Back in 2024, I decided I wanted to do a Christmas Day special and made five of my favourite fuzz circuit: the Burns Buzzaround. Modified slightly with NOS germanium transistors and housed in a large vintage lime green sparkle enclosure.
In 2025, I created a few more versions of the circuit in fluorescent pink Tone Bender MKI enclosures, again all hand-wired and individually tuned.
I’ll never not love this circuit, and as such I’ve wanted to find a way for more of you to get your hands on it – but with a much smaller and more practical footprint.
In its new form, the EAO comes loaded with three NOS germanium transistors, a NOS germanium diode and an onboard transformer. This is the most up-to-date, vintage-sounding fuzz we make, and as pleasing from the very first note as you could want any fuzz to be.
Controls
All of the controls are highly interactive. For example, changes to Bias affect the Sustain, and vice versa.
FOOTSWITCH – ON/OFF
True bypass.
SUSTAIN
Changes the amount of long, violin-like sustain available as you ride every note and hold every chord.
TONE
Changes the fuzz tonality from thicker and bass-heavy through to searing and treble-focused.
VOLUME
Acts as a master volume, helping to balance the overall output – especially when the Bias and Sustain controls are positioned to maximise volume that would otherwise be uncontrollable.
BIAS
Fundamentally changes the character of the fuzz. You can move from thinner and spottier fuzz all the way through to a full-throated gain monster.
Placement
Because of the onboard transformer, the EAO will sit comfortably anywhere on your pedalboard. Placement is simply a matter of personal preference.
Power
The EAO is designed to be powered by a 9V DC, centre-negative, 2.1mm power supply.
Important: Do not attempt to use this pedal with other voltages or polarities. ThorpyFX pedals feature power protection circuitry, and use of an incorrect voltage or polarity may shut the pedal down and require it to be returned to ThorpyFX HQ for repair. This will not be covered under warranty.
Specifications
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Dimensions: 65mm (W) × 125mm (L) × 53mm (H, including knobs)
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Power: 9V DC, centre-negative, 2.1mm
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Current draw: 25mA
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Bypass: True bypass
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Transistors: 3 × NOS germanium
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Diode: NOS germanium
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Transformer: Onboard transformer
