The ThorpyFX Hanami Germanium Fuzz is a limited-run fuzz pedal from UK maker ThorpyFX, designed by Adrian Thorpe and launched in May 2025. It is built around four NOS military-spec germanium transistors and one NOS germanium diode, and it offers smooth, evolving fuzz tones from a simple four-knob control layout12.
The Hanami is a limited run. gearnews.com reported at launch that the NOS components it uses are finite, so the pedal will not be made indefinitely2.
The controls
The Hanami keeps things simple: Volume, Boost, Treble, and Bass on a single row2. The treble and bass knobs are what give the pedal its tonal flexibility, according to Guitar World's reviewers, who described it as delivering "fat, smooth and richly textured fuzz that can attain a fierce edge" with low noise1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Volume | Output level |
| Boost | Adds gain on top of the fuzz |
| Treble | Treble shaping, part of the pedal's real-world tonal flexibility1 |
| Bass | Bass shaping, part of the pedal's real-world tonal flexibility1 |
The transformer-isolated input
One feature sets the Hanami apart from many germanium fuzzes: a transformer-isolated input. Guitar World's reviewers noted that this makes it "far less fussy about where it sits in your signal chain than many" germanium fuzz pedals1. For players with buffered pedals, wireless systems or long boards, that can remove the placement headaches germanium circuits are known for.
Where it sits in the ThorpyFX range
Guitar World places the Hanami neatly between the Tone Bender-inspired Boneyard and the Big Muff-flavored Fallout Cloud, describing it as having Tone Bender and Big Muff soul1. gearnews.com called it essentially a mashup of those two circuits, and the latest fuzz design from Adrian Thorpe, possibly one of his finest2.
What reviewers said
Guitar World's buying guide team (Daryl Robertson, Ross Holder, Trevor Curwen and Matt McCracken) summed the pedal up as "a class act, delivering fat, smooth and richly textured fuzz that can attain a fierce edge, with low noise and real-world tonal flexibility"1. gearnews.com's Jef, covering the launch, highlighted the smooth, evolving fuzz tones available from the simple control layout2.
The enclosure is part of the pedal's character: a laser-cut black anodised aluminum body with white side panels carrying a cherry blossoms design, a nod to the pedal's Japanese name2.
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Questions
Who designed the ThorpyFX Hanami?
The Hanami is the latest fuzz pedal design from Adrian Thorpe, the designer behind ThorpyFX. Guitar news site gearnews.com, reporting the launch in May 2025, described it as potentially one of his finest designs. It sits in the ThorpyFX fuzz range between the Tone Bender-inspired Boneyard and the Big Muff-flavoured Fallout Cloud.
What transistors does the Hanami Germanium Fuzz use?
The Hanami is built around four NOS military-spec germanium transistors, according to Guitar World, along with one NOS germanium diode for clipping. NOS means new old stock: components made years ago but never used, which is part of why the pedal is a limited run.
Is the ThorpyFX Hanami a limited edition?
Yes. gearnews.com reported that the Hanami is a limited run, reasoning that the NOS germanium components it depends on are finite and will not be around forever. The pedal also has a distinctive laser-cut black anodised aluminium enclosure with white side panels carrying a cherry blossoms design.
What does the transformer-isolated input do?
According to Guitar World, the Hanami has a transformer-isolated input, which makes it far less fussy about where it sits in your signal chain than many germanium fuzz pedals. That matters in practice because germanium fuzzes are often picky about what feeds them, particularly buffers and wireless systems.
Where does the Hanami sit among other ThorpyFX fuzz pedals?
Guitar World places the Hanami neatly between the Tone Bender-inspired Boneyard and the Big Muff-flavoured Fallout Cloud in the ThorpyFX range, describing it as having Tone Bender and Big Muff soul. It is a mashup of the Fallout Cloud and Boneyard circuits.
How much does the ThorpyFX Hanami cost?
The Hanami retails for £329.99, as reported by gearnews.com on 9 May 2025, when the pedal was available to order. That price is in UK pounds as stated at launch; no US dollar list price is given here.
Sources (2)
- Best fuzz pedals 2026: add some filth to your sound with these essential pedalboard effects, Guitar World, 2022-06-09
- ThorpyFX Hanami: NOS Germanium Fuzz Tones, gearnews.com, 2025-05-09
