When it comes to guitar pedals, the collaboration between Tone City and Pete Honoré is a fascinating journey into the world of overdrive. The Double Durple pedal, a follow-up to their original Durple Overdrive, is an intriguing piece of gear that offers a unique take on low to mid-gain overdrive tones.
The Birth of a Collaboration
The story of the Double Durple begins with Pete Honoré's discovery of the perfect tone using Tone City's Blues Man as a boost into the Durple. This serendipitous moment led to the creation of a new pedal that combines the best of both worlds.
Unraveling the Durple Side
The Durple side of this pedal is a true character. It behaves like a non-master volume amp, with its gain and volume controls interacting in a unique way. The gain control offers a wide range of overdrive, and when paired with the volume, it creates a dynamic and responsive sound. I find it particularly interesting how the volume control can significantly impact the overall tone, almost like a boost pedal in disguise. The tone control acts as a subtle low-pass filter, adding to the versatility of this side.
The Muscular Double
On the other hand, the Double side is a low-gain powerhouse. It delivers a touch-sensitive response, especially in the first three-quarters of the gain control. The real magic happens when you push the gain and volume controls, as the Double shines in the clean-to-breakup territory. The smooth/bright toggle switch adds a nice top-end sparkle, and the tone control provides a familiar dark-to-bright EQ adjustment.
Walking the Tightrope
Engaging both sides simultaneously is an art. The Double Durple rewards a careful and measured approach. While the gains and tones pair beautifully, pushing the limits can result in a mushy sound. It's a delicate balance, especially for those with lower-wattage amps. The pedal's enclosure is sturdy, and the foot switches offer a nice click, making it easy to engage one or both sides.
A Versatile Addition
The Double Durple is an exceptional addition to any guitarist's pedalboard, especially for those seeking low-to-mid gain overdrive tones. It addresses the common volume boost issue often found in classic overdrives. Whether you're a beginner or an overdrive aficionado, this pedal offers a unique and versatile sound.
In my opinion, the collaboration between Tone City and Pete Honoré has resulted in a pedal that pushes the boundaries of traditional overdrive. It's a must-try for anyone seeking a fresh and dynamic tone.
