Best Transparent Overdrive Guitar Pedals

It’s an amazing time to be a guitarist. Fifteen years ago it cost thousands of dollars just to get the entry level tools it takes to record, overdub, edit, mix, and master a track. Today, those same entry level tools can be found on our phones for a couple of bucks if not for free. We’ve compiled a “best-of” list for those who want to improve our guitar tone beyond what our entry-level effects bring to the table without spending thousands. Here are our picks for the best transparent overdrives.

What’s best for you will always come down to your specific application, budget, and gear. If you need help narrowing down the options, call a friendly Sales Engineer and get expert advice today!

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Wampler TumnusWampler Tumnus Transparent Overdrive PedalAdd To CartLearn MoreNeed a pedal that’s not going to take up a whole lot of room on the board but give you clean boost to the front end of your amp? The Wampler Tumnus will give you plenty and it’s also is an enhancement to your tone overall. Also, feel free to push the gain knob to attain a pleasing over driven sound without compressing the sound. Whether you have a complex pedal board or simplified fly-rig, you ought to include this in your tone stack.Kevin SamuelSales Engineer

JHS Morning Glory V4JHS Morning Glory V4 Transparent Overdrive PedalAdd To CartLearn MoreWhen it comes to a transparent overdrive that just gives you the slight boost you need without going full-metal, I’d tell you to look no further than the JHS Morning Glory. It works flawlessly for me in worship settings and toned-down gigs when I just need a subtle amount of grit to enhance (but not overpower) the natural tone of my guitar. Sounds great with the other pedals on my board too!Corey ElliottSales Engineer

Emerson Custom EM-Drive OriginEmerson Custom EM-Drive Origin Transparent Overdrive PedalAdd To CartLearn MoreOne of the unsung heroes in this category is the EM-Drive Origin. This pedal has been the “cherry on top” for the gain stacks in my rig. It is one of those “always on” pedals on my board, and I’ve had some promising results using it to front end my Kemper! Whether you need to give your amp a little push to break up, help saturate your existing gain channel, or have a clean boost to shine in the mix, this pedal is super versatile and built like other boutique pedals that cost two or three times the price. Did I mention it’s hand wired and under $100?Alex RodriguezSales Engineer

EarthQuaker Devices WestwoodEarthQuaker Devices Westwood Translucent Drive ManipulatorAdd To CartLearn MoreThe Westwood is a super clean and transparent overdrive pedal and the EQ controls are perfect for fine tuning your sound. Having the 20dB of cut/boost really ensures you’re getting the exact tone you’re looking for.Mandy KawaSales Engineer

Wampler Tumnus DeluxeWampler Tumnus Deluxe Transparent Overdrive PedalAdd To CartLearn MoreThe Wampler Tumnus Deluxe is an outstanding transparent overdrive in the style of a legendary 90’s era pedal. I can use it as an “always on” clean boost and it absolutely makes my Strats and Teles sing, getting the best possible tone out of the instrument. But this is no “one-trick pony” pedal! It can also get aggressive crunch and medium gain drive that pushes your clean amp into beautiful, musical overdrive. The 3 band EQ gives even more tone-shaping capabilities than the original, and can be set for True-bypass (for the purist in you) or Buffered setting to boost your signal down your chain. The Tumnus Deluxe is a must have on my pedal board!Greg TitzerSales Engineer

J. Rockett Audio Designs ArcherJ. Rockett Audio Designs Archer Boost/Overdrive PedalAdd To CartLearn MoreThe last overdrive you’ll ever need. The Archer is extremely transparent while still helping you cut through the mix. Additionally it works well with any guitar you run through it and in front of any tube amp you may have. Just by adjusting the treble you’ll be able to take it from a nasal squawk, to mid range punch, all the way to sparkle town. If you’ve ever been told to check out that super rare and expensive pedal from the 90’s, this is your solution. The Archer is very responsive and fun; it will make you feel like a kid again when you kick it on.James MastersonSales Engineer

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