Strymon's foray into the world of analogue pedals with the Series A line is a bold move, to say the least. The company, renowned for its DSP-heavy reverbs, delays, and modulation pedals, is now venturing into uncharted territory with the Fairfax and Canoga pedals. These new releases are a testament to Strymon's commitment to innovation and their willingness to explore new sonic landscapes.
A Journey Back in Time
The Fairfax drive pedal is an engineering marvel, inspired by the legendary Garnet Herzog tube drive unit used on Randy Bachman's amp in 1965. Strymon's analogue team set out to recreate the entire tube amp circuit in a pedal, and the result is a miniaturized masterpiece. The pedal features a Class A power amp and a custom circuit that emulates output transformer saturation, a key element in the organic, tube-like compression we all love. An internal transformer boosts the 9V input to 40V, providing the necessary headroom for the pedal to behave like a real amp. The controls are intuitive, with Drive, Level, and a variable Sag circuit that offers everything from mild compression to fuzz-style gating and sputtering.
The Canoga fuzz pedal, on the other hand, has a more casual origin story. Strymon designer Gregg built a handful of custom fuzz circuits in an afternoon, and they sat on a shelf until the company needed a fuzz to pair with the UltraViolet vibe. One of those designs became the Canoga, a silicon FuzzFace-style pedal with just Drive and Level controls. Its character is heavily influenced by your guitar's volume knob, allowing you to go from blues and rock to full fuzz with a simple twist.
A New Direction for Strymon
Strymon's decision to venture into analogue pedals is a strategic move that could redefine their brand. While their existing DSP-heavy pedals have been incredibly successful, the analogue line offers a different sonic palette and a unique playing experience. The Fairfax and Canoga pedals showcase Strymon's ability to innovate while staying true to their roots. The company is not just creating new products; they are crafting experiences that resonate with musicians and enthusiasts alike.
The Future of Strymon
As Strymon continues to push the boundaries of pedal design, the question arises: what's next? The company's commitment to innovation and their willingness to explore new sonic territories suggest that we can expect even more exciting developments in the future. Whether it's further analogue pedals, hybrid designs, or entirely new product categories, Strymon is poised to remain at the forefront of the pedal industry.
In conclusion, Strymon's Series A line is a testament to their creativity and technical prowess. The Fairfax and Canoga pedals are not just new products; they are experiences that will delight and inspire musicians. As Strymon continues to innovate, the future of pedal design looks brighter than ever.
