The Tone City Double Durple Overdrive/Boost Pedal is a collaboration between Tone City and Pete Honoré, a session guitarist known for his work with Lionel Richie and Tom Jones. This pedal is a unique blend of two distinct overdrive circuits, offering a versatile range of tones that cater to various playing styles and musical genres.
The Durple Side: A Low-to-Mid Gain Overdrive
The Durple side of the Double Durple is inspired by Tone City's Mandragora, which in turn is based on Lovepedal's Kalamazoo. It presents a low-to-mid gain overdrive that mimics the sound of a non-master volume amp. With all controls set to 12 o'clock, there's a subtle volume boost with a hint of grit. As you increase the volume, the gain control becomes more expressive, offering a wide range of overdrive tones. The relationship between the gain and volume controls is crucial, as each adjustment influences the other, creating a boost-like effect.
The tone control on the Durple side functions as a low-pass filter, subtly shaping the sound across its range. The mid-control allows users to dial in either a low mid-rumble or a high mid-snarl, but it's important to note that the Q-shape is broad, preventing the creation of cocked wah-style sounds. This side of the pedal is ideal for an always-on setup, adding a touch of low-mid snarl or high-mid bite to your tone.
The Double Side: A Low Gain Muscle Overdrive
The Double side takes inspiration from Tone City's Blues Man overdrive, featuring a modded version with enhanced volume and tonal options. It delivers a very low gain yet powerful overdrive, thanks to its generous volume control. The gain control provides a restrained, touch-sensitive response in the first three-quarters, gradually building up in the last quarter. This design keeps the pedal in the clean-to-edge-of-breakup territory, where it truly shines.
Similar to the Durple side, the volume control on the Double side is a key feature, allowing for significant amp-kicking potential. Players can set the gain in the last quarter and adjust the volume to their preference. The smooth/bright toggle switch adds a subtle top-end brilliance when set to bright, while the tone control functions as a standard dark-to-bright EQ control, similar to what's found on most electric guitars.
Together: A Balancing Act
When both sides of the Double Durple are engaged, it's like walking a tightrope. The combination of the two circuits pairs beautifully in terms of gain and tone, but it requires a measured approach. Pushing both gains to the max can result in a mushy sound, and players with lower wattage amps should be cautious about the simultaneous volume adjustments on each side.
Pedal Design and Features
The Double Durple pedal has a sturdy enclosure measuring 12cm long, 10cm wide, and 5.2cm tall. It features top-mounted jacks and 9-volt center-negative power with a combined current draw of 25mA when both sides are active. The foot switches have a satisfying click and ample space between them for individual engagement, allowing for simultaneous activation if needed. The mid-control uses a mini potentiometer, which, while practical, lacks the substantial feel of full-sized pots.
The normal-sized potentiometers on the pedal are smooth in action and feature silver witch hat knobs with black plastic grip around the center. This design ensures a smooth and responsive control experience.
Conclusion: A Versatile Overdrive Pedal
The Tone City Double Durple Overdrive/Boost Pedal is an exceptional low-to-mid gain overdrive, especially considering its price point. It offers two distinct overdrive flavors that effectively address the common issue of volume boost lack in classic overdrives. This pedal is a great choice for both beginners and experienced players, providing a wide range of edge-of-breakup and boosted tones that can enhance any guitar setup.
In my opinion, the Double Durple's versatility and ability to cater to different playing styles make it a must-try for anyone exploring the world of overdrive pedals. Its unique blend of circuits and thoughtful design make it a valuable addition to any guitarist's pedalboard.
