The Drunk Beaver Druzhkivka Grunge is a distortion pedal that Guitar Pedal X describes as "a cool evolution of the DOD FX69 Grunge Distortion"1. Where the original used a conventional op-amp, Drunk Beaver fitted "a completely redesigned gain stage that utilizes a discrete op-amp architecture, similar to the beloved DS-2," which the maker says gives the pedal a more dynamic and responsive feel1. The traditional rotary knobs have also been replaced by four slider potentiometers with built-in LEDs, for precise, highly visual control1.
Drunk Beaver positions the Druzhkivka Grunge as a reworked take on the 90s DOD FX69 Grunge Distortion rather than a straight copy: the gain stage is "a completely redesigned gain stage that utilizes a discrete op-amp architecture, similar to the beloved DS-2," replacing the original's op-amp for a more dynamic and responsive feel1. Guitar Pedal X's verdict on the pedal overall was that "Druzhkivka Grunge is a cool evolution of the DOD FX69 Grunge Distortion"1.
What it does to your sound
Guitar Pedal X's Stefan Karlsson describes the Druzhkivka Grunge as delivering "a highly usable, roaring 90's tone", the result of a meticulously tweaked EQ section combined with the doubled clipping stage1. His overall verdict: "Druzhkivka Grunge is a cool evolution of the DOD FX69 Grunge Distortion"1.
How it differs from the DOD FX69
The modifications go beyond a parts swap. Three changes stand out:
- Redesigned gain stage: a discrete op-amp architecture gain stage replaces the original op-amp, similar to the Boss DS-2, which Karlsson says gives the pedal "a more dynamic and responsive feel"1.
- Doubled clipping: the clipping section has been doubled, using a quad setup of NOS Soviet KD521 diodes instead of the standard pair1.
- Slider controls: the traditional rotary knobs are replaced by four slider potentiometers with built-in LEDs, which Karlsson describes as giving precise, highly visual control1.
Availability
The Druzhkivka Grunge was announced through Drunk Beaver's own channels, with the Drunk Beaver Rocks Webstore as the place to find it1. Beyond that, the pedal's availability follows the maker's limited-drop approach, and Guitar Pedal X's coverage of the release is the record of when and how it appeared1.
Questions
What pedal is the Drunk Beaver Druzhkivka Grunge based on?
It is a heavily modified take on the DOD FX69 Grunge Distortion, the 90s distortion pedal. Guitar Pedal X describes it as Vitalii's heavily modified homage to the FX69, with a redesigned gain stage, a doubled clipping section and a reworked EQ, so it keeps the character of the original while aiming for a more usable, roaring 90s tone.
How many Druzhkivka Grunge pedals were made?
40 units were made available through the Drunk Beaver Rocks Webstore when the pedal launched on 12 June 2026 as Pedal Drop #40. Like other Drunk Beaver limited drops, it was sold in a single batch rather than as a continuous production run.
What diodes does the Druzhkivka Grunge use?
The clipping section uses four NOS Soviet KD521 diodes in a doubled setup, instead of the standard pair found in the original circuit. Doubling the clipping section is one of the main modifications Drunk Beaver made to the DOD FX69 design.
Who designed the Druzhkivka Grunge?
The pedal was designed by Vitalii Bobrov, the builder behind Drunk Beaver. Guitar Pedal X credits him with the heavily modified homage to the DOD FX69, including the discrete op-amp gain stage and the tweaked EQ section.
How much does the Druzhkivka Grunge cost?
It sold for $175 / €175 / 649 PLN on the Drunk Beaver Rocks Webstore at its June 2026 release.
Where was the Druzhkivka Grunge sold?
It was sold through the Drunk Beaver Rocks Webstore, with 40 units available at launch.
Sources (1)
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2026-06-12
