The first thing that catches my eye about Lotus Pedal Designs is their simplicity. It’s about what’s in the box, not what’s on the outside. With the exception of one pedal (Desire Boost) all of their pedals are single sized plain enclosures, and the pedals are named after the color of the knobs. No labels on the pedals with the exception of the Lotus name. I dig it!
This is what he says about keeping it simple:
I design Lotus Pedals to be simple, because I want to keep your focus on playing guitar, not fiddling with your gear. Turn the knobs, find a tone that suits your style, and play. It’s as easy as that.
We received the “Red“, a dark overdrive that uses the TS-808 Tube Screamer chip. Very simple pedal – Drive and Gain are the controls. It’s basically similar to a Tube Screamer but you’re able to get some really great low gain fuzz tones as well.
Here is the official description of the Lotus Pedal Designs Red Overdrive:
A dark, dirty overdrive pedal that uses the same chip as the original TS-808 Tube Screamer. Deep, rich tones with more gain than you’ll ever need. This pedal will make your solos hotter than a urinary tract infection.
For this demo I again enlisted the help from my good friend Jimmy Rolle. He’s playing his Gibson Les Paul Custom Shop Elegant into a Germino Lead 55 through a Marshall 4×12 cabinet. Everything is mic’d with a Shure SM57 and Fathead Ribbon Mics. There is nothing between the guitar and the amp besides the Lotus Red Overdrive.
You can listen to the high quality MP3 clip via SoundCloud
Today I saw Caroline Guitar Company post a photo of the new Klon Overdrive at NAMM 2012. The Klon Centaur has reached mythical proportions (in desire and in price) over the last years. You definitely can spend up to $1500+ for original ‘gold’ Klon, etc. Last year, there has been talk about Bill Finnegan getting back into building Klons again, and there was a overdrive shootout video I posted a while back that had the new Klon (but in a card board box – weird right?). So, for 2012, there has been a lot of people interested in the new Klon. At NAMM, Bill Finnegan was there with his prototype Klon and here is the only video I found so far.
Robert Keeley has been known for his great pedal modifications… as well as his 4 knob compressor, so I would expect the quality of this overdrive to be high.
Here is the official description of the Keeley Luna Overdrive:
The Keeley Overdrive is about as versatile and transparent of an OD pedal as you’ll find and all in a compact box! Utilizing components not found in many other pedals on the market, the Keeley Overdrive allows you to get classic and familiar OD tones, but with nearly unmatched transparency. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us. Thanks for looking and ROCK ON!
Today I wanted to talk about the MXR Custom Badass Modified Overdrive. It’s not just another OD, but the folks at Dunlop/MXR added some nice features in there. Basically a *bump* switch and a 100hz cut/boost control which allows for some great tone shaping. The Bump switch adds a low and mid frequency output boost, while the 100hz filter really dials in the low end.
Here is the official description of the MXR Custom Badass Modified Overdrive:
Next up in the MXR Custom Badass line is the Modified Overdrive-a classic overdrive circuit with modern modifications for improved performance and versatility. For added flexibility, we’ve added a 100Hz cut and boost control that allows for a more focused EQ when cut, or a beefier tone when boosted. The Bump switch engages an alternate EQ voicing that boosts the lows and mids. Put it in front of the ’78 Custom Badass Distortion for a slew of amp-like gain structures that won’t mask your tone.
* Classic overdrive circuit modded for improved performance and versatility.
* 100HZ cut and boost control allows tonal fine-tuning.
* BUMP switch engages alternate voicing for a low and mid-range boost.
I also found a nice *bundle* deal on this pedal. You can pick up the MXR Custom Badass Modified Overdrive with 4 free cables (2 FREE Strukture 6″ Patch Cables and 2 FREE Strukture 18.6′ Instrument Cables). The MXR Custom Badass Modified Overdrive bundle is available for only $99 at Amazon.com
I’ve posted this deal in the past. They do pop up every once and awhile, but wanted to point it out again in case any of you wanted a decent 808 style overdrive for a good price. This is for the BBE Green Screamer Vintage 808 Overdrive. It lists at $149.00, but you usually see it available in the $100 range. It’s currently on sale for only $67.32 and is available with FREE super saver shipping. Not a bad price.
Here is the official description of the BBE Green Screamer:
The BBE Green Screamer effect pedal is a vintage overdrive capable of producing a dynamic range of smooth and warm overdrive tones associated with vintage tube amps. The overdrive pedal features rugged construction that can take a beating, thanks to its heavy-duty die-cast chassis. Fat knurled knobs let you dial in your ultimate tone with your toes. The status LED light lets you see the pedal is engaged even on a dimly lit stage. A non-skid pad on the bottom reduces movement, so you don’t have to chase your pedal across the floor. True hardwire bypass switching ensures it has no effect on your tone when its disengaged. The BBE overdrive pedal’s easy access battery compartment is included so you don’t expose your circuitry every time you need to change the battery.
The BBE Green Screamer pedal delivers a creamy, tube-like, dynamically responsive overdrive that won’t mask the tone of your guitar and amp. This pedal has three main controls: Gain, Tone, and Level, and a true hardware bypass switch, and can be powered by a 9V battery or AC adapter. Use a Green Screamer pedal as a stand-alone overdrive, adding overdrive to a single-channel amplifier. You can also use it as a solo booster also, not necessarily as a transparent solo booster, but a booster that has a midrange characteristic to boost solos or just to chunk up rhythms.
Here is a video of the Green Screamer in action by ScanProAudioTV:
This is one of the pedals I was quite excited to see come through the EffectsBay office. It’s the Spaceman Effects Aphelion Harmonic Overdrive. Brandon at Elevation Boutiques (Spaceman Effects dealer) arranged for a unit to be sent here. Spaceman Effects has really been getting some buzz for their pedals. High build quality. High tone quality, and some big names are starting to be seen with Spaceman Effects. I’ve definitely been seeing them pop up on boards. In fact, when I just had a chance to see The Appleseed Casts, I saw the Aphelion on one of their pedalboards.
So, let’s talk about the Aphelion. Checking out Spaceman’s site, this is their official description of the Aphelion Harmonic Overdrive:
Introducing the Aphelion Overdrive, the latest Spaceman tone machine, built to inspire. The Aphelion is a harmonically rich overdrive pedal, with an emphasis on even-order harmonics. It has a wide gain range from light sparkle, to overdriven tube-amp bliss. The pedal is wonderfully transparent and extremely responsive to playing dynamics. To our ears, it’s the most realistic tube-amp overdrive tone we’ve ever heard in a pedal.
In standard Spaceman fashion, we’ve come up with an exciting, unique design that makes it truly one of the most organic and dynamically responsive overdrive pedals on the planet. The Aphelion creates unique drive tones and with a sea of cloned overdrive circuits out there today, this means so very much.
The drive possibilities of the Aphelion range from a sparkly, shimmering boost to high-gain overdrive, with plenty of boosting power on tap. The tone control lets you balance highs and lows, with full range at 12:00. Use your neck pickup with high gain settings for singing, harmonic-laden lead tones.
Completely hand-soldered and handmade in Portland Oregon, the Aphelion utilizes true-bypass switching via the heaviest duty mechanical footswitch available. Open one up and you’ll see an unparalleled display of craftsmanship. Thick, high quality PCB along with detailed military-spec wiring, using vintage US made heavy-gauge stranded wire. On top of the USA-cast aluminum enclosure sits a durable, engraved vinyl faceplate and clear jewel indicator with turquoise LED. This overdrive is built to last a lifetime.
My first initial thoughts when playing the overdrive… it is damn organic, with great tonal range/options. For this demo, I called my buddy Jimmy again… who in fact already owns an Aphelion (blue) and was quite familiar with the pedal. He’s playing his trusty Les Paul Elegant Custom Shop guitar into his new Germino Lead 55 head through a Marshall 4×12 cabinet. He mic’d the cab with Fathead Ribbon Mic and a Shure SM57. There is nothing between the guitar and amp besides the Spaceman Aphelion Overdrive.
For this video, I was able to gear up and get a better camera/lights for the shoot. I shot Jimmy to prove he’s not a artificial crazy rock robot I built.. but an actual person!
You can listen to the high quality MP3 clip via SoundCloud
Since Jimmy was quite familiar with this pedal, I asked to send me his thoughts on the Spaceman Aphelion Overdrive:
Aphelion is smooth and thick sounding across the gain spectrum. The even order harmonic content gives chords a dense and complex sound, single notes and lead lines are fat and juicy. The midrange is even and balanced. The tone control allows for gentle shaping of the lows and low mids, with noon on the dial sounding neutral. Counterclockwise of noon, the tone control shaves lows and low mids letting the true mids punch through more prominently. Full clockwise on the tone knob produces chewy low mids and extremely fat lead tones with an explosive low end quality while maintaining clarity. The Aphelion has plenty of gain for use with a clean amp, but also works equally as well pushing a gained up amp into big time gain approaching EH “Muff” tones, but with a refined voice and musicality. – Jimmy Rolle
As you can hear, this pedal sounds absolutely great. If you’re interested in getting your hands on one, they range in price depending on what particular model you get. They range in the $269 – $279 area. Head over to Elevation Boutiques and contact Brandon and he’ll treat you right. Also, you might want to follow Elevation Boutiques on Twitter and like them on Facebook. They often announce great deals on awesome pedals. Be sure to check out Spaceman Effects as well!
A little while back, Musiquip who is the USA distributor of T-Rex effects, sent over a T-Rex Yellow Drive for us to demo. The T-Rex Yellow Drive is a Guitar Center exclusive pedal (partnership between Guitar Center and T-Rex) and is a two channel overdrive allowing you to have two separate levels and tone settings. This is very handy where you have a nice crunch rhythm setting but want to also have a higher gain setting for leads. Basically, it gives you two pedals in one.
Here is the official description of the T-Rex Yellow Drive via T-Rex Effects:
Most guitarists know how complicated it can be to switch between clean, crunchy and distorted sounds on stage. If you set your amp to a crunchy sound and use a distortion pedal for solos, you don’t have a clean option. If you run you amp clean and use a distortion pedal for solos, the only way to back down from full distortion is to lower the volume on your guitar – and lose most of your tone.
Meet the T-Rex Yellow Drive
The T-Rex Yellow Drive solves this problem by giving you two separate channels of vintage T-Rex gain. Two channels means you can easily switch between a clean sound from your amp, a nice edgy overdrive from Channel A on your Yellow Drive and a thick warm distortion from Yellow Drive’s Channel B. It’s like having two pedals in one – and it gives you total control over your sound.
New tone controls
With the T-Rex Yellow Drive, total control runs deep. Of course you can set the amount of gain for each channel (the gain level for Channel B picks up where Channel A leaves off), but you also get pair of individually tuned tone controls – one for each channel – so you shape the timbre of your overdrive and your distortion to create your own signature sound.
We believe the T-Rex Yellow Drive is the best-sounding, most versatile boutique distortion pedal you’ll find anywhere. But don’t take our word for it. Try one today at your local Guitar Center!
For this demo, I enlisted the help of my good friend, Jimmy Rolle. He’s playing a Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul Elegant into a Germino Lead 55 through a Marshall 4×12 cabinet. The cabinet is mic’d with a Shure SM57 and a Fathead Ribbon Mic. There is nothing between the guitar and the pedal besides instrument cables.
You can listen to the high quality MP3 clip via SoundCloud
This is a nice sounding overdrive with a classic warm vintage tone, but can get nasty by adjusting the gain. Having separate gain, level and tone controls makes it easy while extremely versatile for dialing in the right tone for your guitar.
If you’re interested in T-Rex, please check out their website, as well as visit Musiquip (the official T-Rex dealer of the United States). If you’re interested in picking up a T-Rex Yellow Drive, it is available for $159.99 at Guitar Center.
I really like where Walrus Audio comes from – basically what drives them to create pedals. Here is a partial snippet of their story:
Art and Performance. Walrus Audio is a collective of artists, musicians and engineers attempting to find the balance between art and performance in sound manipulation. Throughout the years we have been inspired by sounds created by our favorite companies: the perfect breakup on an overdrive; a thick, punchy distortion; an endlessly sustained reverb; a self-oscillating delay. We had to give it a shot. Through many months of late night breadboarding sessions, circuit problem-solving, and sonic tweaking we have come up with a range of guitar pedals as versatile as they are functional. From smooth fuzz to cutting overdrive, our attempts have been to highlight the functions that we would want from these particular sounds.
They also put this video together that goes into more detail of how/why Walrus Audio came to be:
Okay, let’s get back to the give away. If you haven’t entered, please go here – Walrus Audio – Voyager Overdrive Give Away and follow the instructions. The give away is open to our international readers as well. As mentioned in that post, please, only one entry per person.
I wanted to include this very good demo of the Walrus Audio Voyager Overdrive where Than Medlam takes it for a very thorough ride. Please let me know what you think of the Walrus Audio Voyager Overdrive by commenting below!
I’m really excited to announce this particular sponsored give away. We’re talking about the Voyager Overdrive by Walrus Audio. Brady Smith of Walrus Audio is sending over a Iron Horse for a review, but in the meantime, he’s offering up a Voyager OD for the give away.
Walrus Audio is a group of musicians and engineers creating guitar pedals that THEY want to use. I really like their DIY ethic and how they try to incorporate art into the production of the pedals themselves. Both visually and sonically. I really like what they’re doing and their pedals sounds really good! Make sure to check out their website, follow them on Twitter and like them on Facebook!
Here is the official description of the Walrus Audio Voyager Overdrive:
The Voyager is a gain/preamp overdrive that boasts a full spectrum of tone from any setting on its simple set of controls. From its lowest to highest settings, the Voyager provides a uniquely superb amount of clarity to any style of playing. At lower gain settings, it brightens the signal and adds clarity to each note played. With the gain turned up, the Voyager transforms into a thick overdrive, providing depth to chorded playing while retaining the clarity needed to break through on solos. Has True Bypass switching.
Walrus Audio also has this great video on the Voyager:
As you can see/hear, it’s a pretty tasty overdrive. This is your chance to win a Walrus Audio Voyager (available for $179). To enter, it’s simple, just fill out the form below.
I’m going to select one random entry on November 21st (Monday) . I will email that random entry asking for the answer to the question listed below. They will have 24 hours to respond with the answer. If the 24 hours passes, I will select a new random entry and repeat the process until I receive confirmation from the winner. This is open to everyone. Yes, that means international! Also, one entry per person. Please read that last sentence again… “one” “entry” “per” “person”. And when I say ‘everyone’, I mean anyone older than 18 (sorry minors). After the winner has been selected the Voyager will be shipped direct from Walrus Audio.
Today I wanted to feature an overdrive from Jet City Amplification called the GuitarSlinger Overdrive. Jet City Amplification out of Lynnwood, WA, really has been starting to develop a name for itself in the guitar amplification industry. They make quality amps and at affordable prices, but I didn’t realize they were into pedals as well.
The Jet City Amplification GuitarSlinger Overdrive is a very nice transparent overdrive at great price point. You can pick one of these bad boys up for only $69.99 at Amazon.com. This is a very simple overdrive (as they should be) with four controls – gain, tone, volume and a bright switch (on one demo it seems like a deep switch or deep boost.. so not 100% sure if there was a modification from the video to the actual product).
Here is the official description of the Jet City Amplification GuitarSlinger Overdrive:
From Jet City comes the GuitarSlinger Overdrive Guitar Effects Pedal, imposing punishing tone in a rugged, boutique-quality design. The pedal was designed by international guitar hero Alex Beyrodt and engineered in Germany. It was previously only available from GuitarSlinger Effects and built by hand, one at a time. Now Jet City carries on the tradition of dynamite tone, but brings it to you for a great price. The controls include Gain, Tone, Volume, and Bright Switch. This pedal is all-killer, no filler overdrive. Sending your guitar tone into the peaks of commanding overdrive power.
* Designed by Alex Beyrodt, engineered in Germany
* Gain
* Tone
* Volume
* Bright Switch
The first thing that catches my eye about Lotus Pedal Designs is their simplicity. It’s about what’s in the box, not what’s on the outside. With the exception of one pedal (Desire Boost) all of their pedals are single sized plain enclosures, and the pedals are named after the color of the knobs. No labels on the pedals with the exception of the Lotus name. I dig it!
