Crooked Axis

Crooked Axis is a straightforward yet incredibly flexible gain device designed for multiple applications. It begins as a robust clean booster with a vintage vibe, featuring active bass and treble controls that can push any amp to its natural breakup. This pedal effortlessly transitions your sound from thick overdrive to raw, gritty distortion, reaching into intense fuzz and lo-fi experimental tones. At its core, it draws inspiration from the classic Colorsound Power Boost, a discrete transistor boost/overdrive design renowned for delivering powerful gain or its unique sound character. Few pedals can drive a tube amp with the same power, rich bass, and shimmering treble as this one. The three primary knobs reflect the traditional Colorsound configuration, while the MASTER knob allows you to set the original circuit for distorted sounds at lower volumes. The BASS and TREBLE controls are positioned after the drive section, shaping the final tone once the desired level of drive is reached. The RANGE knob offers deeper voicing of the distortion character by reducing low frequencies in the drive section, resulting in a tighter, smoother distortion that can venture into clangy, grinding noise territory. The centerpiece of Crooked Axis is the BLAST switch, which introduces a new dimension and range of distortion. In the BLAST-off position, you achieve a warm, heavy overdrive with enhanced bass; when cranked up, it transforms into a thick, grainy distortion without harshness. Engaging the BLAST-on position delivers a melting fuzz characterized by powerful low-end, explosive attack, and lush textures on sustained notes. Throughout its range, it maintains dynamics and attack sensitivity, feeling like a natural extension of your instrument. Combined with the various RANGE and EQ settings, this pedal offers a vast array of tones—from crystal-clear to complete annihilation, ideal for everything from ’70s leads to the heaviest sludge sounds on guitar, baritone, or down-tuned bass. Additionally, the BLAST switch includes a middle position that is neither fully on nor off. Within most of the DRIVE knob's range, it provides a saggy, loose overdrive with less gain but a thicker tone than in the BLAST-on position, and at maximum DRIVE, it produces a brass-like, throaty fuzz with lo-fi textures and unpredictable octave-down effects. Whereas original Colorsound Power Boost pedals operated on two 9V batteries, the Crooked Axis requires a 9V DC power supply and features an internal voltage-doubling circuit for 18V operation, with no option for battery use.