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Maxon
OD808 - Overdrive Pedal
Originally released in 1979, the OD808 was one of the first tube-amp overdrive simulators to hit the market. Its smooth, creamy crunch tone caught on quickly, and helped to launch a long line of predecessors as well as imitators. Today, the OD808 design is without a doubt the most used, most imitated and most lauded overdrive circuit of all time. The reason for this is simple tone. Simply put, the OD808 provides the natural, mild overdrive of a tube amp without sacrificing your guitar's original tone. In addition, it can be used as a clean booster to provide increased gain without compromising the sound of your amplifier.
The secret behind the legendary "808 tone" lies in the amplifier section of its circuit. Rather than having an amplifier stage followed by a clipping stage, the OD808 uses a signal-distorting diode (Panasonic #MA150) that is located in the amplifier stage's negative feedback loop (which also contains the JRC4558 IC chip). Therefore, the OD808 distorts signal in the amplifier circuit itself which yields a smoother, milder, more natural sounding distortion than a separate clipping stage. This is also the reason that the IC type used in the circuit has such a large impact on the unit's tone. Maxon developed this unique design more than 20 years ago, and while it is commonplace nowadays, back then it was an industry first.
It should be noted that the Reissue Series OD808 uses different output resistors than the original version. After the unit's initial release it was discovered to have a high susceptibility to noise due to static electricity buildup. To improve performance, the positions of the output resistors on the reissue OD808 were reversed and their values increased in order to reduce noise levels. This circuit change has no audible affect on the sound of the unit, save for reducing the noise levels.
Whether it's used as an overdrive or a booster, the Maxon OD808 is the closest you can get to the classic sounds of 1970's rock guitar in a compact effect pedal.
The secret behind the legendary "808 tone" lies in the amplifier section of its circuit. Rather than having an amplifier stage followed by a clipping stage, the OD808 uses a signal-distorting diode (Panasonic #MA150) that is located in the amplifier stage's negative feedback loop (which also contains the JRC4558 IC chip). Therefore, the OD808 distorts signal in the amplifier circuit itself which yields a smoother, milder, more natural sounding distortion than a separate clipping stage. This is also the reason that the IC type used in the circuit has such a large impact on the unit's tone. Maxon developed this unique design more than 20 years ago, and while it is commonplace nowadays, back then it was an industry first.
It should be noted that the Reissue Series OD808 uses different output resistors than the original version. After the unit's initial release it was discovered to have a high susceptibility to noise due to static electricity buildup. To improve performance, the positions of the output resistors on the reissue OD808 were reversed and their values increased in order to reduce noise levels. This circuit change has no audible affect on the sound of the unit, save for reducing the noise levels.
Whether it's used as an overdrive or a booster, the Maxon OD808 is the closest you can get to the classic sounds of 1970's rock guitar in a compact effect pedal.
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Reviews
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Maxon OD808 killer pedal! 0 of 0 customers found this review helpful
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Closest Store Woodstock, Ontario
I was looking for a booster that wouldn’t colour my sound and give me that 70s vibe… found it!
This works very nicely with my Ryra the Klone pedal! A pairing that is magic!
I have finally found that sound that I have been chasing!
Get one! You won’t be disappointed!!!
Posted by Rooster on Sep 24, 2022
I get it now! 0 of 0 customers found this review helpful
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Closest Store Prince George, British Columbia
All the hype around this pedal is 100% legit. If I wasn’t a believer before I am now. Beautiful overdrive tones, warm creamy tone great for classic rock, country or blues. Makes your guitar actually sound better and can add a dynamic layer to your sound. People always talk about using this pedal as a clean boost and I think that’s where it shines. I mainly play metal this pedal in front of my half stack or combo really takes to my sound to another level. The tone knob can really shape the sound nicely for added punch and sustain. If you are torn on an OD pedal like I was or so long stop wondering and just buy this pedal. Don’t let the simple features fool you this little stomp box kills!
Posted by anonymous on Jun 8, 2022
I Tried It & Liked It 1 of 1 customers found this review helpful
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Product Experience I've tried it
Closest Store Prince George, British Columbia
I tried this and compared it to the EarthQuaker Devices
Plumes Transparent Overdrive - Model: EQDPLUM.
Of the two I would choose the Maxon OD808. At least as the next pedal to buy between these two.
The recommendation for the "Plumes" was from an employee at the store that has the OD808 and doesn't really use it any more. He is leaning toward the "Plumes." I can understand his rational as the "Plumes" is a really great pedal as well as modern in my opinion. Also has options.
Maybe I am attracted to the OD808 because it is an original or at least closer to it and "Old School" or not it has a simple manner and works for me.
I will likely buy this pedal and will use it in front of something else.
I would really like to put it in front of the Clean Channel of a DSL 40CR (which I don't have) and use an A/B box between the Marshall and my 68' Reissue Deluxe.
Bottom line is I am pretty much sold on getting the Maxon OD808.
Posted by Maxon OD808 on Nov 8, 2021
OD808 1 of 1 customers found this review helpful
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Closest Store Victoria, British Columbia
Wonderful warm grumble. Turns my AC30C2X into something else at about 10 o'clock
Posted by anonymous on Dec 30, 2020
oh baby 1 of 1 customers found this review helpful
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Closest Store Burlington, Ontario
Just picked this guy up used for $100!! what a deal. I use it on its own in a clean channel for some classic rock and blues tones or in front of my crunch channel to let the notes sing during solos. great boost for either channel .
Posted by changbrose on Mar 30, 2015
Awesome overdrive 3 of 3 customers found this review helpful
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Closest Store Markham, Ontario
This pedal is great for the reason that is does not alter your amps tone (unless you want it to). Its nice to kick in an overdrive pedal for a solo and NOT lose the bottom end of your sound. Its even great as a clean boost. Very versatile. I use it with a Marshall 50 watt head. Highly recommended.
Posted by MLP on Dec 9, 2013
Excellent Metal Sound 2 of 2 customers found this review helpful
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Closest Store Moncton, New Brunswick
I use it in front of my mesa boogie roadster and it just sound amazing for metal. Use it on your clean channel and you have an natural sounding overdrive! Highly recommended!
Posted by Pascal on Sep 6, 2013
True Over Drive Pedal 4 of 4 customers found this review helpful
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Closest Store Waterloo, Ontario
If you play metal, don't let the dealer discourage you from buying this because they tell you it gives you a 70's classic rock sound, which it does, but if you've done your homework, you will come to realize some of the best in the metal industry use this for crazy dark tones! Gives tube amps that extra boost in gain that you desperately need to sound like the pros.
Posted by anonymous on Jul 30, 2013
Awesome OD pedal 1 of 1 customers found this review helpful
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Closest Store Montréal, Quebec
At first I wanted the renown Ibanez TS-808 re but found it too pricey. So after reading critics that said it was the same thing I took a chance with one. No regret! It's great to boost a tube amp or gives a nice smooth '70 classic rock style tone. Very dynamic and organic.
Posted by Frank on Jun 25, 2013
The quintessential OD. 2 of 2 customers found this review helpful
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Product Experience I own it
Closest Store North Vancouver, British Columbia
This is really the OD pedal that should be setting the standard in my opinion. Very well built, and great at what it does.
I've owned various other overdrives in this pricerange and they paled in comparison to the 808, both in tonal capacity, and especially in build quality.
Posted by MGC on Jan 6, 2013
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A warranty can be a very important factor when making a buying decision. Because repairs can be very expensive in terms of parts and labour costs, manufacturers usually only provide one year limited warranties that generally only cover items that malfunction due to a manufacturer’s defect. With an important purchase such as a musical
instrument or piece of studio gear, however, many people want to have the peace of mind in knowing that their investment will be protected should the product no longer be performing at 100%.
Because of this, Long & McQuade provides our customers with a FREE one-year Performance Warranty on most of our products. The Long & McQuade Performance Warranty supplements the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that our customers receive complete “no hassle” warranty coverage within their first year.
How does the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty differ from most manufacturers' warranties?
- Performance Guarantee: Normal wear and tear is covered, so your product will be performing as well as the day you purchased it for the entire duration of the coverage. Band and Orchestral Performance Warranty does not include replacing pads or cleaning for woodwind instruments, unless deemed necessary by our repair staff. Ultrasonic cleaning for brass instruments will be provided if deemed necessary by our repair staff, but is not routinely offered under the Performance Warranty.
- Product Replacement: If your product cannot be fixed or costs too much to fix, we will replace it with the equivalent model for no additional charge. If this is not possible, a full refund will be provided.
- No Lemon Policy: Your product will be replaced should the same problem occur multiple times.
- Convenient: Easy drop off and pick up of the product at any Long & McQuade location.
- Guitar Setup: Guitars purchased at Long & McQuade come with 1 free setup, to be redeemed within 1 year for new guitars and 90 days for used guitars.
- Loaners Available: A loaner product may be given while the product is being repaired.
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Long & McQuade reserves the right to restrict the purchase of additional years of Performance Warranty. Used products come with a 3-month Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Some products (i.e. computers, software, cymbals and other items) are covered only by the manufacturer‘s warranty. Consumables (i.e. strings, reeds, drum sticks, batteries, tubes, cross faders) are excluded as they are designed to be replaced. Cosmetic Damage, Accidental Damage, or problems caused by Humidity or Temperature Issues are not covered. Speakers damaged by overpowering are generally not covered. Our coverage does not provide compensation for loss of use. As of June 2018 the Performance Warranty is no longer transferable. The warranty is only valid in Canada.
Purchasing additional years of coverage
Some manufacturers provide warranties for longer than 1 year; however, these are usually limited warranties that do not provide the same coverage as the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Customers interested in more complete and convenient (but not necessarily longer) coverage are still able to purchase additional years of the Performance Warranty.
If you are interested in receiving this coverage for longer than one year, you have the option of purchasing additional years of the Performance Warranty. The pricing is as follows:
- NEW products: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.
- USED products: 4% of the current new selling price to increase the warranty from 3 months to 1 year. 4% for each additional year.
- GUITARS: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year. $45 maximum. An additional free setup is not included with additional purchased years of Performance Warranty.
- BAND and ORCHESTRAL instruments: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.
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Reserve in Store
| Product | SKU | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| OD808 - Overdrive Pedal | 185917 |
