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 Don Poniz:
“The Power Control Unit was created as an evolution of a previous custom overdrive I built for Guille Holguín (@alcatrazzdevil) a young and talented guitarist and luthier from Madrid. I didn’t want to build another overdrive purely based on the most famous ones, like Tube Screamers/Marshall Bluesbreaker/Klon or their direct modern boutique equivalent versions. That is to say, the same type of OD with a new fancy enclosure and some extra features (typically, switches for the clipping, extra EQ controls, added buffer or buffer removed).”
The PCU is inspired by three different pedals: the Gretsch Controfuzz, the Black Cat OD-1 and the mid-to-late ’70s Electro-Harmonix Hot Tubes. All of these had the kind of saturation that was needed for this build, and using that as a starting point, protoypes were developed and tested. The saturation stage was eventually reworked to boost the bass, and the toggle switch added in to go between silicon and germanium diodes in the clipping section.
In addition, the aged handmade faceplate adds to the allure of the Power Control Unit, a retro look for a retro-sounding machine. We really loved the sound instantly after we plugged this one in, and after sitting down with it for a while, knew it was something really special. In our demo video below, we run through a bunch of setting, showcasing all that this unit has to offer, and hope you’ll click below to check it out. Make sure to follow Don Poniz on Instagram as well, and see what creations from Costa Brava, Spain, can help to inspire your musical journey…cheers!!
Affiliate Links:
Sweetwater – https://sweetwater.sjv.io/MX05KP
Vintage King – https://vintagekingaudio.sjv.io/nLGZd7
StewMac – https://stewmac.sjv.io/P0X7BQ
Amazon – https://amzn.to/3FN04Mq
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