DRV - Clay

This pedal features a distinctively crafted steel casing, built with high-quality components throughout. I aimed to leave no detail overlooked. Understanding that the guitar gear landscape often presents multiple options for selecting the finest components and designs, I chose my favorites. This includes Switchcraft 11 open frame jacks and a whisper-quiet soft touch switching system powered by an internal relay. Over the past three years, I have dedicated myself to this project in collaboration with Jon Ashley of Bondi Effects. I believe the pedal's design is truly one-of-a-kind and offers a sound that is unlike anything I've experienced, particularly in the lower gain and boost settings. Its subtlety evokes the essence of a vintage pedal rather than simply modifying a classic. The pedal houses two circuits: one for distortion and the other for preamp boost, operating at 18v through an internal voltage regulator. My intention was to carve out a unique sound for myself, and I discovered that it serves as a versatile tool for achieving a wide range of tones. I take particular pride in the lower gain aspect, which I believe is the standout feature of the pedal, though the gain section also delivers a beautifully rich sound, especially with heavy and intricate chords. It boasts a midrange punch I adore, along with a warmth and thickness reminiscent of a ribbon microphone. As the development of this pedal evolved into something innovative, it inspired the creation of 1981 Inventions, leading me to choose it as my inaugural official release.