The Bixonic Expandora II Distortion Pedal
Many guitarists love the original Expandora for its multiple gain options and mysterious “forbidden” fuzz setting. Others prefer the Expandora II for its increased low frequency response. Now you can have the best of both worlds with the EXP-2000R! More than simply a reissue, the EXP-2000R takes the greatest features of previous Expandora’s and combines them in one pint-sized, power-packed chassis.
The EXP-2000R takes the circuitry of the original Expandora and improves upon it with front-mounted DIP switches to make gain changes easier. In addition, a third DIP switch has been added that toggles between the Tone settings of the original Expandora and the EXP-2001, giving you the sound of these two legendary effects in one box! The EXP-2000R features chassis mounted switches & jacks for improved reliability as well as a heavier-duty bypass switch than previous versions. Cosmetically the EXP-2000R is reminiscent of the original Expandora with some minor updates
The Bixonic Expandora II distortion pedal was long rumored to be the secret weapon behind the sonic assaults of many top professionals, but until recently intelligence as to its whereabouts was not available. Now the Expandora has resurfaced albeit with a new, slightly altered identity. While its appearance may have changed, the Expandora II's mission remains clear — to provide all the great sounds of the original Expandora with improved operation and a user-friendly configuration.
Several years ago, aided by the whole-hearted endorsements of such high-profile guitarists as ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons and Bush's Nigel Pulsford, an effect pedal the size and shape of a tuna fish can became the stomp box du jour for gear-savvy guitarist the world over. Called the Bixonic Expandora, this nifty unit produced a startling array of satisfyingly filthy distortion tones. Even so, it was hardly the most practical pedal ever to hit the market. It's diminutive size made the Expandora particularly vulnerable to being kicked around the state. What's more, its distortion characteristics could be shaped only by opening the unit's aluminum chassis and fiddling with the four tiny DIP switches located within.
But in this day and age, any noteworthy debut deserves a sequel, and so we welcome the Expandora II to the world of high-end distortion pedals. Still round but significantly more substantial than its predecessor, the Expandora II dispenses with internal switches, opting instead for a more traditional Drive control on the device's faceplate. While this rotary control does not allow players to dial in some of the original pedal's demented "fuzz" tones, it provides instant access to a full array of sounds — from toothy overdrive to molten distortion. The Expandora II also boasts a markedly fuller bass response than its predecessor, and is thus much better suited to hard rock and metal applications.
Last but not least, the Expandora II features something that few — if any — other pedals on the market today provide: A built-in light show. Four red LED's on the control panel glow more or less brightly depending upon the intensity of the input signal. This itself is more than worth price of admission to the new Expandora's trippy tone show.
