ThorpyFX EAO Germanium Fuzz

ThorpyFX EAO is based on one of Adrian Thorpe’s favourite fuzz circuits: the classic Burns Buzzaround. Following earlier hand-wired limited editions in 2024 and 2025, ThorpyFX has now brought the circuit into a much smaller and more practical enclosure. The EAO uses three NOS germanium transistors, a NOS germanium diode and an onboard transformer, combining a distinctly vintage fuzz character with the practicality required for a modern pedalboard.

Its four controls are highly interactive and provide a wide range of fuzz tones. Sustain determines the amount of long, almost violin-like sustain, while Tone shifts the character from thick and bass-heavy to sharp and treble-focused. Bias has a major influence on the behaviour of the fuzz circuit, ranging from thinner, sputtery fuzz to a full-bodied, powerful high-gain sound. Volume acts as a master volume, allowing you to keep the overall output under control when Bias and Sustain are set for maximum output.

Thanks to its onboard transformer, the EAO is less sensitive to its position in the signal chain and, according to ThorpyFX, can be placed virtually anywhere on your pedalboard. The pedal features true bypass and is designed exclusively for a 9V DC center-negative power supply with a 2.1 mm connector. Current draw is just 25 mA. With compact dimensions the EAO delivers vintage-inspired germanium fuzz tones without the oversized enclosure of its earlier limited-edition predecessors.

ThorpyFX EAO Germanium Fuzz demo video