The JHS Overdrive Preamp is a faithful replication of this unobtainable V1 of DOD’s most loved pedal. The controls are simple. The Level control adjusts the overall output of the circuit and lets you cut or boost the signal. The level control of this version has been modified (corrected) from the original wiring of the #75 unit, giving this pedal much more volume on tap. The Gain control adjusts the amount of gain inside the overdrive circuit. Turning up “Gain” creates more clipping as it pushes the op-amp and hard clipping into overdrive. We’ve also added a slider switch to this production version, which wasn’t included with the original DOD 250. While researching the #75 “Big Box” pedal, I acquired a second early big-box unit which used a completely different clipping arrangement. It only seemed fair to offer this switch so that you could explore these two variations for yourself.
This “Big Box V1” DOD 250 circuit definitely feels like a 250, but with a few changes: more gain/grit overall and more unique low/mids. This is a must-have addition to any DOD collector’s lineup, or for anyone who’s curious about how it all started.
The standard Overdrive / Preamp will be part of our normal JHS lineup. Buy yours today and experience the history of one of the greatest overdrive/preamp circuits ever made.
JHS Overdrive Preamp Pedal Features:
- Overdrive stompbox based on a ’70s-era prototype of a well-loved classic
- Boasts a simple 2-knob control layout
- Gain knob dials in everything from subtle grit to all-out grind
- Level varies between a subtle “always on” sweetening effect and an arena-worthy solo boost
- Slider switch alters the pedal’s clipping arrangement, unlocking a whole alternate set of tones
- Use it to front load a British-voiced high-gain amps for instant Yngwie-esque textures
- Sounds like a vintage gray 250-style stomp with more gain and different low-mid voicing
