ThorpyFX Have Blue

The ThorpyFX Have Blue is an analog germanium boost pedal from UK maker ThorpyFX. Its sound is based on a highly modified Rangemaster boost circuit, which RockBoard's PedalPedia describes as giving "a more versatile vintage style sound": it can add a subtle hair to notes or get loud and thick in the frequencies you dial in¹. It belongs to the company's "Vintage Reimagined" series¹².

Where it came from

The Have Blue is a germanium boost built around a highly modified Rangemaster boost circuit, which RockBoard's PedalPedia describes as the basis for "a more versatile vintage style" boost¹. Rather than a straightforward volume push, the design works as an exciter: ThorpyFX describes it as something to push a valve amp's front end in a narrow frequency range to send it into overdrive, and notes it is not ideal for making your guitar signal louder on its own⁴.

Delicious Audio's coverage noted the "beautiful laser-cut black anodized aluminum enclosure" that houses the circuit².

What it does to your tone

As a germanium Rangemaster-style boost, the Have Blue is not a straight volume lift. Writing for Guitar.com's Cause and Effects column, Adrian Thorpe MBE, the designer behind ThorpyFX, explained its role⁴¹:

In other words, it is at its best driving an already-working valve amp into overdrive within a chosen band of frequencies, rather than making your guitar signal louder overall⁴. The maker's own description matches that character: a subtle hair on notes at low settings, loud and thick where you want it at higher ones¹.

For players comparing boosts, the Have Blue sits on the vintage treble-booster side of the boost pedal family, unlike ThorpyFX's cleaner, higher-headroom designs such as the ThorpyFX Heavy Water dual boost⁴¹.

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