Flattley Pedals The Joker Boost Overdrive Distortion

You know sometimes when you open a pedal box that you’re in for a real treat, just by taking a glance at what’s inside. That’s most definitely the case today, as we check out The Joker, a ruthless-looking and -sounding boost overdrive distortion from Flattley Pedals. Bright in color and a bit scary in presence, this this has range for days, pushing your amp into ALL the sweet spots where you need it to be…

The Joker came from the idea, “what happens if you add controlled distortion to a normally clean booster?”. To achieve this we added an FET based 12AX7 valve simulation with the aim of sounding similar to an overdriven single valve combo. However, on building a prototype it was found that the pedal had more uses than first envisaged. Firstly, it can do the “small amp tone” as expected. So in “dirt” mode anything from a “warm boost” to a “flat out tweed”. So jazz to blues covered.

A second range (“filth”) was added to allow gain / distortion for rock fans. Third (unexpected) way of using it is as a boost for a conventional amp but with the added bonus of adding additional harmonic content / tone shaping before hitting the front end of the amp. This gives heavy rock fans the tones they are always looking for. The green halo light ring installed diffuses the light when playing live, avoiding being blinded by the standard LEDs just as you are about to go into that all important solo thus giving a larger area to see where the pedal is located easily on the pedal board on darkened stages.

The Dirt and Filth modes are really special here, I love how they each offer their own certain sparkle and crunch to your sound, and the range within the control knobs is phenomenal. Over on the Flattley Pedals website, you’ll find more info on The Joker Boost Overdrive Distortion, as well as the rest of their extensive lineup of effects, so don’t sleep on these guys!! Our demo is out, too, so head to YouTube to see and hear this monster in action – it’s nothing short of amazing!!