MusicRadar Verdict
A solidly-built, classy-sounding dirtbox with plenty of flexibility.
Pros
- +
Great, natural overdrive. Well-made.
Cons
- -
Quite expensive.
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Despite it's Junior moniker, the DriveTool doesn't have an equivalent in GuitarSystems Standard range. It's an overdrive based on the Tube Sound Fuzz, designed by Craig Anderton, which was more a dynamic overdrive built on CMOS logic chips.
"GuitarSystems says its pedal, which uses NOS chips from 1982, has a tight frequency response, more like a Klon Centaur"
Way Huge used this principle for its original Red Llama, but GuitarSystems says its pedal, which uses NOS chips from 1982, has a tighter frequency response, more like a Klon Centaur.
You get a nice transparent overdrive that's responsive to string attack, and cleans up with guitar volume. The range goes from a gritty boost for your amp to a sound like a cranked tweed Fender.
The TMF (Treble Mid Full) knob helps reduce treble so the overdrive won't get too shrill with certain amps - rolling it back a touch created a natural- sounding match for our bright 10-inch- speaker-equipped Fender.
A rewarding choice if you're looking for responsive natural overdrive to match your amp.
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