The Beetronics FATBEE Overdrive "Khao San" Custom Series is a compact overdrive pedal built around a fully original JFET circuit. Beetronics describes it as "A Jfet drive like no other, breaks up sweet and smooth like a tubee amp," positioning it as a drive that breaks up the way a tube amp does rather than a hard-clipping distortion. The circuit was designed in collaboration with pedal designer Howard Davis, whom the maker calls legendary1.
The Fatbee is the first pedal in Beetronics' Babee Series, the company's line of smaller-format pedals, and the Khao San version is one of the Custom Series finishes of that circuit1.
"A Jfet drive like no other, breaks up sweet and smooth like a tubee amp."
Power and setup
The Fatbee requires a 9VDC power supply with a center-negative plug, the standard arrangement for most pedals, and draws 36mA. Beetronics states plainly that the pedal does not include a power supply, so you will need your own adapter or a spare output on a pedalboard power supply rated for at least 36mA at 9V1.
The Khao San Custom Series was listed as sold out on Beetronics' product page as of 25 October 2026. Beetronics has issued the Fatbee circuit in other Custom Series finishes, including the FB971, Vitral, Classico, Greeny, Escudeiro, Rosa Shock and Purple Eyes versions.
Size and weight
The Khao San is a small-format pedal, in keeping with the Babee Series concept of packing full circuits into a smaller enclosure. Beetronics gives two sets of measurements, one for the bare enclosure and one with hardware counted1.
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Enclosure | 4 1/2" x 2 1/4" x 2 1/4" |
| With knobs, switches and hardware | 5.5" x 3.5" x 2.75" |
| Pedal weight | 0.5 lbs (0.25 kilos) |
| Shipping package | 6.75" x 5.25" x 3.25" |
| Shipping weight | 0.75 lbs (0.5 kilos) |
Using it with other instruments
Beetronics does not present the Fatbee as a guitar-only pedal. The maker's own wording is that "The Fatbee can be used to warm up, sting or buzz any instrument you want!"1, so bass, keys or any other instrument that takes a pedal is fair game. If you are shopping by effect type more broadly, the site's overdrive page covers how drives like this sit among the alternatives.
Returns
Beetronics backs the pedal with its 30-Day Hive Happiness Guarantee, a return policy that does not include shipping costs. The terms, as the maker lists them1:
- Email the company within 30 business days of receiving the order for an RMA form.
- A full refund applies if the pedal comes back in new condition in its original packaging.
- If there is wear or missing accessories, there may be a restocking fee of 15%, or the possibility of receiving store credit instead.
- The item must be back within 7 days of the RMA, and the refund is processed within 5 business days.
- Products labeled as Scratch and Dent are sold as-is and cannot be returned for a refund.
Questions
Does the Beetronics Fatbee come with a power supply?
No. Beetronics notes on the product page that the Fatbee does not include a power supply. The pedal requires a 9VDC center-negative supply and draws 36mA, so you will need to provide your own adapter or a suitable output on your pedalboard power supply.
Is the Fatbee Khao San still available?
As of 25 October 2026, the Khao San Custom Series version of the Fatbee is listed as sold out on Beetronics' own product page. Beetronics has released the Fatbee circuit in other Custom Series finishes, so other versions may be available.
How big is the Beetronics Fatbee?
Beetronics lists the pedal's dimensions as 4 1/2" x 2 1/4" x 2 1/4", and 5.5" x 3.5" x 2.75" including knobs, switches and other hardware. The pedal itself weighs 0.5 lbs (0.25 kilos), and the shipping package measures 6.75" x 5.25" x 3.25" and weighs 0.75 lbs (0.5 kilos).
Can the Fatbee be used on bass or other instruments?
Yes. Beetronics says the Fatbee can be used to warm up, sting or buzz any instrument you want, so it is not limited to electric guitar. Players of bass, keys or anything else that takes a pedal can run it in front of the Fatbee.
Sources (1)
- FATBEE Overdrive "Khao San" Custom Series, Beetronics (www.beetronicsfx.com)
