics Fatbee come with a power supply?
No. Beetronics states on the product page that the pedal does not include a power supply, so you will need to provide your own 9VDC center-negative supply to use it.
How much current does the Fatbee draw?
Beetronics lists the current draw at 36mA. That is worth knowing when planning a pedalboard power budget, since some daisy-chain outputs and isolated supply outlets are rated below that figure and may not run the Fatbee reliably.
Is the Beetronics Fatbee Classico still available?
As of October 2026, the Beetronics product page lists the Fatbee Overdrive "Classico" as sold out. Beetronics has released the Fatbee circuit in other editions, so the Classico is one version among several rather than the only way to get the circuit.
Sources (1)
- FATBEE Overdrive "Classico" Custom Series, Beetronics (www.beetronicsfx.com)
