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There's one thing the popular music of the past 70 or so years has made obvious—the human ear likes certain kinds of distortion, especially in guitar tone. The harmonic structure of the sound of a guitar overdriving the front end of an amplifier and producing so-called "soft" clipping has a distinct, almost vocal, quality our ears respond to in a very positive way. Or, at least, we, as players, can use this theory as justification for loading up our pedalboards with some pretty cool overdrive pedals. Convenient, that.
If you're interested in learning more about the origins and continued evolution of overdrive, check out The History of the Overdrive Pedal.
In this article, we're going to guide you through our choices for the top overdrive pedals vying for a spot on your board, to help you find the voice that matches yours. So, let's get going.
Table of Contents
Comparing the Top Overdrive Pedals
The Best Overdrive Pedals of 2024
BOSS BD-2 Blues Driver Overdrive
BOSS SD-1 Super OverDrive
Beetronics FX Wannabee Beelateral Buzz Dual-Drive
Ibanez TS-9 Tube Screamer Overdrive
JHS Bonsai 9-Way Screamer Overdrive
JHS Double Barrel V4 Overdrive
J. Rockett Hot Rubber Monkey V2 Overdrive
Keeley Noble Screamer Overdrive
MXR Fat Sugar Overdrive
MXR Timmy Overdrive
Strymon Sunset Dual Overdrive
Wampler Tumnus Overdrive
Grab a New Overdrive for Your Board
Comparing the Top Overdrive Pedals
|
Pedal |
Tonal Characteristics |
Power Draw |
Voicings |
|
Warm, dynamic |
20mA |
1 |
|
|
Classic, smooth |
10mA |
1 |
|
|
Dual drive, rich or punchy |
30mA |
2 |
|
|
Iconic, mid-boosted |
8mA |
1 |
|
|
Diverse, multi-mode |
20mA |
9 |
|
|
Dual overdrive, versatile |
108mA |
5 |
|
|
Aggressive, dynamic |
18mA |
1 |
|
|
Rich, boutique |
26mA |
4 |
|
|
Thick, versatile |
18.5mA |
1 |
|
|
Transparent, responsive |
2.2mA |
3 |
|
|
Expansive, dual-channel |
250mA |
6 |
|
|
Transparent, light drive |
20mA |
1 |
The Best Overdrive Pedals of 2024
BOSS BD-2 Blues Driver Overdrive
Why You Want to Buy It: Unleash a spectrum of dynamic overdrive tones, from subtle to fiery.
Things to Consider:
• 20mA power draw
• Offers an organic, tube-amp-like voicing
• Ideal for blues to rock
Pictured: BOSS BD-2 Blues Driver Overdrive Pedal
The BOSS BD-2 Blues Driver dials back the gain a smidge from BOSS' original overdrive pedals, the OD-1 and SD-1 (see next on the list) to deliver a warm, expressive overdrive that complements almost any playing style. Its nuanced tonal range, from gentle grit to aggressive drive, makes it a versatile choice for guitarists seeking dynamic expression.
BOSS SD-1 Super OverDrive
Why You Want to Buy It: Experience the classic smooth overdrive that's been a staple on many boards.
Things to Consider:
• Consumes only 10mA
• Smooth, classic overdrive with BOSS' original asymmetric clipping circuit
• Not suitable for extreme distortion
Pictured: BOSS SD-1 Super OverDrive Pedal
The BOSS SD-1 stands out for its smooth, organic overdrive, closely mirroring the natural breakup of a tube amp. It's been a workhorse pedal that delivers consistent, reliable performance, evolving from the BOSS OD-1, which debuted in 1977. More subtle than some of the pedals on this list, but a great choice if you tend to use a clean, pedal-platform amp.
Beetronics FX Wannabee Beelateral Buzz Dual-Drive
Why You Want to Buy It: Double buzz! Choose a Bluesbreaker-like overdrive, a Klon-inspired grind, or chain them together in any order you want.
Things to Consider:
• Produces expansive vistas of crunch, drive and saturation
• High 30mA power consumption
• Requires optional, center-negative 9VDC power supply
Pictured: Beetronics FX Wannabee Beelateral Buzz Dual Drive Pedal
The Beetronics FX Wannabee serves up a honeycomb full of sweet grind. Go with the midrange-forward, amp-like overdrive inspired by a Marshall Bluesbreaker pedal, or choose harmonically rich Klon-like crunch. You can also blend the two sounds together to create unique textures of drive, run one signal into the other (in either direction) for complex saturation or deploy the dedicated Flavor switches to further alter overdrive tones. There are almost more sonic options here than there are bees in a hive.
Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer Overdrive
Why You Want to Buy It: A legend in the overdrive world, perfect for boosting mids and cutting through mixes.
Things to Consider:
• Minimal 8mA power consumption
• Iconic mid-boosted tone
• Some players may need to adjust their EQ to compensate for the mid hump
Pictured: Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer Overdrive Pedal
The Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer remains a beloved choice for its characteristic warmth and mid-boost, ideal for blues, rock and everything in between. The signature mid-range bump helps cut through dense mixes, and it's one of the reasons that the Tube Screamer is considered the classic overdrive by many players.
JHS Bonsai 9-Way Screamer Overdrive
Why You Want to Buy It: Embrace the ultimate versatility with nine distinct Tube Screamer voices in one pedal.
Things to Consider:
• 20mA power draw
• Nine unique modes for unparalleled versatility
• The variety may be daunting for some users
Pictured: JHS Bonsai 9-Way Screamer Overdrive Pedal
The JHS Bonsai is a tribute to the Tube Screamer's legacy, packing nine classic iterations of that iconic pedal into a single unit. Whether you're chasing a vintage tone or something more modern, the Bonsai adapts to your needs.
JHS Double Barrel V4 Overdrive
Why You Want to Buy It: Double your pleasure with two distinct overdrive circuits in one pedal.
Things to Consider:
• Higher power consumption at 30mA
• Dual overdrive circuits offer a wide tonal palette
• Not a super high-gain overdrive, so a little more subtle than many
• Its size and complexity might not suit minimalist boards
Pictured: JHS Double Barrel V4 Overdrive Pedal
The JHS Double Barrel V4 is a versatile beast, offering two overdrive circuits—JHS’ Morning Glory and Moonshine, which are based on the iconic Bluesbreaker and TS808 circuits— that can be used independently or stacked for a rich, complex tone. One cool feature is the ability to add an external footswitch that kicks in an extra gain boost. This pedal is capable of a lot of nuances. It's a perfect fit for players who crave sonic diversity.
J. Rockett Hot Rubber Monkey V2 Overdrive
Why You Want to Buy It: Unleash incredibly dynamic overdrive for a true boutique experience.
Things to Consider:
• Draws 18mA of power
• Designed to replicate the sound of an overdriven, HRM-modded, Dumble-style amp
• Mid-range control helps keep your sound smooth while still cutting through
Pictured: J. Rockett Hot Rubber Monkey V2 Overdrive Pedal
The J. Rockett Hot Rubber Monkey V2 stands out for its dynamic overdrive and touch sensitivity. Based on a two-year study of a rare Dumble ODS with the HRM (Hot-Rodded Marshall) mod, this pedal provides an almost vocal-like smooth sustain. An adjustable mid-range control helps fine-tune the tone to your guitar and enable dialing out the "mud" gain can sometimes bring. It's a great choice for players who want a very touch-sensitive OD that can go from a whisper to a full roar.
Keeley Noble Screamer Overdrive
Why You Want to Buy It: Engage with a boutique overdrive experience, offering rich and nuanced tones.
Things to Consider:
• Draws 26mA of power
• Boutique build combines overdrive and boost voicings
• Its nuanced character might be too subtle for players seeking aggressive drive
Pictured: Keeley Noble Screamer Overdrive Pedal
The Keeley Noble Screamer provides an artisanal overdrive experience, with meticulously crafted tones that range from gentle to robust. Combining boost and overdrive in a single pedal, with the ability to switch EQ and clipping characteristics, this one offers a tremendous amount of versatility. As usual, Keeley's thoughtful approach to design ensures a unique sound that stands out in any setup.
MXR Fat Sugar Overdrive
Why You Want to Buy It: Thickens your tone with a versatile, multi-dimensional overdrive.
Things to Consider:
• Moderate 18.5mA power draw
• Switchable between true bypass and buffered operation
• Rich, full-range sound without a pronounced mid-boost
Pictured: MXR Fat Sugar Overdrive Pedal
MXR's Fat Sugar pedal offers a lush, full-bodied overdrive, perfect for players looking to add depth and dimension to their sound. Its Drive knob emulates the progression of a great tube amp, ranging from mild to wild, catering to a broad spectrum of musical genres. Think of it as a somewhat beefed-up version of overdrives like the KLON, only at a fraction of the price.
MXR Timmy Overdrive
Why You Want to Buy It: This pedal delivers a responsive, nuanced overdrive that respects your guitar's character.
Things to Consider:
• Efficient 2.2 mA power usage
• Three total voicings focusing on transparency and responsiveness
• The mini-size pedal package is a big plus for the crowded pedalboard
Pictured: MXR Timmy Overdrive Pedal
When boutique designer Paul Cochrane decided to take his in-demand overdrive pedal to a wider audience, he decided that MXR would be the perfect collaborator. It was a wise choice, judging by the results. The MXR Timmy excels in providing a responsive, transparent overdrive that maintains the essence of your guitar's tone, with choices of asymmetric or symmetric clipping. It's a favorite among players who value clarity and nuance in their drive.
Strymon Sunset Dual Overdrive
Why You Want to Buy It: Dive into a sea of overdrive possibilities with this expansive, dual-channel pedal.
Things to Consider:
• Powered by DC adapter only
• Six distinct voicings across two channels
• May be overwhelming for beginners due to its complexity
Pictured: Strymon Sunset Dual Overdrive Pedal
Strymon's Sunset Dual Overdrive is a powerhouse, offering an extensive range of tones from six different overdrive voicings, all based on classic circuits. Don't let the two footswitches or the "Dual" in the name throw you, though. The Sunset Dual Overdrive has 300 preset locations available via a proprietary MIDI to Expression Pedal input connection, as well as the ability to blend the A and B presets. Its high-fidelity sound and comprehensive voicing options make it a standout for players seeking depth and versatility.
Wampler Tumnus Overdrive
Why You Want to Buy It: Discover the mythical magic of transparent overdrive that enhances without overpowering.
Things to Consider:
• 20mA power draw
• Three voicings, including a renowned transparent drive
• Its subtlety might not appeal to players looking for more pronounced effects
Pictured: Wampler Tumnus Overdrive Pedal
Wampler's Tumnus is inspired by one of the most in-demand overdrive pedals, ever. Revered for its transparent overdrive, it responds beautifully to your touch, complementing rather than dominating your natural tone. If you're into stacking overdrive pedals, this is almost a must-have one. On its own, it's ideal for players seeking an unobtrusive yet effective drive. Wampler expanded upon the Tumnus' capabilites with the introduction of the Tumnus Deluxe Overdrive. The deluxe version of the highly sought after pedal offers a 3-band EQ and the ability to run the pedal in true bypass mode at the flip of a switch.
Grab a New Overdrive Pedal for Your Board
If you have been jonesing for an overdrive pedal that will round out your tonal palette, one of these 11 choices will get you on the path to sonic nirvana. As always, getting hands on is the best way to discover the one that's right for you, which is why your local Guitar Center store is stocked with a huge selection of great pedals, as well as associates who can help you find that missing piece for your pedalboard. There's even an incredible interactive pedal table at select stores to make the experience even better.
Of course, if you don't have a Guitar Center store conveniently close, the Gear Advisers at our call center can help you out in your quest for ultimate tone. And, for those intrigued by the allure of vintage or simply seeking a great deal, our selection of used overdrive pedals, searchable online, offers an exciting treasure trove. Whether you're chasing a classic sound or aiming to discover an underrated gem, our selection of used pedals is a gateway to expanding your tonal palette, enabling sweet breakup, without breaking the bank.