The Bumble Buzz is an octave fuzz pedal built by Union Tube and Transistor for Jack White's Third Man Records, and it is about as stripped-down as a fuzz gets: no knobs, just an on-off switch that takes you from clean guitar to a buzzing, octave-shifted fuzz. Guitar World described it as ready to "crank out some stinging sounds"1. It belongs to the broader family of fuzz pedals, but with an octave-fuzz twist that pushes notes into new territory.
What it does
The Bumble Buzz is an octave fuzz, meaning it generates a note an octave above (or in a shifted register relative to) what you play, layered under fuzz distortion. Guitar FX Layouts, an independent DIY circuit site, described it plainly: "no knobs, just a on-off octave fuzz"2. There is no tone control, no bias knob, no gain staging to manage. You either have the fuzz on or you do not, which makes it a very particular kind of pedal: a single sound, committed.
Premier Guitar's review, republished by Union Tube and Transistor, summed it up in one line:
"It's the Howlin' Wolf of fuzzes."
That verdict fits the pedal's origins. It was modeled after a unit Union Tube and Transistor made for Jack White to use while recording "I'm Shakin'"1, a song whose gritty, primitive stomp suits a fuzz with exactly one setting.
Who makes it and where it came from
The pedal is hand made by Chris Young of Vancouver-based Union Tube and Transistor32. GuitarPlayer, in a rundown of Jack White's pedalboard, described the Third Man Bumble Buzz as "produced in collaboration with Chris Young of Vancouver-based Union Tube & Transistor"4. Third Man's own "Creative Hive" is credited with the design on the DIY community side2.
The pedal was launched through Third Man Records, sold in person at the Third Man Records store and online through the Third Man Records website1. MusicRadar covered the launch and the ways the pedal could be bought at the time6.
The Jack White connection
Jack White's name is attached to the Bumble Buzz at its root: the pedal exists because Union Tube and Transistor built one for him during the recording of "I'm Shakin'"1. White's board has long carried unusual effects; ZVEX lists him as using a Tremolo Probe and a Woolly Mammoth8, and in 2022 he demonstrated the MXR Double Down, a collaboration through his Third Man Hardware brand, playing his custom blue sparkle Fender Telecaster9. The Bumble Buzz is the Third Man release that grew out of that world, and it sits alongside other Union Tube and Transistor builds like the Shiny.
Versions and price
Union Tube and Transistor's product page lists three versions: Standard, Factory Second, and Limited Edition White5. The maker lists the pedal from $295.00 USD as of October 20265. JHS Pedals, in a roundup of one-knob fuzz pedals, put it at $32510. On the used market, Guitar FX Layouts reported seeing prices of $325 to $660 in August 20202, so secondhand examples have commanded a premium over list.
The Factory Second version is a lower-priced tier sold by the maker alongside the Standard; the Limited Edition White is a separate finish. All three appear on the maker's current product page5.
Videos
Chicago Music Exchange
gearmanndude
gearmanndude
Questions
How much does the Bumble Buzz cost?
Union Tube and Transistor's product page lists the Bumble Buzz from $295.00 USD as of October 2026. JHS Pedals, in a piece on one-knob fuzz pedals, put it at $325. On the used market, Guitar FX Layouts reported prices of $325 to $660 back in August 2020, so secondhand examples have traded well above the original list.
Who makes the Bumble Buzz?
The Bumble Buzz is built by Chris Young of Vancouver-based Union Tube and Transistor, produced in collaboration with Jack White's Third Man Records. Third Man's 'Creative Hive' is credited with the design, and the pedal was originally sold through Third Man Records and its website.
What versions of the Bumble Buzz exist?
Union Tube and Transistor's product page lists three versions: the Standard, a Factory Second, and a Limited Edition White. All are the same one-switch octave fuzz at heart, differing in finish and pricing tier rather than circuit.
Is the Bumble Buzz connected to Jack White?
Yes. Guitar World reported the pedal was modeled after a unit Union Tube and Transistor built for Jack White to use while recording 'I'm Shakin''. White has a documented history with fuzz and oddball effects, and GuitarPlayer notes the Bumble Buzz was produced in collaboration with Chris Young of Union Tube and Transistor.
What is the Bumble Buzz packaged in?
Guitar World and MusicRadar both reported that the pedal arrives housed in a wooden presentation box that includes a custom bandana. It is part of the pedal's presentation as a Third Man Records release rather than a plain retail box.
Where can you buy the Bumble Buzz?
Union Tube and Transistor's product page says the pedal is available for direct purchase and through select dealers. At its 2013 launch, MusicRadar reported it could only be bought in person at Third Man Records or via the official TMR website, so distribution has widened since then.
Sources (10)
- Video: Jack White's Third Man Records Introduces Bumble Buzz Pedal, Guitar World, 2013-11-28
- Guitar FX Layouts: Third Man Records Bumble Buzz, Guitar FX Layouts (tagboardeffects.blogspot.com), 2020-07-29
- Third Man Records launches new pedal made by Union Tube & Transistor, Union Tube & Transistor, 2013-11-29
- Take a Close Look at Jack White's Insanely Cool Pedalboard, GuitarPlayer (www.guitarplayer.com), 2022-06-09
- Bumble Buzz, Union Tube & Transistor
- Jack White releases Bumble Buzz guitar pedal, MusicRadar, 2013-11-28
- Premier Guitar Reviews Bumble Buzz, Union Tube & Transistor, 2014-03-20
- Artists - ZVEX Effects, ZVEX Effects (www.zvex.com)
- Watch Jack White talk amps and max out the fuzz as Third Man Hardware and MXR team unveil the Double Down, a compact pedal packing two Micro Amp circuits, MusicRadar, 2022-12-09
- 8 ONE KNOB FUZZ PEDALS YOU NEED TO TRY, JHS Pedals
Jack White
