The Expresso FX Fuzz Bender "Mojo Edition" is a fuzz pedal and a special limited edition of Expresso FX's Fuzz Bender, a pedal the maker says "takes you ever so close to the mojo of vintage Tone Bender MkII Professional units"1. At its heart are three hand-selected NOS Mullard CV7005 germanium transistors, and a toggle switch lets you choose between a Mk I.V circuit and a Mk II circuit, so one box covers two voicings of the classic three-transistor Tone Bender design23. Expresso FX describes it as "an amazing pedal that produces all the fine subtleties of the original units but without the price tag"1.
The DC socket takes 9VDC in center-positive (reverse) polarity2. That is the opposite of the center-negative standard used by most pedalboard power supplies, so a standard daisy-chain output will not suit it. Use a supply output or adapter set to center-positive.
Controls and the two circuits
The defining control is the toggle switch: the right position selects a Mk I.V circuit and the left position selects a Mk II circuit2. Both names point back to vintage Tone Bender models, and the Mojo Edition is built to evoke the MkII Professional in particular1. In addition, a side Bias knob is fitted "for extra tweakability"2.
The manual explains how the external bias knob works where a version has one: the stock setting is with the knob at 12 o'clock, turning it clockwise increases the bias voltage and anti-clockwise decreases it. The range is limited, and the control is designed to help correct bias in less than optimal conditions, which matters with germanium transistors because their behavior shifts with temperature and with the individual set fitted1.
Parts and construction
Expresso FX builds the Mojo Edition from new-old-stock and premium components throughout, and the manual describes it as pushing "the boundaries in every direction"1. The parts list:
- Trio of hand-selected NOS Mullard CV7005 germanium transistors3
- NOS Allen Bradley carbon composition resistors1
- NOS Mullard "Mustard" C296 polyester capacitors and Philips electrolytic capacitors1
- NOS WIMA TFF Polyester film capacitors2
- Alpha 24mm potentiometers1
- Genuine premium Carling or Alpha footswitch1
- Premium Cliff UK jacks1
- Genuine Vero stripboard, 0.15" pitch1
- Premium 22 AWG solid core silver-plated copper wire with Teflon insulation, audio-grade shielded wire, fully hand wired, with silver-based lead-free solder1
On the wiring, the manual's own words are: "Premium 22 AWG solid core Silver plated copper wire with Teflon insulation, for superior signal transmission"1.
Enclosure and finishes
The manual specifies a large Hammond enclosure, the 1590P1, professionally powder coated in a Gray Hammerite finish1. The current product page lists three finishes for the Mojo Edition: Green Sparkle, Matt Black and Red Copper Sparkle3. The pedal measures 153 x 82 x 50 mm (W x D x H)2.
Price, availability and reviews
The Mojo Edition is listed at £ 349.00 GBP as of 22 April 20253. As a limited edition it sits alongside the rest of the Expresso FX bender range, which includes the Fuzz Bender Mk I.V, the Fuzz Bender MkII and the Fuzz Bender MkII "Vintage", as well as germanium designs like the Germanium CV7005 Fuzz and the Germanium Fuzz "Mojo Edition".
No published reviews of the Mojo Edition are available yet: the product page states "There are no reviews yet," and only logged-in customers who have purchased the product may leave a review there3.
Warranty
Expresso FX gives a 3 years warranty on the Fuzz Bender2. The manual sets out the process: 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 in or it will be rejected1.
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Questions
What transistors are in the Expresso FX Fuzz Bender Mojo Edition?
The pedal uses a trio of hand-selected NOS Mullard CV7005 germanium transistors, described on the Expresso FX product page as the heart of the pedal. The manual likewise refers to an array of top grade NOS Mullard germanium transistors. Around them the circuit uses NOS Allen Bradley carbon composition resistors, NOS Mullard "Mustard" C296 polyester capacitors, Philips electrolytics and NOS WIMA TFF polyester film capacitors.
What does the toggle switch do on the Expresso FX Fuzz Bender Mojo Edition?
A toggle switch selects between two circuits: the right position gives a Mk I.V circuit and the left position gives a Mk II circuit. Both are based on vintage Tone Bender designs, so one pedal covers two classic three-transistor fuzz voicings without changing pedals.
Does the Mojo Edition Fuzz Bender use reverse polarity power?
Yes. The DC socket accepts 9VDC power in centre-positive (reverse) polarity, which is the opposite of the centre-negative standard used by most modern pedal power supplies. Players will need a dedicated output or adapter set to centre-positive, and should not plug it into a standard centre-negative daisy chain.
Is the Expresso FX Fuzz Bender Mojo Edition true bypass?
Yes. The manual states the pedal is true bypass, so when it is off the signal passes straight through without loading the path. It also uses premium Cliff UK jacks and a genuine premium Carling or Alpha footswitch.
What finishes does the Mojo Edition come in?
The product page lists three finishes: Green Sparkle, Matt Black and Red Copper Sparkle. The manual separately describes a large Hammond 1590P1 enclosure professionally powder coated in a Grey Hammerite finish, which applies to the Fuzz Bender line's enclosure specification.
What warranty does Expresso FX give on the Fuzz Bender?
Expresso FX gives a 3 years warranty on the Fuzz Bender. Any 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 in, or it will be rejected.
Sources (3)
- Fuzz-Bender-Manual.pdf, Expresso FX, 2019
- Fuzz Bender “Mojo Edition” (Mullard CV7005), Expresso FX, 2023-10-05
- Fuzz Bender “Mojo Edition” (Mullard CV7005), Expresso FX, 2023-10-05
