A good tube amp is hard to beat, but what if you could harness that sound and put it right into an effect-sized enclosure, complete with actual tubes? That’s what happened with today’s pedal, the Electron Brothers Brass Knuckle High-Voltage All-Tube Overdrive. This big yellow beast uses an all-tube signal path to create the harmonically rich overdrive tones only tubes can…let’s dive right in! Although based on...
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Overdrive pedals that use actual tubes in them are not very common, but we checked on out a couple weeks ago (the Xtonebox Plexi Heritage), and are going to check out another one today! Yay Us! Today’s gem, the GlassJaw, comes to us from Vibrato, LLC, and is a high voltage vacuum tube overdrive pedal.With a dead simple control section and warm, sweet-sounding, amp-driving tones pouring from it, this is the kind of pedal...
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Effects pedals with one footswitch are great…but TWO footswitches? You know you’re in for a real treat. Such is the case with today’s mammoth beast, the Crossfire Overdrive Preamp from Crazy Tube Circuits. Inspired by one of the most iconic Pedal/Amp combinations in musical history, this two-sided gem shapes your tone, pushes your amp and much, much more… The left side is voiced after the blackface amps that...
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When a pedal utilizes an ACTUAL tube to produce an overdriven tone, we’re immediately on board. When a company uses a tube in the CORRECT way, to bring out all of the tonal beauty a tube-driven effect should have, we fall head over heels for it. The Mozztronics TD-1 Tube Driver Overdrive accomplishes this feat with just a couple of knobs, a 3-way toggle and some genius internal circuitry. Let’s give this gem a warm...
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Effects pedals with actual tubes in them are just the best, right? They produce a comfortable, inviting sound and feeling when engaged, one that you don’t want to give up…ever. Today’s pedal does just that and more – the Tube Factor Overdrive from Hughes & Kettner promises to take your sound up a notch, maybe even to 11 if you’re lucky… As far as controls go, there are three knobs on the Tube...
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Today’s guest review comes to us from Max F. – find him on SoundCloud (@MaxFaith)! Darkglass Electronics’ products are quickly becoming the hottest way to sculpt tone in the bass world. The Finnish company makes some of the most musical bass preamps, distortions, and amps on the market right now. Today’s pedal is the Darkglass Microtubes B3K Bass Overdrive. The B3K Overdrive has simple and intuitive controls for sculpting a wide...
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I first came across the Greece-based company Crazy Tube Circuits when I was listening to a Rig Rundown with Nels Cline, as he is a big fan of their pedals, so I thought I’d check ’em out. The first one I got my hands on was the Stardust Overdrive, which is a highly-responsive and amp-like pedal, perfect for almost any guitar situation, and a worthy comrade to take into the studio with you as well. This pedal, aside from...
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Another overdrive? Well, it’s true, but this is a fun one…well, let’s face it, they’re all pretty fun! Today’s fun-time stompbox comes to you all the way from Finland via Darkglass Electronics, and they’re tasty pedal is the Microtubes Vintage Overdrive. Four knobs seems simple enough, and it basically is. Level adds or subtracts more or less overall volume output from the pedal, Drive controls the...
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Just take a look at this thing…recognize it? Then you’re probably not under 20 years old, as it seems these things have become somewhat of an underground legend. The Tube Driver, in this particular case from Chandler Industries in San Francisco, has been a staple on many famous and influential guitarists, even if you might not know where their killer overdrive tone was coming from. Granted, these all don’t sound the...
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To really test this pedal, I wanted to run it through an solid state amp, to see how much “tube tone” it would actually add to a sound not produced by tubes in the first place. However, I only have 1 solid state amp, and it’s a little ZT Lunchbox. Maybe not the best demo amp, but I figured if I could coax a warm tube sound out of it, then this pedal was doing its job. Well, it did, and then some. For starters, it...
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It’s always exciting diving into pedals from a company you’ve never worked with before, but when those pedals are a collaboration with one of your guitar heroes, that makes it just a bit more special. Today, we’re looking at the By-Tor Overdrive Boost from Lerxst Amplification, which pairs MojoTone with Mr. Alex Lifeson of the prog-rock band Rush. Seeking to exact his specific sounds on amps, cabs and now pedals,...
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The lineup from Summer School Electronics has just gotten better and better with each new release, and today’s new pedal might just be their best one yet. The Class Reunion Overdrive Fuzz Distortion combines all elements of those three effect genres into one beautiful and still pedalboard-friendly enclosure, for a wide range of awesome, dirty sonic prowess. Lots of knobs and switches here, let’s see what this one is all...
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It’s always a thrill to get gear from a pedal company for the first time, and today’s effects unit is sure to get the commenters talking. Combining a mythical circuit with a familiar-looking enclosure, the Attic Audio Transparent Overdrive brings you the best of both worlds. Designed to be a little tongue-in-cheek, this drive/boost provides incredible tonal punch, along with being an excellent conversation starter…...
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We loved the Germanium Fuzz pedal that Silktone Amps put out a couple years ago, and we’re excited to have their latest effect creation for you today! The overdrive+ is an original circuit with a whole range of both familiar and unique tones – from low gain always-on tonal enhancer to ripping high gain lead machine. Come along as we explore all the ins-and-outs of this beautiful amp-pushing machine, won’t ya? With a...
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Last month, we were able to check out the amazing Utopia Deluxe Echo Delay from Anasounds, and were floored by the amount of sonic options packed into such a compact enclosure. Today, we’re looking at another pedal with similar attributes, but switching gears as far as effect genre is concerned. The Sandman Double Overdrive combines two of Anasounds’ previous pedals into one unit, gives them some upgrades and crushes any...
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It’s always exciting when we get to check out new pedals from companies for the first time, and we’re stoked to welcome Artisanal Effects into the mix today. Their Toneshaper Drive EQ Overdrive pedal combines the oomph of an overdrive with the frequency-sculpting of a 6-band EQ, for a well-rounded sound that can fit with ANY setup. There’s a lot of history on this one, so lets hear from the builder about how it came...
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Last month, we had a look at the Konstante Overdrive from Twilight Pulse Audioworks, and we’ve got their next creation for you all today. The Proxima Overdrive Fuzz has simpler controls than its sibling, but features a wide range of dirt tones to explore. Ranging from slightly dirty to a scorching, amp-pushing heater, this seemingly simplistic effect has some surprises in store… The Proxima Overdrive Fuzz is a Mosfet...
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Our friends over at Osiamo Music Gear have introduced us to some great pedal companies over the years, and we’ve got another one for you all today! We’re taking a look at the Tone City Big Rumble Overdrive Boost, a 2-in-1 unit that has a bunch of options and some really killer tones, as well as a cool aesthetic that will have folks asking about “that purple pedal on your board.” Let’s jump in and see what...
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We love a good-sounding overdrive here at Pedal of the Day, and if it has the aesthetics to match, we’ve in pedal heaven. Today’s piece of gear meets both of these requirements with ease, providing a wonderfully warm and inviting drive tone while looking sharp as can be on the finest of pedalboards. Come along on a journey as we explore the gorgeous, tone-shaping, amp-driving Twilight Pulse Audioworks Konstante Overdrive,...
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Often times, one or two-knob pedals can be dismissed as not having all the bells and whistles that fancier, more expensive effects have, and can be labeled as lesser quality. That’s why we love it when a pedal like today’s comes along, proving all the “experts” completely wrong. The Clarity Dynamic Overdrive from Analog Time Machine crushes all amps and eardrums in its path, but does so in a tasteful and...
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We’ve been trying to collaborate with Don Poniz for the last few years, and we’re finally making it a reality today! Presenting the Power Contol Unit, a massive silicon/germanium overdrive with a simple control section and a huge range of sounds on tap. The note that came with the pedal said, “Worth the wait, trust me, Mike!” and after playing this pedal, I believe that to be a very true statement… From...
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Today, we’ve got the final pedal (so far) in the Voodoo Lab effects lineup: the Sparkle Drive MOD Overdrive Distortion. Building on the original design, this one features 4 different drive modes and a wide-ranging control section, producing just about any dirt tone you’ve been chasing. Going from punchy and modern to thick singing lead sounds, this green gem has got it all… Grab a Sparkle Drive MOD from Sweetwater:...
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Lots of new visitors to Pedal of the Day over the last few weeks, and we’re keeping it going today with our first effect from Lounsberry Pedals. The Organ Grinder Overdrive was designed for, you guessed it, organ and keys, but we’re testing it out with guitar and bass today, and it rips. Sometimes two knobs, a great circuit and perfect gain staging is all you need to push your amp and tone right into that sweeeeet...
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We’re continuing New Pedal Company Weekend here with another up-and-coming pedal manufacturer, Bolt & Forge Analog Audio. Coming to you from Yakima, Washington, we’re excited to jump in and check out the first of FOUR effects they sent over, the Appaloosa Germanium Overdrive. It was basically love from the first moment we plugged it in, let’s see what it can do for you… The Appaloosa is a true workhorse...
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A couple years ago, one of our favorite pedals ever came into the shop: the Geckoplex EP-5 Tape Delay from Gecko Pedals. It’s been a long wait, but well worth it, as we bring you their newest release, the O-Face Modulated Overdrive! This is an effects unit unlike any we’ve ever seen, so let’s dive right in and see what all the knobs and buttons and stuff can do… In short, the O-Face is like having four pedals...
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Discovering new pedal companies is one of the joys of getting to do what I do, and we’ve got another one for you today! Our new pal Steve over at Inspiring Devices (a fitting name, for sure) sent over his flagship effect, and it was an instant sonic hit. The Light Roast Overdrive has three knobs, as many overdrives do, but this one’s unique shape and killer circuit make it stand out from the masses…trust us. The...
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If you’ve never had the pleasure of playing a DRV Overdrive Distortion, you should make it a priority to do so. While that pedal has a lot of meat and potatoes to it, today’s pedal from 1981 Inventions is a bit calmer, but still brings beautiful tone to any rig. The LVL Full-Range Overdrive Preamp Boost has just 2 knobs, but inside this circuit there’s a huge range of sounds waiting to be discovered… LVL is a...
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A couple weeks back, we had the opportunity to check out our first effects pedal from Voodoo Lab, the Superfuzz. Impressive, to say the least, was this unit, and we couldn’t wait to see what joys the next one held. Today, we bring you the Giggity Analog Overdrive + Preamp, a massive, amp-pushing beast that sweetens your tone and your mind…let’s see what this one can do! Grab a Giggity from Sweetwater:...
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It’s always a special day when our friends at Beetronics release a new creation, and we’re so happy to be a partner for today’s latest release! The Nectar “Tone Sweetener” is an overdrive and fuzz in one, boasting a wide range of sounds and tones you’ll be swarming about. Little, yes – powerful, absolutely. Let’s see what all the buzz it about, shall we? Shop Beetronics pedals at...
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Last year, we were privileged to help in the fight against breast cancer by debuting the first run of effects (Fuzz, Overdrive & Delay) from Electric Love Pedals, with proceeds helping to fund cancer research. They’re back again today with another charity-driven unit, the Aquatone Overdrive, teaming up with one of the best in the biz, Brian Wampler, on this unique circuit. Let’s hear what Electric Love has to say...
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The Norris Fuzz was a surprisingly amazing 2-knob fuzz we saw from Alaskan-made MMK Electrics a few months back, and we’re excited to bring you another super-fun and tonally-powerful pedal from them today. The Red Cream Soda is a wide-ranging overdrive and distortion unit, with eye-catching graphics and bold, tone-shaping sound. Sometimes, three knobs is all you need to completely transform your rig, and that is most certainly...
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We really dug the Psychosis Tremolo Overdrive from Humanoid Pedals that they sent us a couple months ago, and we’re proud to bring you all another creation of theirs today! Hand built with two high gain silicon transistors, The Goblin Tone Distorter has intense yet smooth and full-bodied fuzz tone, combining elements of Preamp, Overdrive, Fuzz and Distortion into one versatile effect. Just a couple of controls, but a ton of...
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We’re sooooooo excited to be a part of today’s pedal release, the latest and greatest from our friends at Eventide! This aqua blue beauty, the RipTide Uni-Vibe Overdrive, combines 2 classic effects into one very easy to use and incredible-sounding pedal. With no hidden features or a huge manual to decipher, this one lets you jump right into creating beautiful sounds…let’s see what it’s all about! RipTide...
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A tube screamer is just a tube screamer, right? Well, not if you’re the Maxon Overdrive Pro Plus (OD-9 Pro+)! Today’s pedal takes a dive into that vintage mid-boosted overdrive circuit, and gives it some more options and an extra boost. If you’ve ever really wanted your TS to scream and lit your rig on fire, this just may be the pedal to do so… The Nine Series Overdrive Pro+ takes Maxon’s classic OD-9 circuit...
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Earlier this year, we had the pleasure of checking out The Hog Overdrive, the flagship pedal from Tallon Electric, and were excited to see what their next release might be. Well, we’ve got it for you today, in the form of the Dual Drive Overdrive, a two-sided beast that rears its sonic head around every corner. Knobs, switches and tones galore adorn this thing, let’s jump in and see what’s in store for us… The...
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The Gladys Overdrive was the very first pedal we ever reviewed for our friends at Summer School Electronics early last year, and it was a great introduction to this great company. Since then, we’ve had the pleasure of checking out EIGHT of their other wonderful creations. Today, we’re revisiting that first effects unit, but in a slightly different capacity: ladies and gents, here is the Gladys Overdrive V2. Gladys V2 is an...
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After the instantly recognizable Fuzz Blender ’77 we reviewed from Supercool Pedals a few months ago, we were excited to see what their next effects unit might be. Well, the day has arrived: presenting The Thneed Overdrive, a low-mid gain drive with nods to a certain super-expensive horsie-esque pedal AND one of the greatest authors of all time. And remember: “A Thneed’s a Fine-Something-That-All-People-Need.” The Thneed is a...
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The pedals we’ve had the pleasure to peruse from the folks at All-Pedal have ranged in genre quite a bit, but today we’re going with a tried-and-true classic: Overdrive. The Alcmene® Overdrive has one of the most popular and mythical circuits ever created down in its belly, and with a simple control system, it’s a cinch to conjure gorgeous breakup and boost in an instant. Small but mighty, let’s see what this...
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Combining Preamp, Overdrive and Boost into one pedal might seem like a lot, but with the Westerlund Audio ONE, everything melds together in sonic perfection. This options-laden mammoth can give your signal a pop, shape your tone, add in some breakup or get downright crunchy – whatever you need, it can handle with ease. So many knobs and swithces, and we’re totally here for it – let’s check it out! The...
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The My Little Klony and Fuzzy Rick were two of our favorite surprise pedals last year, coming from Drew and Aida at Daddy Daughter Pedal Works. Today, we’re checking out another effect from their lineup, the Clue’s Breaker Overdrive. Apart from a rad name and aesthetic, this versatile drive will give you all the boost, gain and grit you’d want, or maybe even need… The Clue’s Breaker is based on the famous...
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Mixing different kinds of effects together usually pays off pretty damn well, and today’s pedal keeps that fine tradition going strong. The Humanoid Pedals Psychosis Tremolo Overdrive combines two of our favorites into one wild enclosure, complete with nutty graphics and thick, heavy driven and modulated sounds. This isn’t a light one, folks, so buckle up and let’s see what its all about… The Psychosis is the...
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Each effects in the All-Pedal lineup is completely different, and that’s how we like it. Following in the footsteps of the Love Machine Octave Fuzz, Macrodose Envelope Filter and Steel Panther 1987 Delay Distortion, the Slamurai™ Overdrive has both a unique look and sound. Come along as we journey to the far east, discovering immense drive tones and amp-shaking dirt… With the Slamurai™, All-Pedal set out to make the most...
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We’re headed back to familiar territory today, both in pedal company and pedal model. Poison Noises has just released The Crook Overdrive V5, the latest version of the pedal that put them on the effects map. We started with Version 3, and have loved to see the progression of this circuit over the last couple of years. If you liked the other Crooks, you’re gonna really dig this one… The Crook has more gadgets in its...
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Taking inspiration from Analog Man’s Prince of Tone overdrive, the Harby Pedals Noble Tone is based on the same schematic to give you the same organic-sounding tube distortion. Built in the USA with high-quality components. And the best part? No waiting list. A faithful replication of the original circuit board and schematics, the Noble Tone shares the rich sound that makes both the King and Prince of Tone so desirable. Compatible...
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Last month, we continued our steak of reviewing excellent pedals from our friends at NUX, with the amazing Duotime Dual Engine Delay. Today, we’ve got another one from their impressive Verdugo Series of Stomboxes: the Queen of Tone Dual Overdrive. Bringing two different but extremely complimentary drive circuits to the table, this 2-for-1 gives you just about all the overdrive options you could need…and maybe a couple...
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We’ve been enjoying the wonderful amps and effects made by our friends at Thermion for several years now, and are proud you bring you another one of their creations today. The Breakthru Overdrive lets you achieve the boosted ‘Blizzard of Nails’ British tones that influenced many guitarists and generations with ease. Two channels of mid-rangy overdrive that will upgrade your tone with a new dimension of punch and dynamics from...
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We recently had the chance to check out one of the latest offerings from Sentimental Bob Electronics, the Tephra Distortion, and it was gloriously dirty and loud. Today, we take things down just a little bit and move into overdrive and boost territory, via the Albert Overdrive. If you’re in the hunt for an OCD-style drive with a TON of sonic options, this might be exactly what you need… The Overdrive section of Albert is...
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We’ve been loving the replication effects that Warm Audio has been creating over the last couple of years, starting with the Jet Phaser, then the Foxy Tone Box and, most recently, the Centavo Overdrive. Today’s pedal from these guys is the Warmdrive Overdrive, a tribute to impossible-to-obtain amps and a special Zen-influenced drive. Your amp and your ears will thank you for checking out this beautiful machine, trust...
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Every effect we’ve investigated from Studio Daydream Handmade Pedals has been high-quality, both in build and sound, and we’re always ready for more gear from these guys. Today, we’re looking at the latest version of their JRM-OD Overdrive, V5.0, which is based on amp sounds from the 1960’s blackface period. The 2-band EQ and custom 3 mode switching of the clip diodes can be used to create a wide range of...
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Throughout 2022, we had a great time checking out the effects pedal lineup from our friends at Summer School Electronics, which ranged from overdrive to boost to delay to fuzz and more. Today’s pedal takes one of our favorites of theirs, the Gus-Drive Overdrive, and makes to more friendly to bass players and drop tuning guitarists alike. The Gus-Plus Bass Overdrive beefs up your low frequencies, while still maintaining punch and...
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