Retro Mechanical Labs in Portland, OR, are making some really cool pedals these days, and have been for a while, now. The Clean Overdrivr (that’s NOT a typo, by the way) is a smaller size pedal than they usually build, but it packs a punch and delivers the goods just the same.
For those of you who don’t like too much fuss and muss with your effects, the Clean Overdrivr is right up your alley. Two settings: Clean and Drive. On the Clean side of things is a great Boost function, able to push your amp just to the brink of being too loud, but not shoving it over the edge when it’s not looking. While that is always a great option in a drive pedal, the actual Drive side here is the pedal’s standout feature. Flip that toggle to the right, and a thick, warm, rich growl will be pouring into your eardrums in no time flat. It will drive a vintage (or modern) tube amp with ease, and plays extremely nicely with other overdrives, distortions and boosts, too. I had fun experimenting with the placement of it in the signal chain, as it will work with your other pedals a bit differently when placed in different slots on the board. I suppose all pedals will do that to some degree, which is what makes them so much fun in the first place!
The enclosure of the Clean Overdrivr is sleek, dark, and a bit spooky (I also dig the backwards font and unusual control knob placement, but that’s just me!). I would love to try out some of their other, more expensive and feature-rich pedals, but this one will work just fine for now. Go check out their website to see what more they have to offer!
Submitted by Mike B, Website
