The E-OD was originally built as a "bluesy" type overdrive pedal but at the prototype stage I realised that more gain could be added to the first stage to produce a hotter sound. Because I liked the original idea I decided to make this a switched option. The pedal responds well to playing dynamics, particularly in the Cool setting, and will clean up nicely using either the gain control or the guitar volume. There is a slight overlap in sounds between the Cool and Hot settings giving a complete range of sound.

The pedal has two flavors:

• Cool: With the switch to the left you get the original setting. This produces a low gain bluesy type overdrive that sounds similar to a vintage Fender twin.
• Hot: Move the switch to the right and you select the high gain setting. The tone of the cool setting is still there but now it has a much harder, more modern, edge to it. It doesn't reach the white noise, thrash type levels of a modern high gain amp but instead remains clear and articulate. Very nice indeed.

A few sample sound files:
All samples were recorded through a V-Amp Pro (JC120 Clean model) into Cubase SX. All EQs were flat and all efects off.

Rickenbacker 330
Cool setting with gain at about 90%

Stratocaster
Hot setting with gain at 40%

Les Paul
Hot setting with gain at 90%

A big thank you to Rollasoc and Guy for the sound files.

The circuit design is adapted from the "Peppermill" by Runoffgrove.