Quite a simple layout, only four knobs. The pedal has level, low, high, and distortion controls, here labeled "Loud", "Low", "High", and "Grunge", respectively. Being it a later-released DOD effects pedal, it has quite an interesting paintjob. It is sort of light pinkish-purple metallic, with deeper purple cracks. It can run on either 9V mains power or a single 9V battery. The thing I love about DOD pedals is just how easily accessible the battery is. At the top end of the pedal, there is a small door that is hinged, and locks in, much like the battery door on many other electronic devices. Simply open up this door, and you have complete access to the battery. The pedal also has typical 1/4" in and output jacks, and a hard plastic footswitch.
This is quite possibly one of the gnarliest distortion pedals I've ever used. I've seen sites that sell the Grunge under the DigiTech brand, and these sites say that the pedal has an "edge of chaos" type of sound. This pedal delivers that in a compact, albeit very loud package. One of the strangest things about the pedal is the fact that the pedal is called the "Grunge" distortion pedal. However, it's sound is nothing like I've heard on any Nirvana or Alice in Chains album. At first listen, after a quick adjustment of the two EQ knobs, the pedal takes on a very heavy and scooped type of sound. The EQ knobs are very adjustable, allowing to shape the sound, although not completely. The distortion, or "Grunge" knob, does not seem to have much adjustability. Even when the distortion is turned down to 0, the distortion remains very strong and present, although taking on more of a DS-1 type of sound. Still, the Distorton is quite over the top, taking your axe from a smooth clean sound, to a complete chaotic grind. Still more metal and punk than grunge, though.
Built solid like a tank. Only thing I really worry about is the footswitch. Made of plastic, and hope that the switch internally doesn't go out.
It's a distortion box. Plug it in, turn it on, and crank it up!!
Got it from Ebay. Self-explanatory.
If you're looking to give yourself a hard-edged, loud, gnarly, hellish distortion, the Grunge might be right for you. Don't go for this pedal if your looking for a highly adjustable distortion box. Check it out if you can. However, if you cannot get ahold of the DOD model, go for the DigiTech model. I'm not sure if it's exactly the same, but I've heard that it has a similar sound.
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