I've Tried All the Dumble Pedals: Here's My Conclusions

[@plantagenant]

Why am I watching this?...I play a Squier strat through a Marshall MG10.😁

[@bobbyruggs808]

😅😅😅😅

[@BIGGIEsmalls13]

Why am I watching this? I play the spoons......

[@williambock1821]

Well, it’s gonna be a lot cheaper to buy a pedal than a Dumble amp.

[@StratsRUs]

Nothing wrong with a Squier at all.

[@mattf8595]

🤣🤣🤣

[@katharinecreswell4866]

"I had to have it" My wife will put that on my tombstone.

[@EdPettersen]

😁

[@worldoftone]

HAHAHAHAHA!!

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

My Dumble of choice is The Dude from J Rockett. It rules with a Tele and a Strat. It's a little shrill with my 335 though but I do use an AC30 so that might be a factor as well.

[@None-lh5mx]

I vastly prefer the Simble to The Dude, but then again I play a 335.

[@MintStiles]

Just like every other non-tube based pedal, it's overly compressed and "stuffy" sounding. Apologies on the bad description. I've had thus one and many other ones. No solid state pedals even comes close. They only sound like Dumble at specific settings.

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

@@MintStiles I don't have the pedal anymore and after more time with it I totally agree.

[@MintStiles]

@@SimpleManGuitars1973 I really tried to like these dumble pedals. Zen, dude, bV... Etc... they really just do that compressed sound at one volume. The closest thing that I can say sounds like dumble in a pedal is a Kingsley Maiden (I actually have the juggler that is a Maiden and page) or a Kingsley Artisan (this one is a bit more violin/fuzz Eric Johnson style). The range is completely different with a tube based pedal. You still won't get a Poweramp distortion, but most high headroom Poweramp will do. They use real high voltage 12ax7. If you ever have a chance, they are great pieces of work.

[@hekakain4108]

Just spent my first hour on the Dumkudo twin custom...I have 30 odd boutique overdrives that are excellent in themselves, but this Dumkudo is the one that will never leave my board. The sound is amazing, such transparent clarity between each note when played or strummed all together, both sides compliment each other perfectly...bye for now I'm off to play the best overdrive I've ever heard in my whole experience of overdrives...I just had to tell somebody...lol...Yay!

[@YaYa-ke1zr]

I stopped searching when I found the Gladio. There were too many different Dumbles (even within the 70s timeframe) to generically categorize them. What convinced me to try the Gladio was when I saw it on R. Ford’s board. I figured if it was based on his tone and he likes the sounds coming out of it, then it must be pretty good. I agree with the comments on the Van Wheeldon. It’s an awesome overdrive that works for damn near any kind of amp… but it’s definitely not a Dumble specific clone. And you have to reset everything if you change the amp. The Ethos models have too many lil knobs and buttons for me. Sounded great and is probably a tweakers dream. The builder is a nice guy too.

[@GCKelloch]

All these pedals are dynamically limited by transistors. A Canadian brand called Tubesteader makes real high V tube-driven pedals modeled on Dumble and other legendary amps in the same price range as these boutique SS pedals. Maybe the two Dumbly models don't sound exactly like real Dumbles, but they are very close, and the richer tube dynamic charater can be chosen by the user.

[@EdPettersen]

Yeah, I've tried the Tubesteader pedals. Great stuff, especially the cleaner boost model.

[@GCKelloch]

@@EdPettersen I think I like the 'Lightkeeper' better as well, and it just has one 12ax7. I also like the sound of the Magnezium more than the Beekeeper.

[@waltergoyen]

Great video. I have several pedals built by mr. Toshihiko Tanabe, among which the "Dum + Zen Twin Custom" and the Santanabe overdrive. I totally love them. If you can, you should buy more than one pedal. They make a wonderful chain in your pedal board, from mild to great OD. One Dumkudo is almost always on at a low level for my clean sound. Mr. Tanabe is a great guy. I had the honour and pleasure of meeting him in person in Japan, such a lovely gentleman.

[@EdPettersen]

He is the best. We shared a house at NAMM a few years ago with Henry Kaiser. Just a great dude to be around. I've asked Tanabe to make a dual Dumkudo+fuzz soon. His fuzz is also outrageous.

[@sotiristsamandanis6424]

How would you rate the Santana pedal...how would you describe it? Touch sensitive etc?

[@obolobol]

Ha, finaly!!! I've had a Custom Twin Dumkudo for over 10 years or so now!!! Love it. Bought it used and it was pretty expensive (around 500 bucks 10 years ago) and it's good to see it getting the recognition it deserves. Great job!!!

[@bpsychoz]

Thanks for the excellent journalism which was obviously the point of the video. Demos are a dime a dozen

[@EdPettersen]

Thank you!

[@OZRIC1985]

Thanks for your professional advice on how to get a 1970s Dumble sound! That's so cool that you mentioned Henry Kaiser! I saw him play in Davis, California in the early 1990s, and I sat next to him and talked to him for a while. He was a really cool guy. His avant-garde style is so unique and interesting. :)

[@EdPettersen]

Thanks! He's a very dear friend.

[@Jeff-11_354]

I use the Dude, but to be candid, it doesn't sound super Dunble like to me. I love it nonetheless, but I feel like its darker and compresses more. Coincidentally that works for me.

[@JackTheSkunk]

I'd use whatever Robben Ford endorses. All of my guitar heroes only play clean, but I also enjoy hearing Robben playing his tasty style of blues through his Dumble.

[@angusorvid8840]

I tried a Dumble at a shop in L.A. back in '87. This was my introduction to Dumble, and it's the only Dumble I've ever played through. It sounded fantastic, but more than just the sound was the feel. It was very responsive. Once you play a Dumble you understand just how ham-fisted most amps are. When I hear anyone talk about "the Dumble sound" I think more in terms of the Dumble Feel. There are a lot of Dumble clones that get very close to the Dumble sound, but it's how they feel and respond that separates the wheat from the chaff. One amp I tried in the Dumble tradition, or shall I say, Dumble inspired, is the Fuchs ODS II 50. I didn't have a Dumble next to it as I tried it, so the only reference I had, other than the Dumble sound, was the feel, and the Fuchs amp feels wonderful to play. They ain't cheap, but they are much more affordable than a Dumble, to put it lightly.

[@EdPettersen]

Yeah, it's a certain response that's hard to describe. The way the amp recovers when you play..

[@EdPettersen]

Henry Kaiser recommends the Two Rock as well. He and Howard were close.

[@IamMusicNerd]

The closest I have ever found to a Dumble sound is an Amplified Nation amp. But as far as pedals go, I like the Shin pedals or the Vertex SSS-SRV (or the Ultra Phonix for the ODS sound)

[@phoenixrivers5414]

Man there was a Shins Music Dumbloid ODSP on reverb for $400. I had been watching it all week and it sold right before I was about to buy it today😭. I’ve been pretty bummed today since that happened lol. What’s your feelings about the Shins Music Dumbloid pedals and which are your favorite?🤘✌️

[@ClaudioMartella]

Vertex pedals are a scam

[@2010njdevil]

Agree 100%. I've been covering SRV material since '95 and the Vertex SSS nails the pristine tones on the "Texas Flood" album......which makes sense since Stevie recorded direct to Jackson Browne's #005 Dumbland Special that John Mayer now owns.

[@johnelcanrab2114]

Have the amplified nation big bloom pedal.. It does a decent job with the harmonics and can be very clear and articulate or really quite filthy. Not sure it compares at all to the real thing but it does the job..

[@eliaslopez2587]

What is the difference between the dumkudo and the zenkudo?? And what about the SC Gladio vs the tanabe ones?? Thank you for the info/content🤙🏼

[@davelanciani-dimaensionx]

If Henry likes the Tech 21 Blonde pedal (which is no longer manufactured), then I recommend the Joyo American Sound pedal, which is a $40 clone of that pedal.

[@dt9r]

I had both, the tech21 and the joyo, and they sound pretty close. I still have the tech21, I use it for direct inject in to the mixer when I don't want to carry the amp with me

[@Vito_Tuxedo]

Ed: You nailed it! Nothing else can touch the Ethos Clean Fusion for awesome clean tone. Mine has the extra EQ option. I don't use the Fusion overdrive; like every solid state OD I've ever tried, it's raspy & ratty, although the "Soft Drive" is decent; nice and smooth. But for the most part I have finally given up the delusion that it's possible to get the kind of overdrive sound I want out of any solid state pedal. The Holy Grail OD sound I want comes from tubes, so I'm checking out Kingsley and Hagerman pedals.

[@wences71]

Have You try the Blackbird from Effectrode? I mean relate to the clean tube tone

[@budgreen7764]

I just got the "UNOBTAINIUM ' .I also just got the " HALO " . From Carlton to Gilmore ,they are a perfect match .

[@johnnymerk1]

I bought a Dum+Zen combo pedal because of this video. Thank You , Ed.

[@kramerbc8482]

Can I ask how long it took? I ordered mine at the height of the COVID era and took about 6 mos. Something about shipping out of Japan, probably shippers were closed.

[@EdPettersen]

Fantastic!

[@joetoe9207]

It didn’t occur to me- chasing a clean Dumble sound. I like the cornerstone Gladio but no idea how close or not that it might come to a Dumble gain sound. Thanks for this video!

[@EdPettersen]

I own the Gladio. It's fantastic. The clean blend makes a big difference.

[@EnterJustice]

@@EdPettersen The Gladio SC then! The double version doesn't have a clean blend, unfortunately

[@EdPettersen]

@@EnterJustice Right!!

[@EnterJustice]

@@EdPettersen I love the regular Gladio in any case. Never played a Dumble, so can't say anything about how accurate it is. But it's one of my favorite overdrive pedals, the way it's both creamy and warm but has definition and sparkle at the same time. Especially when you combine the sides.

[@EdPettersen]

@@EnterJustice Yup, absolutely.

[@davidmaki6960]

Thanks for this video, Ed. Henry's recommendation (and yours) of the Tech 21 Blonde was spot on. What a versatile pedal! From clean to overdrive, just a wonderful sound.

[@EdPettersen]

Thanks!

[@MadScientistGuitarLab]

I’ve played SansAmp for a few decades now. Will have to get the Blonde now. 👍

[@bigstick5278]

Thing is there is no one Dumble sound. All Dumble's are custom tuned to the owners taste. More like Dumble tone.

[@EdPettersen]

Yup, exactly.

[@thetonetosser]

I've got the 3 knob 'Dumbell' which doesn't really do it for me. But yeah, my Dumkudo which I've had for about 10 years definitely hits the spot. 20 years ago, I had a blast through a 70s silverface twin modded by Howard. It was in Den Cornell's workshop for a service. Left an impression on me for sure. I reckon the Dumkudo is pretty close to that.

[@EdPettersen]

Absolutely.

[@cidnewman8032]

Very cool, thanks. I’ve decided to go another way: The Amplified Nation Overdrive Reverb amp. I’m not saving any money, but omg, take a listen to it. The harmonic richness of it is just incredible.

[@EdPettersen]

Great choice, I've played one and it's excellent.

[@LostPlanet2024]

I currently have the Ethos OD preamp on my board as my amp into Ethos powered 1-12 cabs. I am on the list for the Ethos Clean Fusion Deluxe. Your assessments are pretty good on the Ethos. It will certainly get you very close to the D sound but it will do so much more. I use the clean channel 95%of the time and love it. I set the dirty side to a crunchy light overdriving Marshall tone. If I need more drive I will select one of 3 drives. TS-808, Rat, or BC108 Fuzz Face. The clean side sounds amazing with drive pedals and has that wide open touch responsiveness.

[@EdPettersen]

Totally great, still.

[@mateo747]

Thanks for your thoughts! I've been looking at Cornerstone Gladio SC (with the blend knob). What do you think about that one, compared to the Ethos and/or Twinkudo? Would you recommend it?

[@EdPettersen]

I love and own the Gladio SC. It's different from the Ethos and Dumkudo but equally great.

[@christianmeza4529]

Where is the link to that one?

[@EdPettersen]

@@christianmeza4529 which one?

[@travisallen6154]

Hi Ed. Quick question….are you still able to order one of these Tanabe Twin Custom pedals? I went to the website and it said the way to order is by sending an email which I did and have heard nothing back. Just curious if you knew if they were still in business? Thanks.

[@EdPettersen]

@@travisallen6154 Oh yeah, he's definitely still in business. I heard from him about a month or so ago. Maybe try him again? Could have gone to spam or something.

[@travisallen6154]

Thank you

[@EdPettersen]

@travisallen6154 My pleasure!

[@hermeneut]

Hi Ed, thanks for you researches, gerat work! Have you meanhwile had hands on a CTC Unobtainium? If so, would do you think about it?

[@EdPettersen]

I haven't tried that one yet however I watched a few videos for it. I love CTC a lot and it looks intriguing and useful but the D side doesn't sound very D to me frankly. I'll have to get my hands on one.

[@hermeneut]

@@EdPettersen Would be great to hear what you think about it! Iwanted to go for Synergy OS Module, but with the Case (Syn1 or 2) its very pricy... So maybe the CTC could spend much money for me... Have you ever played/heard the Synergy OS?

[@EdPettersen]

@Tim Dreipass I have not heard of the Synergy but will look it up.

[@EdPettersen]

@@hermeneut BTW-Talked with Henry Kaiser today who's had three Dumbles and He says the CTC Stardust is closer to a Dumble than the Unobtanium as far as he can tell.

[@danielconrad764]

Ed, thank you very much for this video. I have the Zenkudo, but I found that my Kingsley pedals get me pretty close too. Could I ask: as part of your hunt for the 70s dumble tone, have you tried the Kingsley Maiden D pedal (dumble clean) and Page DS (dumble overdrive)?

[@EdPettersen]

Oh yeah, I've tried all the Kingsley pedals and own a few. Terrific stuff

[@mikeoxley4458]

I talked to Dumble on the phone in 1987, and he sent me info on his ODS, and an order form. He also sent me a letter, which he signed in ink. An ODS Combo then was $2150. Recently, I got the Warm Audio “Warmdrive” - which is based on the Hermida Zendrive, which I use to have. The Warmdrive sounds GREAT! The OD on it has a very tight low end, with a great midrange. Only $149 for this great pedal. Give it a try.

[@juliasmithoficial]

Hey Ed, great video! I'd like to know if you already tried Kingsley Maiden D, and how does it compare to the ethos? I was considering getting a Ethos Clean II or maybe the Kingsley! Thanks!

[@EdPettersen]

The Kingsley is awesome! But they're coming out with a new Dumble pedal soon. The Ethos is very versatile and like three flavors in one.

[@juliasmithoficial]

@@EdPettersen great to hear this! Will wait a bit then to compare both! Thank you very much! :)

[@EdPettersen]

@@juliasmithoficial My pleasure!

[@phoenixrivers5414]

I’m glad I read your comment! I didn’t know Kingsley had a new pedal about to come out so this may have saved me some money. I don’t know if it gets any better than Kingsley. I absolutely love basically everything Simon makes. I wish I could buy a used Kingsley Amp…. Maybe one day lol

[@EdPettersen]

@@phoenixrivers5414 It's a long wait list but my name should be coming up soon.

[@MOAB-UT]

This one or a Gladio SC? Can you help me decide?

[@gregwatts680]

I have a Fuchs ODS and if I had to go without it it would be the all tube Victory Jack Preamp with the Barber Small Fry in front leading into whatever amp or system that's available. And all tube KINGSLEY > TANABE (where > = greater than)

[@EdPettersen]

Makes sense.

[@allahblesswinniehomo7789]

Kingsley Juggler v3 & Peace Hill FX

[@joethompson2910]

Hey Ed….. Thankyou for your input…. Amazing how so many here with a fraction of your experience want to “set you straight”…. You have a lot of patience answering so many somewhat irritating comments from the peanut gallery. I was sorta hoping you might touch upon the Vertix pedals, but Im guessin you would say they sound good.., just not as close to the real thing as your choices! 😂 Thanks again Ed…from a fellow pedal addict thats been playin over 50 years myself…👊🏻

[@EdPettersen]

Thanks! I definitely have nothing against Vertex.

[@augustusbetucius2931]

While I have no great interest in Dumble style sounds, I'm curious - how does the Barber compact Burn Unit and the Small Fry compare to the Burn Unit EQ? The Barber Small Fry manual has a dumble setting in it, and it is really compressed sounding and feeling, and never had much use for it.

[@EdPettersen]

The Small Fry is cool but "cleaner" and more SSS style I think. The Burn Unit I had (dual channel model) was great but more ODS style and yes, it can get a bit too compressed for my taste at times.

[@augustusbetucius2931]

@@EdPettersen I guess this will be another Barber pedal I'll be collecting then. Not because I want a Dumble sound, but that it sounds different from the SF I already have. I love everything Barber makes, and it's a huge bummer he's stopped making all of those earlier pedals. The cool thing about the SF is that you can dial out the compression with the 'Dynamics' control. It can be incredibly open sounding, it's just Dave's settings for the SF 'dumble' sound specifically that was really compressed. I *never* turn the 'Dynamics' knob down that far for anything on my own. Thanks for the answer!

[@funkyfoe12]

I'm assuming if trying the Blonde, one would hit the speaker defeat button in to an amp. Correct?

[@EdPettersen]

Sure, but it sounds great both ways actually. Depends on your rig.

[@Diplomat924]

What is the power source for the Tanabe Dumkudo Twin Custom pedal? I know it is 9VDC but what about the amperage?

[@EdPettersen]

@Diplomat924 The ma for most drive pedals is under 100ma usually. There's not a ton of draw in the designs.

[@MadScientistGuitarLab]

At first I thought this was just going to be just an old guitar nut… like me… reviewing a bunch of pedals to get that gorgeous “Running on Empty” sound. Then you mention Kaiser and I’m all in. Wow, I had no clue about any of these. This video is a gem! Thank you for giving me a longer shopping list! 😂

[@EdPettersen]

Cool! Thanks for stopping by.

[@funkyfoe12]

Of course, never tried a real Dumble but I really liked the Synergy OS when I had that set-up. Awesome clean tone.

[@EdPettersen]

Nice! Another good one for clean is the Lightkeeper. Proper tube pedal too. Not expensive.

[@funkyfoe12]

@@EdPettersen Thanks for the quick reply! Just stumbled across your channel. I like your videos, straight to the point, no fancy editing. BTW, so when you use those Ethos preamp pedals, what do you use for power ( tube power)? Or are you running them into the front end of a clean amp of some kind? I'm sure you have a video up explaining that, but like I said, I just found your channel. ( :

[@EdPettersen]

@@funkyfoe12 Thanks man! Yeah, I just run the Ethos into the front end of a clean amp. Flipping fantastic.

[@GxBxN]

Great video! Have you ever tried the original Mad Professor Simble overdrive? Similar format to the ZenDrive. Discontinued now unfortunately to my understanding, but I still see some on the market. Some great videos around of it compared to Dumbles, and seems to perform very well.

[@EdPettersen]

Thank you! Yes! It's great. I dug it a lot.

[@doubled5383]

You need to get selling commissions. I just ordered a Tanabe Dum + Zen Twin and an Ethos Clean II preamp. I have tried a few other Dumble pedals but this will be a big upgrade. Thanks for the info.

[@EdPettersen]

My pleasure!! Hope they work out for you.

[@U2WB]

For my money the Mojo Hand FX DMBL is the best sounding one I've used. I really don't know whether it sounds like a "real" Dumble, since I've never had access to one. But the DMBL sounds pretty fantastic.

[@EdPettersen]

Yeah, I love that pedal. You know, from my experience it really doesn't matter if it sounds like a Dumble or not if it sounds great in your rig.

[@U2WB]

@@EdPettersen You got that right, Sir !

[@thomasdavy594]

Dumble drive is nice clean but not enough level to keep up with thd other pedals...I put it high gain beywern 2 drives for MORE

[@vantagestudios]

I, too, was driven to this path by Lindley's work with Jackson Browne. I've tried probably a dozen Dumble-esque pedals over the years. Just wondering if you got to try an Effectrode Blackbird(?) and if so, what you thought of it. I have one. Organic. I think it is as close to a 70's Dumble as anything I've ever tried. It's worth trying if you can manage to get your hands on one. It has two circuits. The blue is Dumble and the red is Soldano. The latter I don't much care for.

[@EdPettersen]

Yeah, I tried one a while back. It was definitely pretty good.

[@vantagestudios]

@@EdPettersen I have had fun swapping out various NOS tubes in combinations. It's allowed me to dial it into some nice directions. It sounds particularly great with my vintage lap steels but also great with my Tele. After that one I stopped hunting primarily because it was getting too expensive to keep trying different pedals.

[@EdPettersen]

@Jay Wilson It does get out of hand after a while trying everything. Some aren't even close and there are too many attempted clones IMO.

[@kaekaku3027]

I got the same conclusion. ethos and tanabe dumkudo are really good for me too. I feel horruble with dumbloid, it doesn’t have any dumble feeling at all.

[@EdPettersen]

Totally agree!

[@kaekaku3027]

hi, ed. thanks for your reply. Tanabe san is also my friend, we all live in Japan. He introduced me your channel. It’s really hard to have accurate information in Japan because there’s really few dumble here. Thank you for your contents :)

[@EdPettersen]

@@kaekaku3027 You're very welcome!

[@kaekaku3027]

@@EdPettersen however, what amp do you think which is close to real dumble ? my conclusion is fuchs od supreme, neither two-rock nor bludotone. of course both are great great amps, but not close to that steely dan sounds. what’s your best D-style amp ?

[@EdPettersen]

@kaekaku3027 Best is a tough call but I played an Amplified Nation clone once that was excellent and there was one Two Rock a friend had that was great but I don't remember the model offhand. I'll ask Henry his thoughts.

[@mitchellrom1758]

I'm pleased with the Cornerstone Gladio (dual).

[@adamjoseph2704]

What about the Kingsley Juggler v3? And what is the new pedal by Kingsley you mentioned?

[@EdPettersen]

That's the one I bought, the Juggler V3. It's really great but not exactly "Dumble-esque" IMO. Super great though. He makes killer stuff and I have a few.

[@adamjoseph2704]

@@EdPettersen me too. Had the Juggler and while it was great sounding, I didn't care for the cascading clean into drive section thing. Made balancing the volume levels a bit weird. Another quick question, did you find the Cornerstone Gladio (Dual) to have an overly soft attack that gets kinda lost in a mix? I couldn't get it to sound snappy and open, it had this soft compressed nature to the attack that would lose the initial transient of the note when doing single line stuff. I hear it in a bunch of demos for it too now that I listen closer after having owned it. I thought maybe it was the fact that I was running it thru an EL84 amp (already a bit more squishy and compressed than a Fender based clean platform) but it seems to maybe just be a quality of the pedal itself. Just curious on your thoughts. Loved the overall character of the breakup but maybe the Gladio SC can get more of that open snap to the pick attack with the clean blend feature.

[@EdPettersen]

@Adam Joseph It was really tricky to get the volume right with the Juggler and it was just a bit too "aggressive" for my taste and rig. I tried the original Gladio and didn't care for it but the SC is fantastic IMO. Love it. It stacks well too.

[@davidperkins9603]

Would love to try the Ethos OD.

[@EdPettersen]

It's really terrific.

[@brc3962]

It's well worth it. Lovely company too, great to deal with.

[@JimThompson-i3u]

I'll just stick with the Robben Ford Tone Capsule for my Blues Cube Artist 212.

[@EdPettersen]

Sounds reasonable to me.

[@tuffitout2568]

Thx Ed...Great job. 👍👊

[@jamesemerson4102]

Still haven't played a dumkudo and I had one on order up to the point where he had made the pedal for me! but he wasn't able to post it to me because of Covid postage restrictions out of Japan at the time. I have what I believe to be one of the closest overdrive special clones in the world to sounding/feeling like an actual dumble and I have tried many of the pedals for use with my other amps. I still use the Zendrive with humbuckers and I feel that is still an excellent pedal and it sounds close. Not quite the richness in harmonics though. Never tried an Ethos either. Damn I wish I was able to get that Dumkudo.

[@EdPettersen]

I bet he could get it to you now?

[@stevebogie8175]

Ed, What is your opinion on Shin’s Dumbloid style pedals? I am curious to hear your thoughts. Peace.

[@EdPettersen]

I like them but don't love them and boy, are they pricey. It's a nice, round overdrive but not as close to the ODS as some other, newer pedals.

[@stevebogie8175]

@@EdPettersen thank you for sharing your thoughts. Peace be with you always.

[@EdPettersen]

@@stevebogie8175 My pleasure, thanks for stopping by!!

[@TomerSevilya]

Have you tried "gtown holygrail dualdrive" ? On a fender amp it gives you almost dead on Robben ford sound also Larry carlton territory

[@EdPettersen]

Not yet but I'd love to check it out.

[@mortonwilson795]

Thanks for this - just stumbled on your channel and also went back to your earlier 'Dumble Shootout' vid. I have never played thru a Dumbled amp but mainly used Fenders live thru the 70's and still keep an old Blues Junior in the studio that I mic up when I want a more natural room sound. My main studio rig is Sadowsky NYC HSH S Style thru an Effectrode Blackbird Tube Tone Engine Pedal (it has 3 tubes mounted on the top). I go straight into Pro-Tools (with Focusrite or Tube Tech for a touch of compression). The Blackbird is 'it' for me - mainly clean but with the option of 2 OD channels. It's made in UK and is the one pedal I would grab if the house was burning down ( well . . . along with my Sadowsky . . . and my 1968 LP Custom . . . you get the message 😃). Worth checking out - Brett Kingman does quite a comprehensive KZbin demo. Thanks again for doing all the research so we don't have to! Cheers.

[@EdPettersen]

Effectrode makes great stuff!

[@stevefearon9337]

Thanks for the video, recently purchased a crazy tube circuit unobtanium be interested on your view having put so much work comparing the pedals that where already available. I have no reference and I like the pedal very much . But clearly you have a level of research above and beyond.. if you can be aR SAID :)

[@EdPettersen]

Congrats on gabbing an Unobtanium! I've been waiting for one to come available.

[@25003spoon]

How does the Amplified Nation "big bloom" pedal sound going up against the "Twin Custom"?

[@EdPettersen]

It's totally different. The Big Bloom is based on the Shin Dumbloid. Related but not that close. I like a lot of what AN does though. His amps are great.

[@JHKNVY02]

Straight and to the point! Kick behind - honest!

[@EdPettersen]

👊

[@jonathanwapner6262]

Who is impressed by these nuances in the end? Will it get you a record deal? Will people come to your show?

[@EdPettersen]

Honestly, in the end it really doesn't matter. That's the frank truth. Too much obsessing over gear IMO. Just make music.

[@adamkrauss303]

The video you link to with the actual pedal shootout demo is 5 years old. There have been a lot of well received D-style pedals released in the last five years…

[@EdPettersen]

Right. I said that in the new video but in between that one and now I've tried dozens more. Ask my wife. 😁

[@waynegram8907]

the GREEN MODE uses the dumble tone stack? or its not the SRV dumble jackson browne dumble amplifier tones?

[@EdPettersen]

Yes.

[@waynegram8907]

@@EdPettersen nice, try making a video to show how it can do that if you can would be nice to see

[@EdPettersen]

@@waynegram8907 I will try!

[@WaveRyeDer99]

Does any pedal get a Dumble or close to it sound at lower (bedroom) volumes? Asking for all those who live in apartments or within ear shot of neighbors. Example: Amp volume extremely low (0.5 to 1) and then setting pedal up as needed to get "the sound" etc.

[@EdPettersen]

It depends, which Dumble sound? The SSS or Overdrive Special? The Special you can get very, very close with the Tanabe Dumkudo for sure.

[@jayfreezzi]

Hello, great explanation and video. Do you know if the two rock bloomfield drive amp is based on the 70’s or 80’s dumble sound?

[@EdPettersen]

As far as I know they are related though not precisely exact. Two Rock does make a model that is closer I'm told though I can't remember the model off the top of my head. There are a few very credible amp clones on the market through, one of which is Amplified Nation.

[@RJKANEAO]

I know y’all said you tried all the dumble pedals but what about the Mad Professor Twimble.. The clean tones are beautiful.. the od pretty good as well.. I’ve had a dumble amp owner who was a friends with Howard dumble actually ask me what I was using to get the tone.. I wasn’t using an amp neither I was using a cab sim pedal at the time..

[@EdPettersen]

I love the Mad Professor! Great pedal.

[@mythcrab6047]

Love my Zenkudo Twin Custom!

[@maxwellblakely7952]

Curious if you tried anything from Peace Hill?

[@EdPettersen]

@maxwellblakely7952 I think I did? It was a while ago though.

[@micktheman6]

I have a dumbloid b ods and it sounds amazing even if not the same.

[@EdPettersen]

Yeah, I dug that one too.

[@saxonsteve]

Okay. Which Ethos do you suggest?

[@EdPettersen]

I like the new, big one a lot, but the clean fusion v2 is hard to beat.

[@saxonsteve]

@@EdPettersenWhat do you like about the Clean Fusion? Does this one still have good overdrive? I see that this particular model used is a lot less expensive than the other one. Thanks again, Steve

[@EdPettersen]

@saxonsteve I felt it did the clean exceptionally well and the overdrive was less hyped and more realistic than a lot on the market. The new, super deluxe is killer but not cheap. It also depends on what kind of amp you're using.

[@dannbrauckmann1545]

Have you tried a Kingsley Maiden D, or any of Kingsley's other offerings?

[@EdPettersen]

Yes, I've had 3 or 4 Kingsley pedals. All were stellar. On Monday I received my new Jugglerr V3 and it's a keeper.

[@dannbrauckmann1545]

@@EdPettersen I’ve got a new Maiden D, and it’s just dripping with excellent tones. I’m smitten with it, but I have no idea if it sounds like a Dumble. I honestly don’t really care, just curious if you had tried one and what you thought.

[@EdPettersen]

@@dannbrauckmann1545 I liked the Maiden D quite a bit. Not exactly a Dumble for me but still excellent. I also had the Harlot and an earlier Jester model and perhaps one more (a preamp as I remember?). This Jester V3 he just came out with is the closest so far I think but it seems to me that there's a Kingsley for everybody and it depends on your guitars and amps. He's a total sweetheart to deal with too.

[@cmorda]

@@EdPettersen Do you mean the Juggler V3?

[@EdPettersen]

@@cmorda Yes, my bad. Mistyped.

[@SDisonYT]

I have had some pretty good luck getting really close to Dumble tones from the Vertex Ultra Phonix and the SSS. They are both pretty affordable as well.

[@EdPettersen]

Yeah, those aren't bad at all.

[@chefmcd7788]

I have the Vertex SSS SRV version and the ultraphonix mkII. They sound great by themselves or stacked.

[@cameronfarrell9076]

Have you tried the sss tube preamp from peace hill fx?

[@EdPettersen]

Not yet, no. I think Henry has though as I remember, and he dug it.

[@cameronfarrell9076]

@@EdPettersen that's good to hear, I've been eyeing it for a bit and I think I'll pull the trigger pretty soon.

[@rudig07]

All I can say here is..................many, many thanks for doing this.

[@EdPettersen]

Thanks!!

[@kingdozerr]

You’re right

[@michaelstevenanderson4961]

The Ethos Pedal is as big as my laptop. Will using this pedal, make me a "cork-sniffer" ? Do I have to play guitar with my pinky-finger raised ? LOl

[@EdPettersen]

@@michaelstevenanderson4961 Yez! 😄

[@paulshively6631]

Awesome!!!! You seem very knowledgeable about all aspects of the sound. Maybe you can help me out, I am using main stage via Apple computer, as my guitar rig. are you familiar with that computer-based system and can I get the “Dumble -esk” sound with that set up? Any input would be very helpful. Thank you, Paul

[@EdPettersen]

Oh, I'm sorry Paul. I'm a PC guy and I don't have any experience with that particular system.

[@paulshively6631]

Okay, thanks anyway. After watching your video I may just get that pedal and put it on my final output and see if that’ll work. Thanks again, keep up the great investigative work. Paul

[@EdPettersen]

@@paulshively6631 You bet buddy!

[@AcaIlic]

You should try Kondo Shifuku D-style pedal...guess that you'd adjust your opinion buddy

[@EdPettersen]

I think we tried one a while ago. It was good as I remember, but definitely not in my top ten. I'll double check.

[@AcaIlic]

@EdPettersen liked it better than Ethos, Dumbloid and Zendrive in any case...but ok, matter of taste

[@EdPettersen]

@AcaIlic Yup, always. Thing is, there's no wrong answer. Everyone can get so emotional about it, but it's good to have choices.

[@AcaIlic]

@EdPettersen yeah buddy..in any case nice overview...how did you liked Free the tone ovedriveland?

[@EdPettersen]

@AcaIlic Loved it for low to mid gain. Very defined.

[@frankquinn1296]

Original Zen drive , not the love pedal version, Will get you close. A staple for Robin Ford when he cant use his dumble.

[@EdPettersen]

Yeah, a great pedal. The Dumkudo Twin has a Zendrive side.

[@theozeus]

Have you ever tried a Menatone Howie V1?

[@EdPettersen]

I love all the Menatobe stuff. Howie is great, but not a Dumble.

[@pcollenyt3683]

So if I use the Twin Custom into Fender Blues Jr I'll get the great Dumble tone ? Lol...now seriously: there is more to getting the tone than a pedal regardless of how great that pedal may be.

[@EdPettersen]

Yup, agreed. Lots more. Plus, what era of Dumble. Lots of variables.

[@christophervincent8420]

So did you try the Vertex Steel string clean?

[@EdPettersen]

I did. It's great.

[@christophervincent8420]

@@EdPettersen did you notice any differences between the original, the slight return, and the SRV one? Or did you only have the one? Also, how close does it sound to the real deal?

[@EdPettersen]

@christophervincent8420 I had the most recent version to test. Did it sound like a SSS? No, but I didn't expect it to. It was very good though. A better choice is the Tubesteader Lightkeeper IMO.

[@christophervincent8420]

@@EdPettersen is there something waaaay more affordable than that? Lol

[@EdPettersen]

@christophervincent8420 Ha! Not as good though. Have they gone up? Last I checked they were fairly reasonable.

[@forestyogin2218]

The Kingsley are the best. They are actual Dumble preamps. Did you try those ?

[@EdPettersen]

Yes, I've tried quite a few.

[@forestyogin2218]

@@EdPettersen Oh wow, most reviewers who state "tried them all" have not (in any category). Now I am interested in your other videos .:)

[@forestyogin2218]

@@EdPettersen So the Page DS and the other one that is a Dumble design does not sound as good as the transistor pedals that you recommended, that's interesting.

[@EdPettersen]

@forest yogin Correct. And remember, Henry Kaiser feels the same and he's owned three Dumbles. It's a matter of what people think a Dumble is rather than how it feels.

[@Jbervel]

have you try the Kondo Shifuku D-Style from Demon Pedals?

[@EdPettersen]

Ah! Yes, I have indeed. Hated it. I think it really depends on what amp you own. I liked it in the demos I heard but not in practice myself.

[@Jbervel]

@@EdPettersen what Amp do you use normally whit yours D-pedals ? I plan to use a synergy 30 with a Morgan preamp (AC-30 style)

[@EdPettersen]

@@Jbervel Usually a Fender Deluxe or Vox AC 30 style but when I'm testing pedals I try to use something very neutral first. Clean, loud and even. A good one for me is the Vintage 47 G-185. Like the old Charlie Christian amp, but I judge overall on all three types of amps for a fair summary.

[@zacksovine6923]

You say you have tried them all but I don't believe that you have tested the Beekeeper(ods) and the Light keeper(sss) by Tubesteader. The Beekeeper is soooo soo good.

[@EdPettersen]

I have never even heard of them until recently but I am eager to try.

[@zacksovine6923]

@@EdPettersen I'm dieing to get my hands on the Beekeeper. I've listened to the demo videos and I can't say that it's 100% Dumble ODS sounding. Maybe it's the fact they use two tubes to drive them that makes it feel and sound more natural but it has me convinced that it's real close. It's at least close enough to perfect for a pedal to me. It is a whole lot lighter and takes up a lot less space than lugging around my Vibrolux Reverb. If only they made that In a pedal with or without the reverb, Just that sweet edge of breakup tone and that tube tremolo/vibrato. Damn. If they put the Light keeper and the Beekeeper together in one box there is no doubt it would nailbthe dumble tone plus a whole new plethora of tones. Hope you get to demo one soon. I would love to know what you and your friend have to say about it.

[@EdPettersen]

@Zack Sovine I just watched a bunch of videos. It's really, really good. Not quite a Dumble, especially in the top end, but that's to be expected. I still look forward to trying one first-hand.

[@levigonzalez2498]

you ever tried the Vertex SSS?

[@EdPettersen]

@levigonzalez2498 I have, yes. It's not my favorite SSS but it's pretty good. Especially at that price point.

[@levigonzalez2498]

@@EdPettersen well I just grabbed one at $129 on clearance at Sweetwater

[@levigonzalez2498]

@@EdPettersen im looking for that John Mayer sound

[@EdPettersen]

@levigonzalez2498 A lot depends on what amp you're using of course.

[@EdPettersen]

@@levigonzalez2498 Yeah, they are definitely within reach of most players.

[@albertarguelles3262]

Awesome Thanks

[@nickg2431]

I did own a zen drive and an ethos.The problem with the “clean channel” ethos is that you are trying to “superimpose “ one clean sound on top of another unless you play it into a power amp.If you have a good clean channel the SSS is only subjectively different and in my opinion not as good as a good fender clean.Lead channel has a cluttered mid range that sounds great for lead but not so nice for rhythm esp.when turned down on the guitar volume pot. They sound good on some things,average on others,similar to other pedals/amps on some things,outstanding on others. I also owned several Mesa studio preamps which are very similar.that thing sounded better than the ethos"...

[@EdPettersen]

Yeah, there are definitely a lot of factors that come into play.

[@mthao1832]

Just got the fusion deluxe I have now interest in fractal or modelers now lol anyways it does a boogie mk1/2 tones and a British high gain tone it’s crazy !

[@EdPettersen]

Yeah, it's really killer. I've played some really cool modelers as well. Don't write them off!

[@philipbeer6846]

Where can I purchase the twin custom

[@EdPettersen]

Directly from Tanabe on his website. The dollar is strong now against the Yen.

[@jfree336]

After getting the Gladio SC, I have stopped looking for a D style pedal

[@EdPettersen]

Yeah, it's really terrific.

[@aladinin]

Hey thanks for the great informative video Ed. Since you have both, could you advise about the Zenkudo vs Dumkudo. I realise they are extremely similar with the Dum having more gain available, but is there much of a difference other than that.? I had read somewhere the Zenkudo is a bit easier to dial in the sweet-spot for lower to medium gain D type tones over the Dumkudo. Btw. I`m only really referring to the GREEN mode. Thanks in advance - Cheers Graeme New Zealand

[@EdPettersen]

The Zen is probably a bit easier to dial in low to medium gain tones for sure. The Dum is a bit thicker though and a lot closer to what a 70's Dumble sounded like cookin'. Hope that helps!

[@aladinin]

@@EdPettersen Great.! Thanks Ed - Cheers

[@honey10music]

Thank you for the video. Can you please write the name of that pedal? Thanks

[@EdPettersen]

@@honey10music which one? The Tanabe Dumkudo?

[@honey10music]

@@EdPettersen yes. Have you tried the effectrode blackbird? I had good experience with

[@timwhite5562]

I want to try the Cornerstone drive, but haven't been able to do so yet. I've had an Ethos OD for years. I sold it, then regretted it and ended up buying the Clean 2. I actually liked it way more than the original two channel. I like the clean with the hard clipping switch more than the overdrive channel on the original. I don't know how close it is to a Dumble, but I love what it does. The Clean with a Strat gives you an Eric Johnson sustain without needing a compressor. If you're looking at the Ethos I highly suggest getting the clean II. The early one only has a soft clipping, but the II has it. I find it much more versatile than the two channel. If you can find a used Fusion, that's the one to go with.

[@EdPettersen]

Yeah, the Fusion is great. I'm very impressed with the Ethos products. I own the Cornerstone SC and it's terrific.

[@timwhite5562]

@@EdPettersen it is? How is it's clean tone relative to the Ethos?

[@EdPettersen]

@tim white It's clean tone is pretty different I'd say. Not better or worse, just different. A little "rounder" for starters. Not quite as crisp.

[@timwhite5562]

@@EdPettersen do you think it has more compression, or just had a different EQ? I'm curious if it maybe leans more Steel String singer.

[@EdPettersen]

@tim white a tad more compression. Definitely in the SSS category but with more gain on tap if necessary. Pretty sweet for a single footprint.

[@hekakain4108]

My DUMKUDO TWIN CUSTOM (10mA) arrives next week...I don't care what a Dumble sounds like I just know what the DUMKUDO TWIN CUSTOM (10mA) sounds like...and I like it, a lot...

[@EdPettersen]

@@hekakain4108 👍

[@marvinmartin3438]

Dude, what about the big muff? Dumble or fumble? Asking for a friend

[@EdPettersen]

The Big Muff as a Dumble? Fumble. Love me some Big Muff though but not really close.

[@brc3962]

I have the Ethos and it is amazing.

[@brc3962]

I reckon the Chase Bliss Preamp MkII does a very good version of the open top end, high headroom and pushed mids of a Dumble-esque sound.

[@EdPettersen]

It does actually. Pretty terrific and very close.

[@kodymartens8201]

You should try a Gas Pedal DumbBell

[@MrEMann]

Doesn't it have a lot to do with which amp you run them through?

[@EdPettersen]

Absolutely, yes.

[@manifestgtr]

The biggest misconception about the “dumble sound” is that it’s a gear thing…it’s NOT. Yes, the classic dumble amplifiers have a very smooth, “high gain yet low gain” type sound. You can achieve that using a zendrive (my personal favorite) or any number of pedals, really. The reason we associate these sounds with “something I want!” is because the players are all world class with just unbelievable finger tone. The dumbles helped bring that out, hence “the dumble sound”. Great players do certain things instinctively…they play with feeling, often with a light touch and killer intonation. That’s something that a lot of guys don’t wanna hear but it’s the gods honest truth. I’m never gonna sound like Larry Carlton because I’m not Larry Carlton…but I am me and I like *my* sound. I think that gets lost in the mix when it comes to gear acquisition and the quest for this sound or that sound.

[@EdPettersen]

True. There's also an incredible responsiveness with the real anp that can't be recreated with any pedal.

[@glzz1115]

Robben Ford uses a Zendrive on the road, right?

[@EdPettersen]

I think so, yeah.

[@cornerstonegear]

along with the Gladio SC

[@jfree336]

​@@cornerstonegear love my Galdio SC.