The ThorpyFX OLD TIMER is a limited 3-in-1 pedal that puts three Hendrix-associated effects in one enclosure: an Octavia-style octave fuzz, a Tacit Blue germanium Fuzz Face-style fuzz, and an ER-2 Block 2 Uni-Vibe1. ThorpyFX describes the combined result as "the most amazing wall of modulating textured fuzz"2. It is built in small batches, with only 100 planned in total plus 10 Great Escape SP3 variants, for 110 pedals built in total1.
Guitar Pedal X compares the format to the Foxrox Captain Coconut, a "Hendrix-in-a-Box" combo pedal that likewise combined an Octavia-style octave fuzz, a Fuzz Face-style fuzz, and a Uni-Vibe1.
The three effects
The first effect in the chain is the octave fuzz, based on the Tycobrahe Octavia, a '70s high gain fuzz with a well-pronounced high-pitch octave3. ThorpyFX says this section has a transformer and the ability to lift the octave and use it to create walls of fuzz2. It is followed by the Tacit Blue germanium Fuzz Face-style fuzz and the ER-2 Block 2 Uni-Vibe1.
| Section | Controls |
|---|---|
| Octavia (octave fuzz) | Volume, Boost, Oct-Lift switch1 |
| Tacit Blue (Ge Fuzz Face) | Volume, Fuzz, Smooth, Bias1 |
| ER-2 Block 2 (Uni-Vibe) | Intensity, Speed, Offset, Volume, Cho/Vib footswitch, Vibe footswitch1 |
Routing and expression control
The Old Timer has what Guitar Pedal X calls "really clever routing": each pedal section is an independent FX Loop Send/Return pair, and you can also connect to the start and end of the whole chain1. That means you can use the three effects together as intended, split them apart, or insert other pedals between them.
The expression pedal input allows remote manipulation of the Speed and Intensity of the ER-2 Uni-Vibe section, so a player can sweep the vibe's rate and depth from a floor controller rather than bending down mid-song1.
The 150mA current draw at 9V2 is far more than a typical analog fuzz needs, so plan on a dedicated 9V power supply output rather than sharing a low-current daisy chain.
Availability and price
ThorpyFX lists the Old Timer at £749.00 GBP2, the same price Guitar Pedal X reported at launch1. The pedal is released in small batches of 10 to 20, with the listing reopening once the previous batch has shipped; ThorpyFX says to allow up to 8 weeks for a batch to be built2. Guitar Pedal X reported that only 100 would be made in total, with 10 additional Great Escape SP3 variants bringing the total to 1101.
The maker announced the pedal once what it calls the "official secrets act" was removed for SP3, its secret project numbering2.
What the press said
Guitar Pedal X's Stefan Karlsson reviewed the Old Timer at launch:
"This is a fantastic Hendrix sound compendium - in a very attractive package, already loved by all who have encountered it"
Videos
ThorpyFx
AndyDemos
Questions
What is the ThorpyFX Old Timer based on?
It is a 3-in-1 pedal built around classic Jimi Hendrix-associated circuits. The octave fuzz section is based on the Tycobrahe Octavia, the Tacit Blue section is a germanium Fuzz Face-style fuzz, and the ER-2 Block 2 section is a Uni-Vibe. Guitar Pedal X compares the format to the Foxrox Captain Coconut Hendrix-in-a-Box pedal.
Can the Old Timer use an expression pedal?
Yes. The Old Timer has an expression pedal input, and the expression port allows remote manipulation of the Speed and Intensity controls of the ER-2 Uni-Vibe section. The pedal also has a flexible IO backboard for routing.
How much power does the Old Timer draw?
ThorpyFX lists the current draw as 150mA at 9v. That is well above what a battery or a low-current daisy chain output is meant to supply, so it needs a 9V power supply able to deliver at least that much current.
How big is the ThorpyFX Old Timer?
ThorpyFX lists the size as 230mm wide, 125mm long, and 67mm high measured to the top of the knobs. That is a large enclosure, closer to a multi-pedal unit than a single stompbox.
Why is the Old Timer sold in small batches?
Only 100 were planned in total, built in batches of 10 or 20 at a time, with pre-orders reopening each time the previous batch shipped. ThorpyFX says to allow up to 8 weeks for a batch to be built. Ten extra Great Escape SP3 variants bring the total to 110 pedals.
What effects are in the ThorpyFX Old Timer?
Three: an Octavia-style octave fuzz with an Oct-Lift switch, a Tacit Blue germanium Fuzz Face-style fuzz, and an ER-2 Block 2 Uni-Vibe with chorus and vibrato footswitches. Each section has its own controls and can be routed independently.
Sources (3)
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2024-06-03
- The OLD TIMER, ThorpyFX
- Beetronics Octahive V2 review: a sonically striking octave fuzz with some notable upgrades, Guitar World, 2023-10-12
