Strymon Fairfax Class A Output Stage Drive Pedal

Strymon Fairfax is not your usual drive box. It is a complete miniature amplifier recreated in 100% analog, inspired by a rare 60s circuit that shaped iconic rock tones. With transformer-style behaviour, amp-like saturation and harmonics, Fairfax delivers a tube-like response that feels natural under the fingers and enhances the character of your guitar.

The pedal is based on the original Garnet Herzog® unit built for Randy Bachman, capturing the singing sustain and expressive feel used on classic recordings like “American Woman.” JFET stages and a custom circuit emulate multiple tube stages and the output transformer, giving Fairfax its authentic, organic and highly dynamic voice without the complexity of high-voltage tube hardware.

A variable Sag control adds another layer of realism, shifting between smooth, subtle compression and wild, gated textures depending on how hard you play. Combined with an internal transformer power supply that boosts the 9 V input to 40 V, Fairfax delivers wide headroom, articulate detail and a surprising range of gain shapes.

From low-gain harmonic enhancement to aggressive amp-style drive, Fairfax works seamlessly with clean or dirty amplifiers, modelers and loop switchers. An internal jumper also allows automatic power-on when used in complex pedalboard systems, making it performance-ready in any situation.

Features

• Complete vintage-style tube amp circuit recreated in 100% analog
• Custom analog stages emulate 12AX7, 6V6 and output transformer behaviour
• Internal galvanically isolated supply boosts 9 V input to 40 V
• Drive, Level and variable Sag controls for fine-tuned amp response
• Bright switch for tailored high-frequency contour
• Wide gain range from sweet low-gain push to angular, compressed drive
• Sag control offers subtle sag at low settings or gated fuzz-like textures at high settings
• True bypass switching; mono signal path
• Requires 9 VDC, 500 mA (2.1 mm centre-negative)