The Tevatron Fuzz is a fuzz pedal from String Theory EFX, an Illinois-based effects company, and one of the maker's first two all-original designs alongside the KE/64 Overdrive. It is not a clone of any existing circuit: Premier Guitar described it as "a unique fuzz circuit inspired by a few classic fuzz pedals, but not a copy of any of them"1. Its core is unusual for a fuzz: a hand-selected NOS germanium transistor paired with an op amp IC chip, which Guitar World reported "promises any number of fuzz textures"2.
What it does and how it is controlled
The Tevatron Fuzz covers a range of fuzz textures rather than one fixed voice, and the three controls shape that range directly. MusicRadar reported that the textures are "tweaked via bias, gain and fuzz controls"3. The bias control is the one players of germanium-based fuzzes tend to reach for first, since biasing the transistor changes how the fuzz responds and cleans up. The maker's pairing of a germanium transistor with an op amp chip is what sets the circuit apart from the classic single-transistor fuzz designs it draws inspiration from32.
For a wider view of where this pedal sits, see the site's page on Fuzz Pedals.
Versions and build
The Tevatron Fuzz has gone through two builds:
- Original (2018): Point-to-point wiring for each circuit, with acid-etched graphics on raw aluminum. Premier Guitar noted of the etching, "You'll never have to worry about these graphics coming off"1. It was listed at $2651.
- V2 (April 2019): Printed circuit boards, powder-coated enclosures with UV-printed graphics, and a more pedalboard-friendly size, while remaining hand-wired. Guitar World reported the changes promised faster builds and lower cost425.
The V2 version is the one with the transistor choice: a hand-selected NOS germanium transistor or a silicon transistor. The original version used a hand-selected NOS germanium transistor in each pedal14.
Price and availability
The original Tevatron Fuzz was announced in August 2018 at $2651. The updated V2 version was announced on April 19, 2019, and reported available that month: Premier Guitar gave $180 with the silicon transistor and $190 with the NOS germanium transistor4, and MusicRadar listed the pedal at $180, available now from String Theory EFX5. Guitar World likewise reported the Tevatron Fuzz and KE/64 Overdrive "available now for $180 and $165 respectively"2.
Warranty
All String Theory EFX pedals, the Tevatron Fuzz included, are hand-built and carry a lifetime warranty, according to MusicRadar3.
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Questions
Does the Tevatron Fuzz come with a germanium or silicon transistor?
Both. The original version used a hand-selected NOS germanium transistor in every pedal. From the 2019 V2 update, String Theory EFX offered the Tevatron Fuzz with a choice of either a hand-selected NOS germanium transistor or a silicon transistor, with the germanium version priced higher.
How much does the String Theory EFX Tevatron Fuzz cost?
In the updated V2 version announced in April 2019, the Tevatron Fuzz started at $180 equipped with the silicon transistor, and cost $190 equipped with a NOS germanium transistor. The original 2018 version was listed at $265.
Is the Tevatron Fuzz hand-built?
Yes. MusicRadar reported that all String Theory EFX pedals are hand-built, and the updated pedals are described as hand-wired. The original version was built with point-to-point wiring and acid-etched enclosures, while the V2 uses printed circuit boards with UV-printed graphics on powder-coated enclosures.
Does String Theory EFX offer a warranty?
Yes. According to MusicRadar, all String Theory EFX pedals, including the Tevatron Fuzz, come with a lifetime warranty.
Sources (5)
- String Theory Unveils KE/64 Overdrive & Tevatron Fuzz, Premier Guitar, 2018-08-24
- String Theory EFX Announces Updated Tevatron Fuzz, KE/64 Overdrive Pedals, Guitar World, 2019-04-24
- String Theory EFX unveils KE/64 Overdrive and Tevatron Fuzz pedals, MusicRadar, 2018-08-31
- New EFX Tevatron Fuzz & KE/64 Overdrive Announced, Premier Guitar, 2019-04-22
- String Theory EFX updates Tevatron Fuzz and KE/64 Overdrive pedals, MusicRadar, 2019-04-24
