The Greer Amps Super Hornet is an octave fuzz pedal: a fuzz circuit with an octave-up voice layered on top, in the tradition of the vintage Foxx Tone Machine. Greer Amps says it is based on one very special Foxx Tone Machine in Nick's collection, and the company describes its range as running from light fuzz with some clean signal blended in, to aggressive, wall-of-fuzz tones1. Delicious Audio called it a fresh take on the classic octave fuzz design when it appeared in 20232.
The original Foxx Tone Machine was itself a fuzz and octaver in one box, offering what Delicious Audio describes as "a warm and thick-sounding fuzz with a controllable octave-up effect"3. The Super Hornet follows that template but adds a twist of its own: a momentary footswitch, called the Stinger, that lets you punch the octave in and out on demand.
An octave fuzz based on the Foxx Tone Machine
The Foxx Tone Machine is one of the reference points of the octave fuzz category. RockBoard's PedalPedia entry for the original lists it simply as a "FUZZ OCTAVER"4, and Premier Guitar, reviewing another Tone Machine-derived pedal (the Orange Fur Coat), calls the Foxx "the Foxx Tone Machine octave fuzz"5. The format is straightforward: a fuzz circuit whose upper octave, generated by the way the circuit distorts, can be switched in or out.
Greer's take keeps that core but builds it around NOS BC-107B transistors, which the company describes as "a little bit of special sauce in the design"1. Delicious Audio's roundup of Tone Machine clones and evolutions, which includes the Super Hornet alongside the Orange Fur Coat, credits those transistors with "some vintage mojo"3.
The controls
The Super Hornet keeps the control set of the original: fuzz, tone, and the octave selection61.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Fuzz | Goes from light fuzz with some clean signal to a raging wall of fuzz1 |
| Tone | A wide sweep tone control1 |
| Octave toggle | Selects between Stinger mode and Octave mode1 |
| Stinger footswitch | Momentary switch that engages the octave (active in Stinger mode only)1 |
MusicRadar's reviewer Trevor Curwen found the tone control practical in its range, noting it "can ramp up the upper mids/treble for an aggressive rasp"6. With the octave off, he described the sound as having a scooped-mid quality, moving from overdrive up to full fuzz with crisp clarity6.
Stinger mode and Octave mode
The octave toggle is where the Super Hornet departs from a straight clone. It selects between two modes1:
- Stinger mode: the fuzz is straight, without the octave, and the momentary Stinger footswitch becomes active. Stand on the switch to engage the octave for a lead run, release it to return to normal fuzz, or tap it quickly to flutter the octave on and off1.
- Octave mode: the fuzz is permanently an octave fuzz, and the Stinger switch is not active1.
MusicRadar's reviewer found the Stinger switch useful for exactly this kind of thing: "when the straight fuzz is active, you can temporarily add in the octave for the odd note or passage via the 'Stinger' momentary footswitch"6. Delicious Audio's clones guide calls the Stinger the pedal's calling card, with a range of live applications: emphasizing notes in a solo, or tapping it quickly for a killswitch-like stutter effect3.
One point worth knowing if you have played other octave fuzzes: the octave here does not need the fuzz dimed to work. Greer states plainly that "The OCTAVE even works in low fuzz settings!"1, and Delicious Audio repeats the claim2. On many circuits in this family the octave-up voice only tracks clearly at high gain, so this is a real difference in practice.
When the octave is engaged, MusicRadar's reviewer found it unsubtle: "It's not the subtle harmonic enhancement of some octave pedals but instantly louder, layering in an element of high spluttery fuzz"6.
Power and practicalities
The Super Hornet runs on 9V DC, center negative, through a standard 2.1mm power supply only1. There is no battery option. At 7mA of current draw it is a light load for any pedalboard power supply, and its center-negative 2.1mm plug matches the common standard, though the maker's "ONLY" wording is worth heeding if you use a supply with switchable polarity1. The enclosure measures 3.68" x 4.67" x 1.18"1.
The Super Hornet takes a 9V DC center-negative 2.1mm power supply only. It has no battery compartment, and a reversed-polarity supply is not supported1.
What reviewers said
MusicRadar reviewed the Super Hornet and summed it up in five words:
"As cool as a fuzz can be."
His review found the pedal practical as well as characterful: a usable tone control, a scooped-mid fuzz voice with crisp clarity when the octave is off, and a Stinger switch with genuine live uses6. Delicious Audio placed the Super Hornet in its guide to the best Foxx Tone Machine clones and evolutions, alongside pedals like the Orange Fur Coat, at a listed price of $225 as of December 20243.
Videos
ProGuitarShopDemos
Premier Guitar
Eirik Stordrange
Questions
Is the Greer Super Hornet true bypass?
Yes. Greer Amps lists the Super Hornet as true bypass, and Delicious Audio's writeup of the pedal confirms it. When the pedal is off, your signal passes through without buffering or coloring.
What transistors are in the Greer Super Hornet?
It uses NOS BC-107B transistors. Greer Amps describes these as a bit of special sauce in the design, and Delicious Audio credits them with some vintage character. NOS means new-old-stock: unused parts from an earlier production run.
Does the Super Hornet octave work at low fuzz settings?
Yes. Both Greer Amps and Delicious Audio note that the octave effect works even at low fuzz settings, which is unusual for this type of circuit. Many octave fuzzes need the fuzz turned up high before the octave-up voice tracks clearly.
Can the Super Hornet run on a battery?
No. The pedal uses a standard center-negative 2.1mm power supply only, with no battery option. It runs on 9V DC with a current draw of 7mA, so it is easy on a pedalboard power supply.
What warranty comes with the Greer Super Hornet?
Greer Amps covers the Super Hornet with a 5 year warranty to the original owner. Delicious Audio's product page lists the same terms.
Sources (6)
- Super Hornet, Greer Amps
- Greer Super Hornet Octave Fuzz, Delicious Audio, 2023-04-18
- Best Foxx Tone Machine Fuzz Clones And Evolutions In 2025, Delicious Audio, 2024-12-31
- Tone Machine by Foxx, RockBoard (rockboard.de PedalPedia), 2026
- Orange Fur Coat Review, Premier Guitar, 2018-02-13
- Greer Super Hornet review, MusicRadar, 2017-05-22
