Strymon
Strymon Fairfax Overdrive
- Regular Price
- $285.00
- Sale Price
- $285.00
- Regular Price
- Unit Price
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Details
Miniature Analog Amplifier Drive with Tube-Like Feel
The Fairfax is not a typical overdrive. It is a complete miniature amplifier recreated in 100 percent analog form, inspired by a rare 1960s device that shaped some of rock’s most iconic lead tones.
With harmonics, saturation, and dynamic behavior modeled after a real tube amp’s output transformer, Fairfax delivers an unmistakably amp-like feel. Notes bloom, sustain naturally, and blend together in an organic way that responds directly to your playing.
Inspired by a Forgotten Classic
Fairfax takes inspiration from the original Garnet Herzog unit designed for Randy Bachman in 1965. The Herzog was essentially a small tube amp with a built-in load, created to deliver cello-like sustain without destroying the amplifier it was connected to. It became the source of famous tones such as the lead sound on American Woman.
Strymon set out to capture that character in a compact analog pedal using JFET stages and a custom transformer-emulation circuit. The result is the same sustaining feel and harmonic weight without the need for a full tube power supply.
More Than a Drive Pedal
Inside Fairfax, a transformer-based power system boosts the incoming 9V supply to 40V, giving the pedal the headroom and dynamic response of a real amplifier.
A variable Sag control recreates the voltage sag and recovery of classic tube circuits. At lower settings the feel remains tight and responsive. At higher settings the behavior becomes choked, gated, and sputtering, similar to a pushed or failing tube amp.
Fairfax ranges from sweet, harmonically rich boost to angular, compressed drive tones depending on the guitar and the gain setting. Its wide gain range makes it easy to integrate with nearly any rig.
Plays Well with Any Setup
Because its design mirrors a tube amplifier, Fairfax pairs naturally with clean amps, dirty amps, and amp modelers. Its smooth sustain and harmonic complexity enhance any platform. An internal jumper allows you to set the power-up state, which is ideal for loop-switching systems and larger pedalboards.
Strymon Fairfax Features
• Complete analog recreation of a multi-stage tube amplifier
• Custom analog output transformer emulation
• Internal voltage boost to 40V for high headroom
• Drive, Level, and variable Sag controls
• Bright switch for shaping high-frequency response
• Wide range of natural, tube-like gain
• Capable of both smooth sag and gated, sputtering textures
• True bypass
• Power: 9V DC
• Current Draw: 500 mA
Specs
Specs
| Type | Overdrive |
| Condition | New |
| Power | 9V DC |
| Current Draw | 500mA |
| Power supply included | No |
| Manufacturer Warranty | 1 year |
Shipping & Returns
FREE SHIPPING
- Free shipping within Canada.
- Free shipping to the USA.
- Free shipping on international orders over 520$.
Visit the Shipping page for more.
Fast Delivery
- Canada : 1 - 2 business days
- USA : 1 - 2 business days
- Rest of the world: 3 - 5 business days.
Hassle-Free Returns
You have 45 days to test your new gear. If you choose to return it, we’ll send a full refund. It’s that simple: no bogus restocking fees or charges.
Visit the Returns page for more.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
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How can I tell if an item is in stock? +
Each product page shows an availability status.
• In stock items are ready to ship.
• Out of stock items are currently unavailable.
You can enter your email to be notified when an item is back in stock.
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Where are you located? +
We’re based in Blainville, Quebec, Canada.
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When will my order ship? +
Orders placed before 12 PM EST ship the same business day.
Tracking details are sent shortly after purchase.
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How much does shipping cost? +
Most orders ship free to Canada and the US.
International orders ship free on purchases over $520 CAD.
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Which shipping methods do you use? +
Orders ship via UPS Expedited by default.
For faster delivery, you can select UPS Express Saver at checkout.
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How long does shipping take? +
Typical delivery times are:
• Canada: 2–3 business days with UPS Expedited, 1 business day with UPS Express Saver
• USA: 2–3 business days with UPS Expedited, 1 business day with UPS Express Saver
• International: 3–5 business days with UPS Expedited, 2–3 business days with UPS Express Saver
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Which payment methods do you accept? +
We accept all major credit cards and PayPal.
Financing options are available through Klarna and RBC PayPlan.
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Do Canadian customers pay sales tax? +
Yes. Sales tax is applied based on your province of residence:
• Alberta: 5%
• British Columbia: 5%
• Manitoba: 5%
• New Brunswick: 15%
• Newfoundland and Labrador: 15%
• Northwest Territories: 5%
• Nova Scotia: 14%
• Nunavut: 5%
• Ontario: 13%
• Prince Edward Island: 15%
• Quebec: 14.975%
• Saskatchewan: 5%
• Yukon: 5%
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Do USA customers pay import fees? +
Yes. Starting August 29, 2025, all US-bound shipments will be subject to duties, taxes, and brokerage fees.
These charges are determined by US Customs and collected by UPS at delivery.
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Do international customers pay import fees? +
Yes. International shipments may be subject to duties and taxes.
These charges are set by the destination country’s customs authority and collected by UPS at delivery.
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