Dover Drive, inspired by the tube-driven B.K. Butler and Chandler Tube Driver pedals that have powered everything from David Gilmour’s late-model stadium sound to J Mascis’s power jangle to Eric Johnson’s violin-like tone. The Dover Drive’s tube-free design might mean it can’t deliver all the magic of an original Tube Driver, but it’s got a unique vibe, and is a killer all-around pedal that covers everything from mild overdrive to Fuzz Face-like assault.
And while the name might imply that the pedal is based on Johnson’s iconic “Cliffs of Dover” tone, Hermida says he sought inspiration from the guitar sound on Johnson’s “Righteous.” But focusing exclusively on Eric Johnson-like attributes overlooks that fact that the Dover Drive is a touch-responsive, dynamic, and wide-ranging overdrive suitable for any player who loves transitioning from “smooth” to “growl.”
FEATURES:
-Classic, touch sensitive, soaring leads b/w of chunky and pounding rhythm tones
-Internal bias control trim pot
-True Bypass switching, making sure your signal is preserved when the effect is off
-9VDC, center negative adapter or 9V battery / Current draw 10mA
-Made in USA
Controls:
-Volume – Controls the overall output of the effect. There’s a lot of it on tap too. You’ll find unity gain between the effected and bypassed signal around 8:00-9:00.
-Gain – Controls the distortion amount of the effect. Around 9:00 is good for a nice, bluesy rhythm. 1:00 and up starts to add sustain for leads, while remaining smooth and dynamic.
-Tone – Single band EQ will add or subtract presence to the effected signal. Rolling back around 10:00 will give a darker, rounder sound, while moving around 2:00 will add clarity.
-Bias Control- If you unscrew the the back of your Dover Drive, you’ll find a tiny trim pot toward the upper left of the board. Using a small flathead screwdriver, you are able to adjust the bias control of the effect. Turning it to the left will give it a starved, sharp attack with a charmingly, spitty quality to it. Turning it to the right will open it up more while smoothing out the decay and thus, offering more sustain.
