So, you’ve got a VOX amp. Congrats! You’re now the proud owner of one of the most legendary tone machines in history.
But here’s the thing—getting the right overdrive pedal to match that sweet, chimey VOX tone is tricky. Pick the wrong one, and it’s like putting pineapple on pizza (yeah, I said it). But pick the right one? You’re in tone heaven.
Let’s break down five overdrive pedals that work beautifully with VOX amps.
5 Best Overdrives For VOX Amps
1. Ibanez Tube Screamer (TS9 or TS808)
Let’s start with the classic. The Ibanez Tube Screamer is the overdrive pedal equivalent of jeans: it just works with everything—and it works exceptionally well with VOX amps. Why? Because it’s all about that midrange boost.
Why It Works
- VOX amps naturally have a scooped midrange, and the Tube Screamer’s mid-hump fills that space perfectly. It’s like peanut butter and jelly (or peanut butter and chocolate if you’re fancy).
- It’s versatile. Use it to push your VOX into natural breakup, or stack it with the amp’s own overdrive for a soaring lead tone.
Pro Tip
Keep the gain low and the level high to let your VOX’s character shine. This pedal isn’t about hiding your amp; it’s about enhancing it.
Are you into indie rock? If so, you should definitely check out this list of effects for that genre.
2. Boss BD-2 Blues Driver
Want a pedal that gives you that edge-of-breakup tone without making you feel like you’re drowning in fuzz? Enter the Boss BD-2 Blues Driver. It’s smooth, dynamic, and touch-sensitive—basically everything you want with a VOX amp.
Why It Works
- The BD-2 leans on the brighter side, which pairs beautifully with the natural warmth of a VOX.
- It’s dynamic as heck. Dig in for grit or play softly for cleans; it reacts to your playing like a dream.
The Bottom Line
Think of the BD-2 as the perfect wingman for your VOX. It doesn’t take over—it just makes you sound better.
3. Fulltone OCD
Ah, the Fulltone OCD. This one’s for the players who want harmonics, richness, and a little more oomph in their tone. If you’ve ever thought, “I want my VOX to sound like it’s about to explode, but in a good way,” this pedal is for you.
Why It Works
- The OCD has a wide gain range. Whether you’re after a light crunch or full-on rock tones, it delivers.
- Its transparency lets your VOX’s personality shine through while adding a nice layer of dirt.
Pro Tip
Use the low peak/high peak switch to fine-tune how it interacts with your amp. VOX amps tend to love the low peak setting. It’s great for grunge too! If you like that genre, have a look on this grunge pedal guide.
4. Electro-Harmonix Soul Food
Looking for Klon tones without selling a kidney? Meet the Electro-Harmonix Soul Food. It’s transparent, dynamic, and adds just the right amount of grit to your VOX amp’s natural tone. Plus, it’s super affordable. Win-win.
Why It Works
- The Soul Food’s transparent overdrive doesn’t mess with your amp’s natural EQ curve, which is perfect for VOX amps.
- It adds sustain and richness without sounding overbearing.
The Bottom Line
Think of the Soul Food as seasoning for your tone. It’s not the main dish, but it makes everything better.
5. Walrus Audio Ages
And now, for the boutique lovers: the Walrus Audio Ages. This is a Swiss Army knife of overdrive pedals, offering five distinct clipping modes. Want warm and subtle? Got it. Want thick and crunchy? Done. This pedal can do it all—and it pairs beautifully with VOX amps.
Why It Works
- The five clipping modes let you dial in the perfect overdrive for your VOX.
- It has bass and treble controls, so you can tailor the pedal’s EQ to complement the amp’s natural brightness.
Pro Tip
Start with Mode 2 for a dynamic, amp-like overdrive. Then experiment with the others to find your sweet spot. Trust me, you’ll have fun.
Honorable Mentions
Because narrowing it down to five is basically torture, here are a couple of honorable mentions:
- JHS Morning Glory: Great for light overdrive and stacking.
- Wampler Tumnus: Another Klon-style pedal that’s super VOX-friendly.
- Keeley D&M Drive: If you want versatility and boutique quality, this one’s a killer option.
All of these tend to be quite expensive though. For those who are looking for cheaper alternatives, maybe these Behringer pedals will do the job.
If I Had to Choose One…
If I had to pick just one pedal from this list, I’d go with the Electro-Harmonix Soul Food. Why? It’s affordable, transparent, and enhances the natural character of a VOX amp without overpowering it.
Plus, you can use it as a boost or an overdrive—it’s a two-for-one deal. That said, your needs might differ. Looking for versatility? Walrus Ages.
Want a classic sound? Tube Screamer.
The choice is yours, my friend 😉
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FAQ
1. Can I use fuzz pedals with a VOX amp?
Absolutely! Fuzz pedals like the Big Muff or Fuzz Face can create some gnarly tones with a VOX amp. Just keep in mind that VOX amps are naturally bright, so you may need to tweak the fuzz pedal’s tone control to avoid ear-piercing highs.
2. Do I really need an overdrive pedal if my VOX already has great breakup?
Not necessarily! But an overdrive pedal can help you achieve those cranked tones at lower volumes or add extra sustain and texture for solos.
3. Are boutique pedals worth the hype?
Sometimes, yes. Boutique pedals like the Walrus Ages or Keeley D&M Drive offer unique features and high-quality components. But if you’re on a budget, brands like Boss and Electro-Harmonix offer killer tones at a fraction of the price.
4. What’s the best way to stack overdrive pedals with a VOX amp?
Try setting one pedal as a clean boost (low gain, high level) and the other for dirt. This lets you push the amp harder without losing clarity.
5. Can I use a distortion pedal instead of an overdrive?
Of course! Distortion pedals like the ProCo RAT can sound amazing with a VOX, but they’ll give you a heavier, more saturated sound compared to overdrives.
6. Should I use my pedal with the amp’s Top Boost channel or Normal channel?
Experiment! The Top Boost channel enhances treble and adds a bit of grit, while the Normal channel offers a cleaner slate for your pedals.
7. What’s the best placement for my overdrive pedal in the signal chain?
Generally, overdrive pedals go early in the chain, right after your tuner or compressor. But rules are meant to be broken, so play around and see what works for you.
For Polish Readers: Overdrive Guide
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the best overdrive pedal for your VOX amp depends on you. Are you a subtle bluesy player? Grab a Tube Screamer or Soul Food. Want more versatility? The Ages or OCD will blow your mind. The key is finding a pedal that enhances your VOX’s natural tone without drowning it out.
Remember, a VOX amp has a voice of its own—you’re just here to add a little spice. So go forth, experiment, and most importantly, have fun. After all, isn’t that what guitar tone is all about? 🙂
