The Expresso FX Buzzabout is a germanium fuzz pedal built as what the maker's manual calls "a faithful replica of the Buzzaround circuit," the classic three-transistor fuzz design. Expresso FX describes it as "a great circuit for strong and loud fuzz sounds with great sustain," and notes that background noise is relatively low compared with other popular fuzz circuits, which is unusual for a germanium design1.
Circuit and components
The Buzzabout is built around hand selected NOS (new old stock) germanium transistors. The product page specifies the fitted set as "a pair of Newmarket CV7007 and a Mullard OC76/OC42 germanium transistors"3. The manual adds that the pedal uses NOS Mullard "Mustard" C296 polyester capacitors, and notes that the specific transistors used can change between builds, pointing players to the website for the currently fitted types2.
"This pedal is becoming quite a favourite of ours."
Build and finishes
The pedal sits in a high quality diecast aluminum enclosure measuring 120 x 94.5 x 34 mm (W x D x H)2. The current product page lists four finish options:
- Emerald Sparkle
- Matt Black
- Red Sparkle
- Teal Sparkle
The 2019 manual describes the enclosure as professionally finished in Titanium Gray, so the finishes offered have changed over time1. The Buzzabout is part of Expresso FX's Mojo Edition range, which carries the company's 3 year warranty1.
Warranty and support
Expresso FX gives all Mojo Edition products, including the Buzzabout, a 3 year warranty to the original owner with proof of purchase1. The warranty covers damages and faults developed by the product, but not those caused by misuse or user error. All warranty work must be preceded by an email to support@expressofx.com to troubleshoot the problem, and a Return Authorization must accompany any item sent in1.
What reviewers say
The sound description above comes from Expresso FX's own manual rather than an independent reviewer1. The pedal is described by the maker as "a faithful replica of the Buzzaround circuit," fitted with a pair of Newmarket CV7007 and a Mullard OC76/OC42 germanium transistors13.
Related Expresso FX fuzzes
Expresso FX builds a range of germanium and hybrid fuzzes alongside the Buzzabout, including the Expresso FX Germanium Fuzz, the Expresso FX Germanium Fuzz "Mini", the Expresso FX Fuzz Bender MkII and the Expresso FX Custom Ge/Si Fuzz.
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Questions
Is the Expresso FX Buzzabout true bypass?
Yes. The manual states the Buzzabout is true bypass, so when the pedal is off, your guitar's signal passes through without the fuzz circuit loading it. That matters with germanium fuzzes, which can otherwise interact with the signal path even when switched out.
What transistors does the Buzzabout use?
The Buzzabout is fitted with a pair of Newmarket CV7007 germanium transistors and a Mullard OC76/OC42 germanium transistor. Expresso FX describes these as hand selected NOS (new old stock) germanium transistors, and the manual notes that the specific types used can change, so the company points players to its website for the current set.
Who designed the Expresso FX Buzzabout?
The Buzzabout is made by Expresso FX, the pedal company run by Sofiane Tebboune, who presents the product on the maker's own pages and describes it as becoming a favourite of the company.
What warranty does the Buzzabout have?
Expresso FX gives the Buzzabout a 3 year warranty to the original owner with proof of purchase, as with all Mojo Edition products. It covers damages and faults developed by the product itself, but not those caused by misuse or user error. Warranty work must be preceded by an email to support@expressofx.com, and a Return Authorization must accompany any item sent in.
What finishes does the Buzzabout come in?
The maker's product page lists four enclosure finishes: Emerald Sparkle, Matt Black, Red Sparkle and Teal Sparkle. The 2019 manual separately describes the enclosure as a high quality diecast aluminium unit professionally finished in Titanium Grey, so the finish options have varied over time.
Sources (3)
- Buzzabout-Manual.pdf, Expresso FX, 2019
- Buzzabout, Expresso FX, 2018-08-15
- Buzzabout, Expresso FX, 2018-08-15
