The Great Eastern FX OC201 Preamp is a two-transistor fuzz preamp pedal built around a pair of new-old-stock Mullard OC201 transistors, limited to just 50 units1. It is the first release in the maker's Obsolete Devices series, a line named for the out-of-production parts it is built from1. Great Eastern FX Co. is a boutique British pedal designer1.
The pedal combines fuzzy-drive, fuzz preamp and silicon fuzz tones2. Premier Guitar reports that Great Eastern FX say it ranges from dirty boost and garage rock drive sounds up to a raw and richly textured fuzz, all with the volume knob clean-up characteristics this style of fuzz is famous for1. The circuit is a twist on the familiar two-transistor fuzz design, tweaked to deliver a healthy kick of volume to your amp, which is what makes it a preamp rather than only a fuzz pedal1.
Controls
The OC201 keeps things to two knobs2.
Guitar Pedal X's Stefan Karlsson described the pedal as "the most exquisitely textured fuzzy-drive / fuzz preamp unit - with a fantastic palette of sounds in a really neat and simple package"2. He added that the simple circuit is focused on raw components and a palette of textured sounds2.
The Mullard OC201 transistors
The heart of the pedal is a pair of new-old-stock Mullard OC201 silicon transistors1. Guitar Pedal X calls the OC201 a rare NOS part and Mullard's earliest silicon transistor variety2. Around them, the pedal uses quality modern components, including high-tolerance Dale metal film resistors and WIMA capacitors1.
The pedal's new-old-stock Mullard OC201 transistors are the reason only 50 of them are being made.
That parts supply is also what gives the series its name: Obsolete Devices1.
Availability and price
Premier Guitar reported a list price of $299 in the US, with £249 in the UK and €299 in the EU1. The pedal was reported available direct from Great Eastern FX Co. and from dealers1.
Guitar Pedal X listed the Great Eastern FX webstore, Andertons, Pedaltown, Palf, Sound Shoppe and Electric Mojo as outlets2.
Only 50 units exist1. Once the run is gone, the new-old-stock transistor supply means no more can be built.
Where it sits in the Great Eastern FX range
The OC201 is the first Obsolete Devices release1. It follows the maker's Focus Fuzz line, including the Focus Fuzz Silicon and the later Focus Fuzz Deluxe, which expanded the original two-transistor design with boost, overdrive and octave modes. The OC201 instead stays with two controls and leans on its rare transistors for its range of tones12.
Videos
Great Eastern FX Co.
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Questions
How many Great Eastern FX OC201 Preamps were made?
The OC201 Preamp is limited to just 50 units. Premier Guitar reports that the new-old-stock Mullard OC201 transistors are the reason only 50 of them are being made, since the pedal is built around a pair of those rare transistors in each unit.
Who designed the Great Eastern FX OC201 Preamp?
The OC201 Preamp comes from Great Eastern FX Co., the boutique British pedal maker. Guitar Pedal X's Stefan Karlsson, covering the launch, wrote that David Greeves has always had a great touch with fuzz pedals and that this one is no exception.
Why are there only 50 OC201 Preamps?
The run is capped by parts supply. The pedal is built around new-old-stock Mullard OC201 transistors, and Premier Guitar reports those transistors are the reason only 50 units are being made. The OC201 is the first release in Great Eastern FX's Obsolete Devices series, a name that points at the out-of-production parts it uses.
What transistors does the OC201 Preamp use?
Each OC201 Preamp uses a pair of new-old-stock Mullard OC201 silicon transistors. Guitar Pedal X describes the OC201 as a rare NOS part and Mullard's earliest silicon transistor variety. The rest of the circuit uses modern components, including high-tolerance Dale metal film resistors and WIMA capacitors.
How much does the OC201 Preamp cost in the US?
Premier Guitar reported a US list price of $299, alongside £249 in the UK and €299 in the EU.
Where can I buy the Great Eastern FX OC201 Preamp in the US?
Premier Guitar reported the pedal was available direct from Great Eastern FX Co. and from dealers, with Sound Shoppe NYC listed as the US dealer. Guitar Pedal X also listed the Great Eastern FX webstore, Andertons, Pedaltown, Palf, Sound Shoppe and Electric Mojo among outlets.
Sources (2)
- Discover the Power of the OC201 Preamp by Great Eastern FX, Premier Guitar, 2025-03-05
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2025-02-06
