The Tone City Double Durple Overdrive/Boost Pedal is a collaboration between Tone City and Pete Honoré, a session guitarist known for his work with Lionel Richie and Tom Jones. What makes this pedal particularly intriguing is the unique blend of overdrive circuits, drawing inspiration from the Mandragora and Blues Man pedals. The result is a versatile and powerful tool for any guitarist looking to add some edge to their sound.
One of the standout features of the Double Durple is its ability to address a common issue with classic overdrives: the lack of volume boost. The Durple side, in particular, offers a low to mid-gain overdrive that feels like a non-master volume amp. The gain and volume controls interact in a way that creates a boost with addable drive, rather than a traditional overdrive. This allows for a more dynamic and responsive sound, making it perfect for adding low-mid snarl or high-mid bite to your guitar.
The Double side, on the other hand, is a very low gain yet muscly overdrive. It delivers a restrained, touch-sensitive response in the first three quarters of the gain control, with the gain ramping up more noticeably in the last quarter. This creates a clean-to-edge-of-breakup territory that the Double thrives in. The volume control is where the Double really shines, offering a serious kick to your amp and a considerable boost when set above a quarter.
What's fascinating about the Double Durple is how these two sides work together. When both sides are engaged, it feels like walking a tightrope, and the pedal rewards a measured approach. Gain and tonal-wise, they pair beautifully, but the key to unlocking the pedal's full potential is to keep settings modest. Pushing both gains all the way up can result in a mushy sound, and players with lower wattage amps should be mindful of how hard they're pushing the volume on each side simultaneously.
The pedal enclosure is sturdy and compact, measuring 12cm long, 10cm wide, and 5.2cm tall. It features top-mounted jacks and 9-volt center-negative power with a combined current draw of 25mA with both sides active. The foot switches have a nice click and ample space between them for individual engagement, allowing for simultaneous activation if desired. The mid-control uses a mini potentiometer, which, while practical, lacks the tactility of full-sized pots.
In my opinion, the Tone City Double Durple Overdrive/Boost Pedal is an exceptional low-to-mid gain overdrive, especially considering its price point. It offers two distinct flavors of overdrive that effectively address the common lack of volume boost problem. Whether you're a beginner exploring the world of overdrive pedals or an experienced player seeking new tones, the Double Durple has plenty to offer. Its versatility and dynamic range make it a valuable addition to any guitarist's pedalboard.
One thing that immediately stands out is the pedal's ability to cater to a wide range of players. For those just starting out, the Double Durple provides an accessible entry point into the world of overdrive pedals, offering a variety of tones to experiment with. Meanwhile, experienced players will appreciate the pedal's dynamic range and versatility, allowing them to craft unique sounds and push their amps to new limits.
What many people don't realize is that the Double Durple's success lies in its ability to blend two distinct overdrive circuits seamlessly. The Durple side, with its low to mid-gain overdrive and boost-like controls, provides a warm and responsive tone that adds grit and character to your sound. Meanwhile, the Double side, with its low gain and muscly overdrive, delivers a clean and touch-sensitive response that can be pushed to the edge of breakup for more aggressive tones.
If you take a step back and think about it, the Double Durple's design is a testament to the power of collaboration. By combining the best elements of two existing pedals, Tone City and Pete Honoré have created something truly special. The result is a pedal that not only offers a wide range of tones but also provides a unique and engaging playing experience. So, if you're in the market for a new overdrive pedal, the Double Durple is definitely worth considering.
In conclusion, the Tone City Double Durple Overdrive/Boost Pedal is a must-have for any guitarist looking to add some edge and versatility to their sound. Its ability to blend two distinct overdrive circuits seamlessly, coupled with its dynamic range and engaging playing experience, make it a standout choice in its class. So, whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, I encourage you to give the Double Durple a try and discover the unique tones it has to offer.
