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Average Price: $225

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$60

$181+

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Description

Unleash a sonic revolution with the Bixonic EXP-2000R Expandora, a fuzz effects pedal renowned for its versatility and distinctive sound shaping capabilities. Originally introduced in the 1990s, the EXP-2000R has gained a cult following among guitarists for its ability to deliver anything from subtle overdrive to extreme distortion. This pedal is particularly celebrated for its unique internal DIP switch, allowing musicians to switch between multiple gain settings effortlessly.

The Expandora's robust design and intuitive layout make it a favorite in both studio and live settings. Its compact form factor does not compromise on quality, offering a wide spectrum of tones that cater to various music styles—from blues and rock to metal. Whether you're seeking a creamy sustain or a gritty, aggressive edge, the EXP-2000R delivers with precision and flair.

Compatible with both electric and bass guitars, the Expandora is a testament to Bixonic's commitment to quality and innovation. Perfect for the experimental musician, its unique circuit design ensures clarity and punch across the frequency range.

Key Features:

  • Internal DIP switch for multiple gain settings
  • Wide tonal range from overdrive to heavy fuzz
  • Compact design suitable for pedalboards
  • High-quality circuit ensuring clarity and punch
  • Compatible with electric and bass guitars

Product specs

Power 9V
Analog/Digital analog
Mister SEHAT Himself

Mister SEHAT Himself

Bixonic Expandora EXP 2000R

Video thumbnail for Bixonic Expandora EXP 2000R by Mister SEHAT Himself

Bixonic Expandora EXP 2000R

Mister SEHAT Himself

Mister SEHAT Himself

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Bixonic EXP-2000R Expandora.

Features and functionality

  • The Bixonic Expandora can switch between distortion, overdrive, fuzz, and crunch, offering versatile tonal options in one pedal.

    Source
  • The Bixonic Expandora 2000R offers a surprising variety of tones with just three knobs and several dip switches, allowing for extensive customization.

    Source
  • The reissued Expandora models feature external dip switches, which is a notable design improvement over the original models that required unscrewing the bottom to change settings.

    Source

Build quality

  • The pedal contains rare components such as two LM308 chips and a Sharp brand H1134 optocoupler, making it challenging to replicate or repair.

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Use cases and applications

  • Billy Gibbons is known to use multiple Expandoras in his setup, likely to avoid adjusting settings during live performances.

    Source
  • The Expandora is highly praised for its ability to "rip" through a variety of tones, making it a standout choice in diverse pedalboards.

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Value and pricing

  • Prices for the Bixonic Expandora have risen significantly, making vintage 1990s models particularly sought after.

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  • While new reissues are available, they are not seen as particularly affordable, contributing to the desirability of vintage models.

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User experience

  • Some owners regret selling their Expandoras due to their unique sound and rising market value.

    Source
  • Some users find the Expandora difficult to locate, but consider it worth the effort due to its unique sound qualities.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Legendary Tones - Bixonic Expandora EXP-2000R Distortion

legendarytones.com

The Bixonic EXP-2000R Expandora is a versatile distortion pedal offering a broad range of overdrive tones. Its compact, unique design makes it an eye-catching addition to any pedalboard. The pedal excels in providing a variety of tones, from subtle crunch to heavy distortion, making it suitable for different musical styles. While the Forbidden mode may be too chaotic for some, the pedal's main modes deliver robust sound with good tonal flexibility. The DIP switches on the face improve ease of use, though they feel somewhat delicate. Overall, it's a cost-effective and space-saving option for those looking to explore multiple overdrive sounds.

positive

Bixonic Expandora 2000R | Vintage Guitar® magazine

vintageguitar.com

The Bixonic Expandora 2000R is a versatile distortion pedal that impressively marries the best of its predecessors with user-friendly upgrades. Its external DIP switches and robust build are highlights, allowing easy toggling between classic and bass-enhanced modes. While its unique "tuna can" design and clean electronics work are commendable, the pedal shines in delivering a range of tones from subtle overdrive to heavy fuzz. It favors humbuckers at higher gains, though single-coil users might experience a touch more fuzz. Despite minor shortcomings, such as potential tonal thinness in certain settings, the Expandora 2000R offers a plethora of gain options, making it a worthwhile investment for distortion enthusiasts.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings

5 star
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1 star
brylock

Workhorse

Great pedal in a bulletproof case. Does everything from warm overdrive to a throaty distorted roar. Billy F. Gibbons used several of these during the recording of ZZ Top's Rhythmeen album & tour.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Thom Yorke uses Bixonic EXP-2000R Expandora

Thom Yorke

Singer, Guitarist

Radiohead

...
Verified via Photo

this is a pic of thom's pedalboard for the in rainbows tour.

See how Billy Gibbons uses Bixonic EXP-2000R Expandora

Billy Gibbons

Guitarist

ZZ Top

...
Verified via Photo

In this interview with, Billy Gibbons talks about his use of the Bixonic Expandora:

"Guitar World: You use six Bixonic Expandora pedals for distortion, which would seem to create a muddy mess. Do you set the levels differently on each one to create the desired sustain while maintaining a cleaner distortion sound?

"You are correct. Combinations of multiple effects are manageable when using a slight edge from each, which avoids the unwanted collision of tones. However, at this point, sometimes the grind of excessive noise becomes its own thing! Experiment...just not with your medication."

See how St. Vincent uses Bixonic EXP-2000R Expandora

St. Vincent

Singer, Guitarist

The Polyphonic Spree

...
Verified via Guitar World

In an interview for GuitarWorld Annie Clark, in reference to her song Regret, says:

"I believe that’s a [Bixonic] Expandora that John [Congleton] had in the studio. I liked it so much I bought one of my own. It’s a Japanese distortion pedal. John said that’s what Billy Gibbons used."

See how Barry Stock uses Bixonic EXP-2000R Expandora

Barry Stock

Guitarist

Three Days Grace

...
Verified via YouTube

"A very cool pedal. I actually use it on the album for Pain Killer. I actually use it live for Pain Killer too," says Barry Stock, about his Bixonic Expandora, at 4:03 in this rig rundown video.

See how Jeremy Galindo uses Bixonic EXP-2000R Expandora

Jeremy Galindo

Guitarist

This Will Destroy You

...
Verified via Photo

Jeremy Galindo consistently uses the Bixonic EXP-2000R Expandora fuzz effects pedal, as shown in the user-uploaded photo on Hostingpics.

See how Mark Smith uses Bixonic EXP-2000R Expandora

Mark Smith

Guitarist

Explosions in the Sky

...
Verified via Photo

On August of 2016, MusicRadar did a Rig Tour with Explosions in the Sky, taking a quick look at their gear. On his board, he has a Bixonic Expandora after the Afterneath.

“I probably don’t need three distortion pedals! But I borrowed this from Congleton in the studio, and ended up loving it so much I bought one off eBay. It has a nice sharpness to it without being harsh, and you can just lightly distort the guitar so it growls a little without being piercing.”

See how Steve Cropper uses Bixonic EXP-2000R Expandora

Steve Cropper

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

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Verified via GuitarPlayer.com

Billy Gibbons gave me a Bixonic Expandora that I’ve used on a few things, but not very much. I’m mainly just a clean rhythm Tele guy, and when I play a solo, I usually just bear down and play a little grittier.

See how Josh Winstead uses Bixonic EXP-2000R Expandora

Josh Winstead

Bassist

Metric

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Verified via Flickr

In this photo, which was taken during Metric's 2009 Apple Store concert, one of the pedals that can be seen in Winstead's pedalboard is Bixonic Expandora.

See how Michael John Scheuchzer uses Bixonic EXP-2000R Expandora

Michael John Scheuchzer

Guitarist

MercyMe

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Verified via Photo

Michael John Scheuchzer uses the Bixonic EXP-2000R Expandora fuzz pedal, as seen in his Instagram post during rehearsals for the #MercyMeitsChristmas shows.

Album Usage

The Bixonic EXP-2000R Expandora has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Bixonic EXP-2000R Expandora, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    brylock
    brylock

    Gear IQ 156