Expresso FX Tup Fuzz

The Expresso FX Tup Fuzz is a high gain fuzz pedal made by Expresso FX, a builder whose products include the Germanium Fuzz, the Silicon Fuzz and the Fuzz Bender MkII. Its circuit is voiced after a well known vintage four-transistor fuzz: Guitar World's reviewer Trevor Curwen calls it "this inspired-by version of the Ram's Head Big Muff from Expresso FX"¹, and the Expresso FX manual says the pedal is reminiscent of a specific variation of pedals that people refer to using a particular animal's head, which is where the name comes from².

Where the original circuit is famous for a scooped midrange, the Tup Fuzz adds two toggle switches that boost the mid and bass frequencies, which Expresso FX says makes the pedal much more versatile³. The manual describes the result as a pedal that produces all the fine subtleties of the original units but without the price tag².

A Ram's Head style high-gain fuzz

The Tup Fuzz takes its cue from a classic fuzz variation players often refer to by a particular animal's head, which is also where its name comes from. Expresso FX does not name the circuit directly in its own copy, describing it only as reminiscent of that specific variation², but Guitar World identifies it plainly as a Ram's Head Big Muff inspired build¹.

The build is centered on vintage-spec parts. The signal path uses hand selected and matched NOS Motorola BC239C silicon transistors, NOS clipping diodes, NOS Allen Bradley carbon composition resistors and NOS Philips MKT or Mullard "Tropical Fish" C280 polyester capacitors³. The pedal is fully hand wired, with Alpha 16mm potentiometers, Premium Cliff UK jacks, lead free silver-based solder, and 22 AWG solid core silver-plated copper wire with Teflon insulation³. Everything sits in a powder coated aluminum enclosure³.

For a player comparing circuits, the Tup Fuzz is Expresso FX's take on the Big Muff family rather than a Fuzz Face or Tone Bender style build. Those other voices are covered elsewhere in the maker's range, such as the Germanium Fuzz and the Fuzz Bender Mk I.V¹²³.

The controls and boost switches

Expresso FX fits the Tup Fuzz with two extra toggle switches, one for boosting the mid frequencies and one for boosting the bass frequencies³. Guitar World notes the same feature, describing the pedal as adding two extra toggle switches for boosting the mid and bass frequencies¹.

What this means in practice:

• Mid boost toggle: lifts the midrange that a Ram's Head style circuit naturally scoops, helping the guitar cut through a band mix or a dense distortion wall²³¹.
• Bass boost toggle: adds low end weight, useful on fuller chords or when you want a thicker, darker fuzz voice²³¹.

With both switches off, the pedal sits closer to the character of the original units it draws from; with them on, you can reshape the EQ without touching your amp. Expresso FX positions the toggles as what makes the pedal much more versatile than a straight reproduction³.

Finish options and pricing

The Tup Fuzz is offered in four enclosure finishes: Emerald Sparkle, Matt Black, Red Sparkle and Teal Sparkle⁴. The manual for the standard version describes an aluminum enclosure in a matt black finish². The product page lists a price of £ 279.00 GBP as of 2025⁴.

Warranty and support

Expresso FX gives a 3 year warranty on the Tup Fuzz³. The manual, which applies the same 3 year coverage to all Expresso FX Mojo Edition products, spells out the scope and process²:

• The warranty covers damages and faults developed by the product.
• It does not cover faults caused by misuse or user error.
• All warranty work must be preceded by an email to support@expressofx.com to troubleshoot the problem, after which a "Return Authorization" is issued.

Videos

Click to load

Click to load

Questions