I have played through a LOT of drive pedals, especially in the last year, and for the most part, they’re all relatively similar in control knob setup. That said, I always enjoy it when a pedal comes across my desk that has a new, interesting knob I have to look up to find out what it does, and how it can make the pedal (and me) sound better. Such is the case with the SPAM Drive from our mates down under, Spencer Pedals.
The SPAM Drive is a light-to-mid gain overdrive, but with a couple nuances that set it apart from a good bit of the rest. First of all, it’s 100% analog, which I love – that warm, creamy, almost tube-amp like sound pouring from your hands is something special. The Drive control here has got loads of range as well, from a great clean boost, to a gorgeous light drive tone, up to a powerful and open crunchy sound, the SPAM has got it all. Lots of volume here, too, so it’s able to push your amp to the brink, and it plays well with other pedals, always a plus. Treble and Bass are the EQ section, instead of just one tone knob, allowing for more sonic choices in regards your highs and lows.
The fun knob here is the Spam control. It’s like a pre-EQ boost that works with the positioning of the Drive, Treble and Bass knobs, adding volume, sparkle and dynamics. It also works to add some tube-like compression into the mix, furthering the soundscapes you can paint with this little silver beauty (mine is a limited silver etched version). Turning it to the left compresses your signal, rolling off the highs a bit and squishing your signal down. Crank it to the right and the SPAM opens up, with overdrive tones soaring through your amplifier, all the while maintaining the clarity you need from your guitar.
These pedals are hard to get, I’m not gonna lie (they’re currently out of stock, too), but it was definitely worth the wait. If you happen to be in Australia, maybe you can stop by their shop and pick one up. If not, looks like you’ll have to wait for the Australian Post like the rest of us. Thanks to Sam and everyone at Spencer Pedals for sending this guy our way, we think it’s a keeper! Cheers!
Specs:
100% analog signal path
True-bypass switching for signal integrity
High quality silver mica, film, and low Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR) electrolytic capacitors
Neutrik® audio jacks, made in the USA
Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold (ENIG) plating on PCB’s
Hand wired, silver audio solder construction
Submitted by Mike B, Website
