This is a thread about the Colorsound PowerBoost and/or Overdriver

[GuitarSlim101]

Yeah see I need one of these bad - always wanted one but for one reason or another I've not jumped on one. The RX gets super high marks (as does the ThroBak) - I need to just do it already. I play through tweed-style amps and finding a dirt box that sounds good boosting these guys when they are already cranked up is a challenge for sure. Incidentally, I have a Fuzzfaceless Mk.1 Tonebender shipping to me this week - I can't fricking wait to hear this thing through my amps...

Do it, they sound wonderful through Tweed amps. It makes my 5E3 dance across the floor at high volumes.

[11 Gauge]

I've built a few of these, and just really like them. They work well with all sorts of amps and guitars. The one advantage with a scratchbuild or copy of the original is that it will have a "level" control that the originals didn't.

Folks seem to have the hardest time adjusting to the gain control - the sweep is goofy. It goes from clean...clean...clean...a little dirty...fuuuUUZZ, But it's all cool, and the tone controls are GREAT. Hard to believe the CSOD is a circa 1971 technology critter - Old School fun, for sure.

Here's a pic of my current scratchbuild.

[Reauchambeau]

I've built a few of these, and just really like them. They work well with all sorts of amps and guitars. The one advantage with a scratchbuild or copy of the original is that it will have a "level" control that the originals didn't. Folks seem to have the hardest time adjusting to the gain control - the sweep is goofy. It goes from clean...clean...clean...a little dirty...fuuuUUZZ, But it's all cool, and the tone controls are GREAT. Hard to believe the CSOD is a circa 1971 technology critter - Old School fun, for sure. Here's a pic of my current scratchbuild.

^ nice build, I love the knobs
my Smittydrver was an exact clone with no master volume. I had to add one myself because the volume boost was insane and I couldn't use it as is. after I added the MV though it's my favourite boost. it's like three pedals in one, clean boost, dirty boost and really sweet fuzz. you're right about the sweep of the gain knob, it's bizarre but all the tones in there are amazing. it's the only pedal I've ever played that sounds good with it's gain maxed. it's very open sounding and non-compressed, the treble and bass knobs put it over the top. it is the ****************

[davenoid]

One of my all time favorite pedals! I owned a clone by VintageFX for a little while, before deciding to build one myself. Here it is:

Folks seem to have the hardest time adjusting to the gain control - the sweep is goofy. It goes from clean...clean...clean...a little dirty...fuuuUUZZ

I highly recommend a C1K (1K reverse taper) pot for the gain. It provides a better range of control.

[jgyn]

I have, and like, the Prescription, Throbak, a Montgomery (?) and a Vintagefx II, which's 2 Overdrivers in parallel.

[SonicVI]

I used to have an original early 70's Overdriver, but without a master volume they are, as Huey Lewis told Marty McFly, "just too darn loud". I sold it to Jim Roth. I've built a couple of these since.

[Smitty Pedals]

I use a Smittydriver clone, love it

It's hard to categorize the Overdriver. It's not really a boost, ovedrive or distortion all though it does all three well. Like a lot of vintage style pedals it isn't just plug and play like modern effects. There is a learning curve. It is definitely worth the time to figure it out. One of my favorite pedals.

[Smitty Pedals]

[QUOTE=11 Gauge;43295372]I've built a few of these, and just really like them. They work well with all sorts of amps and guitars. The one advantage with a scratchbuild or copy of the original is that it will have a "level" control that the originals didn't.

Folks seem to have the hardest time adjusting to the gain control - the sweep is goofy. It goes from clean...clean...clean...a little dirty...fuuuUUZZ, But it's all cool, and the tone controls are GREAT. Hard to believe the CSOD is a circa 1971 technology critter - Old School fun, for sure.

Here's a pic of my current scratchbuild.
[/QUOTE

I've built it both ways and I think I prefer it without the level or master volume pot.
]

[MidRanger]

Prescription Electronics, won every show out. They're not in business any more, but available quite often..It's been my go to for years. I now have 2 spares (because not having one on my pedal board, would put me in a panic state, haha)..... I'm a player "sessions/tours" in Nashville. The opinions in town are, that the PE sounds closer to the originals than the Colorsound re-issues and it does have a volume and drive setting, unlike the ones from the 70's, but like the Colorsound re-issues also have..The re-issues and the Throbak brand, are said to be smoother; to smooth, compared to the originals..PE overdriver has more character, and is more raw, like the original 70's Colorsound,w/the added master volume, being the only circuit difference..I can't agree or disagree about the re-issues, I personally haven't demoed one..But I know several guys who sold there Throbaks to get the PE version..And to me, it does blows the Throbak away. Throbak has to many circuit options and changes..Germanium option, input gain and so on..There all great, because of the phenomenal circuit. And the guitar clean-up is phenomenal, making this circuit usable for every style of music. But there you go...Opinions from Music City (it's not just country music)..The rock seen is now, the new Brooklyn

[MidRanger]

My favorite clone...Prescription Electronics RX Overdriver https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llnVWb_wlpE