A 50th Anniversary Reimagining of DOD's Iconic Dirtbox
Celebrate DOD's half-century anniversary with the Overdrive Preamp 250 50th Anniversary Edition pedal a tip of the hat to one of DOD's first pedal designs, elevating that foundational formula with enhanced sonic versatility. This limited-edition pedal is handbuilt in the USA using premium through-hole components including a vintage LM741 op-amp but this pedal is by no means a mere vintage reissue. Ever eager to push the envelope and innovate, DOD equipped this custom 250 with a trio of voicing options. From the stock silicon-fueled sound of the original to a Germanium/Asymmetrical mode to a handy Lift mode that functions as a high-octane boost, this pedal's triumvirate of tones makes it the most flexible and expressive OD/Pre 250 that DOD has crafted to date. And it's not just the sound that's been tweaked this Overdrive Preamp 250 50th Anniversary Edition brandishes a brilliantly redesigned enclosure that harkens back to the original with a metal flake gray finish, vibrant yellow silk-screening, and an etched aluminum 50th Anniversary badge. Destined to become a classic among discerning tone seekers and stompbox collectors alike, the Overdrive Preamp 250 50th Anniversary Edition is the ultimate iteration of the DOD dirtbox that started it all.
All the grit of the original, along with two all-new modes
When the DOD 250 first launched in 1977, it sported a simple and efficient arrangement of a single Gain knob and a single Level control. And while this no-nonsense combo is just as relevant today as it was in the late 1970s, DOD's 50th anniversary is the perfect time to refresh the recipe with enhanced sonic possibilities. Thus, this pedal's 3-position switch unlocks a trio of distinct clipping options to choose from.
Silicon: This setting captures the OD 250 as it first appeared in 1977, providing a raw, gritty response with plenty of gain on tap.
Ge/ASYM: In comparison to the silicon diode sounds of the first setting, this voice utilizes a vintage germanium diode. The result? A rich and dynamic asymmetrical even-harmonic distortion that forms a perfect sonic complement to the OD 250's traditional sound.
Lift: Finally, this setting eliminates diode clipping from the circuit entirely. And while the Lift voice makes for a perfect clean boost, dirtbox die-hards particularly love the sweet saturation that begins to flood your signal when the LM741 op-amp is pushed to its limits on higher settings.
Handbuilt in the USA with premium through-hole components
The DOD story begins in 1974, when John Johnson and David O. DiFrancesco (Do those initials look familiar?) founded the company in Salt Lake City, Utah, with little more than $100 in their pockets and a desire to revolutionize the 6-string world with top-quality musical creations. In essence, the brand was "boutique" before boutique pedals existed, and the DOD Overdrive Preamp 250 50th Anniversary Edition pedal pays tribute to that prestigious heritage with a truly premium build.
Utilizing only the highest quality parts, this limited-edition OD 250 boasts through-hole components, a vintage LM741 op-amp, and a vintage germanium diode for its expanded Ge/ASYM voice. The enclosure has been updated with a lighter aluminum chassis construction, complete with a metal flake gray finish and radiant yellow silk-screening that offer a more refined twist on the original's aesthetics. Even the yellow/green status LED was carefully chosen to exactly match the pedal's finish work. Complete with a commemorative aluminum badge, a custom DOD 50th Anniversary laser-etched pedal topper, and a collection of 50th Anniversary stickers and guitar picks, the Overdrive Preamp 250 50th Anniversary Edition pedal is sure to go down as an all-time DOD classic.
Features:
- Celebrates DOD's 50th anniversary with an ultra-premium and upgraded twist on its 1977 OD/Pre 250 pedal
- Crafted in the USA with premium through-hole components, a socketed vintage LM741 op-amp, a vintage germanium diode, and pots that perfectly mirror the values/taper of the original
- Builds upon the raw, gritty, and amp-like voice of the original with 2 additional switchable sounds: a germanium-diode-powered Ge/ASYM mode and a Lift mode that eliminates diode clipping
- Simple, efficient Gain and Level controls make it a breeze to dial in everything from a touch of dirt to all-out screaming saturation
- Enclosure has been updated with lighter aluminum, complete with a metal flake gray finish, yellow silk-screening, a matching yellow/green LED, and a 50th Anniversary aluminum badge
- Includes a set of 50th Anniversary stickers, picks, and a custom laser-etched aluminum pedal topper
