ole faithful

ole faithful — a Boss OD-1 inspired drive with two voicings and two clipping flavors

The original Boss OD-1 OverDrive (1977) kicked off the compact-pedal era and set the template for “amp-like” drive. It's sound is very unique and unlike the more commonly found blue, green, and gold overdrives of today. The OD-1 vibe shows up on countless records and is even rumored/credited in parts of Jerry Garcia’s early-’80s rigs—one reason players chase its articulate, singing bite.

These days original units are priced around $300-$400

This build keeps that OD-1 core feel, then adds two toggles so you can unlock doors into alternate universes of this circuits existence.

• Clipping Toggle (Compressed / Open):

“Compressed” (down position) engages classic/stock asymmetrical diode clipping for the tight, singing OD-1 squeeze and sustain; “Open” lifts the ceiling for a rawer, more amp boosting crunch with extra pick attack and headroom.

• Voice/Gain Toggle (grit / stock):

“grit” bumps upper mids and overall gain- this mode is hotter and more present; “stock” dials back gain and smooths the EQ for a flatter, more transparent rhythm voice.

Controls (left to right):

knobs- vol-gain

toggles- voice-clip

want to change things up or have a more uncommon overdrive sound? This circuit is unique and fairly transparent due to its lack of a tone control- meaning your guitar sounds like your guitar even with this pedal on!