J. Rockett Audio Designs builds really interesting gear with unique layouts and funky-shaped pedals, which really make them stand out in a crowd. Not to mention, they sound pretty rad as well. Take the Tim Pierce Overdrive/Boost, for example. Based on one of Tim‘s favorite amps, the Naylor SD60, the TP is an overdrive with big punches and warm overtones, plus a power amp boost switch, making it a killer 2-In-1 overdrive.
The controls have nice, big, thick knobs, so they’re easy to control right from the get-go. I love that there’s a Bass control as well, not just a Tone knob, as the ability to add and subtract the low end is key to a good distorted signal, for any type of music, really. The Drive isn’t overbearing, but meant to emulate a great tube-driven amp, like the Naylor SD60m which it does very, very well. I used this in front of my old Sovtek Mig 50, and it pushed it right into the sweet spot I like, with little fussing with the pedals. I cranked it up a bit, and my amp came to life! Sparkling highs and a rich, meaty drive came pouring out, much to my surprise and delight. Not all overdrives I’ve tested can play so well with my Mig, and the Tim Pierce took control of the reigns and never looked back.
The Power Amp section is pretty cool, too – a second switch powers on this powerful, full boost adds an even shinier sparkle to your tone, and pushed it well into overdriven breakup territory. It took a minute to get the levels right so there wasn’t a huge and irritating volume hike, but one I got them all dialed in, I was off to the proverbial races. These 2 channel working together will make an amp sing sing sing, without coloring your signal at all, or getting into nasty distortion territory – just a great overdrive pedal, with an added option for more ability to set it to your exact specs.
This is really a nice OD pedal, folks, and I’d like to thank Chris and J. Rockett Audio Designs for letting us partake in a test drive of it. If you’re looking for that sweet Naylor sound, but don’t happen to have $2,674 laying around to spend on an amp, the Tim Pierce Overdrive/Boost is a relatively inexpensive way to get a gorgeous drive sound, without breaking your wallet clear in half.
Submitted by Mike B, Website
