Tired of the same old overdrive? Then you should probably check out the Bright Lights Overdrive pedal from Pedal Monsters. They’ve taken the basic overdrive blueprint and put a spin on it, basically. No boring copy of a Yeller or Rodent or Muph, the Bright Lights is an overdrive full of originality and great tone. Simple controls = fun pedal to use, in my book, and 3 knobs plus 1 toggle switch is about as simple as they come. Not to mention the blue sparkle finish looks incredible, and really stands out on my board (and being a graphic artist myself, I really like the new design take on the lightbulb).
Starting out as a boost, this thing is crystal clear, adding just enough to your tone to really make it stand out in the mix, and bump your deadened signal up to a nice low roar. The Tone knob helps to dial in as much dark or bright as you want to your signal path, and opens up even more possibilities when you toggle the Bright Cut switch, creating even more light or dark soundscapes. Tack this onto a full-range Gain knob, and you’ve got a whole slew of different settings and ways to use this pedal to your advantage. One of my favorite setting was with the Gain cranked all the way and the Tone dialed back to about 11:00 – it gives you an almost-distorted sound, but without the piercing highs sometimes associated with other pedals of that genre. Warm and smooth, this drive sounds emitting from the Bright Lights Overdrive are nothing short of spectacular, and with so much range, I’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who couldn’t use this pedal in one way or another (or six!).
Overall, the tones are rich, the range is big, and the controls are easy to use, while allowing you to dial it in for your specific tone. A great pedal in a well-made and well-designed enclosure, the Bright Lights Overdrive from Pedal Monsters is a great modern drive, and it doesn’t sound like anything else, which is a pretty good accomplishment these days. Go to their site and see what else they have to offer – you won’t be disappointed!
Submitted by Mike B, Website
February 4, 2015
Would you say this would be a good high gain pedal? I have the Bondi Del Mar as my low to med gain…and so I’m wanting to have a good high gain drive. I have the wampler Euphoria right now…I like it. But I’m considering getting something else that can get me some different textures. Would this be a good option? Do you think the White Lightning would be a better one? Or should I stick with the Euphoria since I like it?? Thanks!
February 4, 2015
Hey Brandon! Personally, I thought the Brights Lights was a good mid-range drive. Not really meant to be a high gain pedal, I would look elsewhere if you really want something heavy. The Bright Lights is a great drive, though, and can do a slight gainy boost to warm and crunchy mid-range tones. You can’t go wrong with it, either way! Cheers, and don’t forget to submit a couple of pedal reviews!
February 12, 2015
Hmm…bummer… So what drive what you suggest for a good highish gain sound? I love my Euphoria but it doesn’t seem to cut through mix like I want it to. It can get dirty but it seems to get Barrie’s when the band is kicking. How’s the walrus voyager? Mayflower? Or how’s the White Lightning?
February 12, 2015
If you want to go high gain and Walrus, check out the Iron Horse, that thing is a beast. Also check out is the Chunky Brogan Distortion and the Mobin Overdrive from Sublime Guitar Co. for inexpensive, awesome pedals.
January 10, 2017
Good collection !!