Introduction to the Fairfax
Strymon has established itself as a titan in the realm of digital effects, renowned for its exceptional lineup that includes the acclaimed BigSky reverb, the versatile deco tape saturation pedal, the John Mayer-endorsed Flint tremolo/reverb, and the highly regarded TimeLine delay pedal, among others.
However, the Fairfax pedal we’re discussing here marks a important departure from thier usual offerings. Why is that? This is Strymon’s inaugural all-analog pedal. Departing from their digital roots, Strymon has embraced a fully analog circuitry design that aims to produce genuine, saturated amp-like drive tones, all encapsulated in a straightforward, user-pleasant overdrive pedal.Well, its somewhat of an overdrive pedal.
As a fan of Strymon’s Flint, which I consider essential for my pedalboard, I was notably thrilled to learn about the Fairfax’s launch.
An all-analog strymon pedal? Inspired by vintage amp drive sounds? Compact enough for my pedalboard? This was an exciting prospect. Moreover,it had a interesting design concept.
This pedal is not merely an overdrive - Strymon itself refrains from labeling it strictly in this very way. The Class A Output Stage Drive draws inspiration from the vintage Garnet amplifier’s Herzog tube drive, famously used by Randy Bachman on the Guess who’s classic American Woman – essentially, it’s a miniaturized tube circuit housed in a pedal. Who wouldn’t be intrigued by that?
Specifications
- Retail Price: $199 | £199 | €229
- Type: Overdrive
- Controls: Drive, Level, Sag, Bright
- Features: JFET circuitry inspired by the Garnet Herzog tube amplifier used by Randy Bachman
- Connectivity: Mono in/out
- Bypass: True-Bypass
- Power: 9V, DC center-negative, with a minimum of 500mA
- Dimensions: 11.51 cm x 7.19 cm x 5.92 cm
- Weight: 0.28kg
- Contact: Strymon
Construction Quality
Build Quality Rating: ★★★★★
The Fairfax stands out as one of Strymon’s most compact and efficient pedals, featuring a single footswitch, three controls for Drive, Level, and Sag, along with an On/Off Bright toggle switch to enhance higher frequencies.
The Drive knob is the most prominent of the three, which is logical considering its frequent use, while the Bright switch is positioned underneath. The Level and Sag controls, located on the right side of the pedal, are slightly smaller.
This pedal is compact yet houses an intriguing circuit. Utilizing a 12AX7 and 6V6 layout, Strymon has effectively captured that essence using JFETs and a transformer-based power supply, providing the Fairfax with ample power.
There’s nothing about the build that raises any concerns. The pedal boasts a sleek design in a muted green hue, exuding an industrial feel while remaining compact enough for my pedalboard. The controls offer the satisfying tactile feedback expected from this brand.
A minor detail, but I appreciate the slightly squarer chassis of this model – it distinguishes it from my standard pedals and visually sets it apart from typical drive units.
Ease of Use
Usability Rating: ★★★★
Strymon has successfully captured the essence of the original while adapting it for contemporary setups.
There are no hurdles to achieving great tones with this pedal, which is a hallmark of a reliable workhorse. While some Strymon pedals can be intimidating due to their complexity, this one is refreshingly straightforward. The control layout is efficient, allowing you to quickly dial in tones reminiscent of Bachman’s amp sounds right from the start.
Sound Quality Rating: ★★★★
What I appreciate about the Fairfax is its ability to deliver an overdrive character that standard pedals often fail to replicate, particularly with the inclusion of the Sag control. Rather than the typical mid-boost gain and high-distortion sounds that dominate the market, the Fairfax emphasizes vintage amp tones, adding a distinctive layer to any pedalboard.
With Sag turned down and the Drive set around 2 o’clock, you can achieve fiery gain tones reminiscent of a pushed vintage amp. Reducing the drive while increasing the Level results in a cleaner sound, perfect for gritty rhythm playing without fully crossing into clean boost territory.
Maxing out the Drive while lowering the Level yields proto-distortion tones, maintaining clarity and character in your clean signal, all while enveloping it in a rich, thick texture that is endlessly inspiring and enjoyable to play with.
The Sag control is the standout feature of this pedal. Increasing the Sag results in a more aggressive tone, and when fully engaged, it produces a delightful sound reminiscent of a dying battery, as if your signal is struggling to maintain its strength. When combined with a high Drive setting, it creates wonderfully constricted, fuzz-like effects, while reducing the gain yields a lo-fi character that is rich in personality.
This pedal offers a refreshing option in a market saturated with imitations.
while it may not be the most practical drive tone available, and you might find more versatility in traditional mid-boost pedals, I assure you that none will provide the same level of enjoyment.
This pedal introduces a unique flavor to your sound, and in a landscape filled with replicas, the Fairfax stands out as a breath of fresh air. It also integrates surprisingly well with other pedals, even when heavily sagged, and pairs beautifully with setups like a Fender Blues Junior and a Quad cortex mini.
Final Thoughts
you don’t need to be a fan of Randy Bachman to appreciate this pedal.
Strymon’s debut in the all-analog pedal market is a remarkable achievement. Instead of opting for a conventional circuit, they have successfully introduced a unique and often overlooked tone to a wider audience.
While it may not be the most versatile gain pedal on your board,it has the potential to become an essential tool-one that offers sounds that traditional overdrives simply cannot replicate. Despite the somewhat unnecessary Bright switch,this pedal is intuitive and inspiring,providing a fresh outlook on tone that anyone can enjoy.
Guitar World’s conclusion: Strymon’s first all-analog pedal is a remarkable success, delivering a distinctive take on tube-style drive tones that will invigorate your gain staging.
|
Test |
Results |
Score |
|---|---|---|
|
Build Quality |
Sleek and industrial design, perfect for pedalboard integration. |
★★★★★ |
|
Usability |
Simple control layout, though additional tonal options would enhance versatility. |
★★★★ |
|
Sound Quality |
Rich tube drive tones available, ranging from gritty to fuzzy. |
★★★★ |
|
overall |
A successful debut for Strymon in the all-analog effects realm. |
★★★★ |
Other Recommendations
Video Demonstrations
strymon
Watch On
Mike Hermans
Sweetwater
Watch On
The Sag control is a standout feature of this pedal. Increasing the Sag results in a more aggressive tone, and when fully engaged, it produces a delightful sound reminiscent of a dying battery, as if your signal is struggling to maintain its strength. When combined with a high Drive setting, it creates wonderfully constricted, fuzz-like effects, while reducing the gain yields a lo-fi character that is rich in personality.
This pedal offers a refreshing alternative in a market saturated with imitations.
While it may not be the most practical drive tone available, and you might find more versatility in traditional mid-boost pedals, I assure you that none will provide the same level of enjoyment.
This pedal introduces a unique flavor to your sound, and in a landscape filled with replicas, the Fairfax stands out as a breath of fresh air. It also integrates surprisingly well with other pedals, even when heavily sagged, and pairs beautifully with setups like a Fender Blues Junior and a Quad Cortex mini.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be a fan of Randy Bachman to appreciate this pedal.
Strymon’s debut in the all-analog pedal market is a remarkable achievement. Instead of opting for a conventional circuit, they have successfully introduced a unique and often overlooked tone to a wider audience.
While it may not be the most versatile gain pedal on your board, it has the potential to become an essential tool-one that offers sounds that traditional overdrives simply cannot replicate. Despite the somewhat unnecessary Bright switch, this pedal is intuitive and inspiring, providing a fresh perspective on tone that anyone can enjoy.
Guitar World’s Conclusion: Strymon’s first all-analog pedal is a remarkable success, delivering a distinctive take on tube-style drive tones that will invigorate your gain staging.
|
Test |
Results |
Score |
|---|---|---|
|
Build Quality |
Sleek and industrial design, perfect for pedalboard integration. |
★★★★★ |
|
Usability |
Simple control layout, though additional tonal options would enhance versatility. |
★★★★ |
|
Sound Quality |
Rich tube drive tones available, ranging from gritty to fuzzy. |
★★★★ |
|
Overall |
A successful debut for Strymon in the all-analog effects realm. |
★★★★ |
Other Recommendations
Video Demonstrations
Strymon
Watch On
