The PastFx Punkifriar PX76 is a compact Overdrive/Distortion/Fuzz pedal based on the now discontinued DOD FX76 Punkifier. The original Punkifier blended a smooth mid-focused overdrive with a transistor fuzz, and could mix the two circuits together to create new tones or isolate either one with the Punk (Mix) knob. PastFx brought that circuit back in a small enclosure, keeping the original control labels and adding a Mead control of its own1.
Where it came from
PastFX released the PX76 Punkifriar in 2023, according to Guitar Pedal X's Stefan Karlsson, who called it his first introduction to the Punkifier circuit2. The DOD original was a fuzz/overdrive blend pedal that, in Karlsson's words, "essentially blends together a smooth mid-focused overdrive with a nasty, sitting transistor fuzz"2. Since the DOD FX76 is discontinued, the PastFx version is one of the ways players can get that circuit today.
Karlsson's verdict on the revival was positive: "The PastFX variant captures the essence of the original and evolves its tone-shaping somewhat." He described it as "a very valid and worthy take on this circuit overall"2.
The controls: Mead, Spikes and the rest
PastFx retained the original PUNK, SLAM, SPIKES and MENACE labels from the DOD pedal and added its own Mead control, described by Guitar Pedal X as a Head/Mids Contour2.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Mead | A new control that can add extra sizzle; it interacts with the Spikes knob1 |
| Spikes | The highs control, carried over from the original layout2 |
| Menace (Level) | Controls the output volume of the effect, ranging from quiet all the way up to a huge decibel boost1 |
PastFx describes the Mead control in characterful terms: "the mead control will add extra top end sizzle guaranteed to excite any Stooges or Sir Knobbie Hassle & the Swamp Donkeys fan!"1. In practice, it gives the player an extra layer of tone shaping on top of the original blend-and-boost layout, working alongside Spikes rather than replacing it.
Power and size
The PX76 runs true bypass, so it stays out of the signal path when off1. PastFx lists the current draw at 10mA1, a light load for any standard pedalboard supply. The enclosure measures 112 x 60 x 31mm (4.4" x 2.36" x 1.22"), enclosure only1, so it sits comfortably alongside other compact pedals.
Other PastFx revivals
PastFx has built a range around reviving and extending classic circuits, including the PastFX Mischief, a Rat-style distortion, the PastFX distortiion, a revival of the MXR Distortion II, the PastFX BLD, a compact take on the TC Electronic Booster/Line Driver/Distortion, and the PastFX OG-2, an evolved Boss DS-1 circuit. For more on the wider category, see Distortion Pedals, Overdrive Pedals and Fuzz Pedals.
Videos
The Pedal Picassos
Pedal Experiments
Questions
What pedal is the PastFx Punkifriar PX76 based on?
The Punkifriar PX76 is based on the now discontinued DOD FX76 Punkifier, an in your face overdrive/distortion/fuzz that could blend a smooth mid-focused overdrive with a transistor fuzz, or isolate either circuit, using the Punk (Mix) knob. PastFx kept the original PUNK, SLAM, SPIKES and MENACE labels and added its own Mead control.
What does the Mead control do on the PX76?
Mead is PastFx's addition to the original Punkifier layout. The maker says it can add extra top end sizzle and that it interacts with the Spikes knob, which handles the highs. Guitar Pedal X described it as a Head/Mids Contour control that evolves the original's tone shaping somewhat.
Is the PastFx PX76 true bypass?
Yes. PastFx lists the Punkifriar PX76 as true bypass operation, so the pedal is removed from the signal path entirely when switched off.
How much current does the Punkifriar draw?
PastFx lists the current draw at 10mA, which is light enough that any standard 9V pedalboard supply should handle it without trouble.
What size is the PastFx PX76?
PastFx gives the enclosure dimensions as 112 x 60 x 31mm, or 4.4" x 2.36" x 1.22", measured on the enclosure only.
Sources (2)
- Punkifriar, PastFx, 2026
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2026-10-16
