Choosing the right overdrive pedal can be a real challenge and if you’re like me, you probably have a few laying around that didn’t live up to your expectations. In this guide we’ll look at a handful of overdrive and distortion pedals and how to incorporate these in your rig, with David Gilmour’s tones in mind.
Updated January 2024
I’ve always struggled with overdrives. I have a few go-to pedals but very few seem to fit my pickups, amp and not least taste. There’s so much to choose from and every unit seem to offer something slightly different.
Know your gear
My very best tip when it comes to choosing the right overdrive and distortion is to know your gear. What sort of tones do you want and what will fit your amp. Your dream pedal can sound horrible on the wrong amp.
British voiced amps, like Hiwatt, Vox and Marshall typically has a bit of mid range hump. These amps often pair better with pedals that has a flat frequency or a scooped mid range, like a fuzz, Big Muff or a classic booster/overdrive. Tube Screamers and Rats will often sound dark and muddy as these have a lot of mid range and compression, which your amp already has.
American voiced amps, like Fender, typically has less mid range or a scooped mid range compared to the British. These amps often pair better with pedals that has a bit of mid range, like a Tube Screamer or Rat or something similar.
Read more about how to choose the right pedals for your amp.
Stacking pedals
Stacking or combining gain pedals is a great way of expanding your tone palette. David Gilmour often pair two overdrives or a Big Muff with an overdrive for certain tones but also for adding character.
There are lots of different ways you can stack pedals depending on what you want. I often have one fairly clean set overdrive as a foundation for most of my tones and I add a second overdrive, with more gain, for riffs and solos. Having several overdrives set differently, like David Gilmour’s three Tube Drivers, will allow multiple combinations, with different amounts of gain.
David often adds a booster after the high gain overdrive or Big Muff. This is similar to using an EQ and the booster will add compression and character to the tone.
Having the booster in front of a Big Muff or other higher gain pedals, will add more gain, much like driving the front end of a tube amp.
I have played and tested each pedal in this guide, with guitars and amps that are typically associated with David Gilmour.
Colorsound Power Boost
David Gilmour first started to use the Colorsound Power Boost in early 1972. The pedal was heavily featured on the each album and tour between 1972 and 1977. David would replace the Power Boost with a similar sounding Pete Cornish ST-2 for The Wall. By the early 90s, David would rely on the Tube Driver for overdrive tones.
Read more about David Gilmour’s Colorsound Power Boost here.
The iconic Power Boost is still offered by Macari’s, who’s been making them since 1968. Different versions are available, including 9V or 18V, non-master or with master volume etc.
The Colorsound Power Boost is recognised by its super transparent, mid range scooped tone. It was designed to push loud tube amps for more brightness and overdrive, which is also why it can be hard to get the right tones on smaller, more modern amps.
The 9V non-master volume edition has less headroom and acts more like an overdrive or even fuzz. More headroom and clean boost can be achieved by choosing a master volume version.
The 18v version has more headroom and a smoother breakup, making it a more versatile booster and overdrive pedal. Especially with a master volume control added.
Perhaps it’s the super cool exterior but to me, it’s hard to beat the sound and feel of a Colorsound Power Boost. It’s loud and uncompromising taking you right back to those classic overdrive sounds from Obscured by Clouds, Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here.
Bedroom setups: not recommended
Gilmour tones: ObC, DSotM, WYWH, Animals, DG 78, Wall, FC?
Electronic Orange Bananaboost
The Bananaboost is a faithful take on the classic 18V Power Boost circuit, with a nice headroom allowing you to dial in anything from clean boost to overdrive and glassy fuzz. Like the Power Boost, the Bananaboost has that unmistakable vintage flavour, which means a super scooped mid range, but that’s what makes it special too and it pairs wonderfully with a loud tube amp. See my full review of the Electronic Orange Bananaboost.
Bedroom setups: not recommended
Gilmour tones: ObC, DSotM, WYWH, Animals, DG 78, Wall, FC
Tru-Fi Colordriver
The Colordriver is offered as both 9V and 18V versions, depending on how much headroom you want. Both with a master volume control so that you can dial in just the right amount of gain. The Colordriver picks up on the original Power Boost, with that typical mids scooped uncompressed tone and a fierce fuzz character when you crank it. I find the Colordriver a bit smoother sounding, with a nice break up and perhaps a tad roll off in the upper frequencies. A great take on the original that fits a wider range of amps and setups. See my full review of the Tru-Fi Colordriver.
Bedroom setups: yes
Gilmour tones: ObC, DSotM, WYWH, Animals, DG 78, Wall, FC
Vick Audio Overdriver
The Overdriver is based on the 18V Power Boost/Overdriver, with the addition of a master volume control for more headroom. This one sounds vintage and it has one of the creamiest fuzz tones of all the Power Boost versions I’ve played. It’s also a tad darker than most clones, making it fit a wider range of amps and bedroom setups. See my full review of the Vick Audio Overdriver.
Bedroom setups: yes
Gilmour tones: ObC, DSotM, WYWH, Animals, DG 78, Wall, FC
Effectrode Fire Bottle
The Fire Bottle is not a Power Boost clone but rather a tube pre-amp based on the front end of a classic Fender style amp. It’s more of a tool than an overdrive, similar to a compressor or EQ and should be used to enhance your tone and for adding character. Basically a pedal you want to leave on as a platform for all your tones. It does allow you to boost and drive your signal or amp and a switch provides different high end rolls offs, which can be handy on brighter amps.
Bedroom setups: yes
Gilmour tones: suitable for any tone
Chandler / BK Butler Tube Driver
The Tube Driver has been David Gilmour’s main overdrive and distortion unit since 1993 and the recording of Division Bell. Starting with two units, he would use three units on the Rattle That Lock tour. All three set up for different tones, allowing a wide palette of sounds. Either when used alone or stacked with each other.
The Tube Driver is a tube driven pre-amp that can be used to drive the front end of a tube amp or as a stand alone booster and overdrive unit. Unlike the Power Boost, which has a noticeable scooped mid range, the Tube Driver has a flat frequency range and the tube allows for a bit of compression, when driven hard.
The 90s Chandler Tube Driver is recognised by its headroom and smooth breakup. It has a bit more mid range compared to later BK versions.
The mid 2000 BK Butler Tube Driver has a slightly more open tone, with less mid range and compression compared to the Chandler.
I must admit that I have a love/hate relationship with the Tube Driver. It sounds just amazing with the right pickups and right amp but it can be very hard to dial in on other amps and typical bedroom setups. Especially when you have certain tones in mind that you want to achieve. Still, there’s something special about this pedal that non other are able to do. Whether that’s ear piercing Marshall Plexi, dark mid rangy Eric Johnson or heavenly smooth David Gilmour.
Bedroom setups: depends on the amp
Gilmour tones: Division Bell, Pulse, On an Island, Gdansk, Rattle That Lock, Pompeii 2016
Past FX TD-Y
The TD-Y is a continuation of the now discontinued Buffalo FX TD-X. By far the most authentic take on the Tube Driver, with a character that lies somewhere between the Chandler and BK models. Not as dark as the former but warmer and smoother sounding than the latter. A slightly roll off in the highs, a tiny amount of mid range and just an overall smooth breakup makes the TD-Y more versatile and easier to fit with a wider range of amps and bedroom setups. See my full review of the Past FX TD-Y.
Bedroom setups: yes
Gilmour tones: Division Bell, Pulse, On an Island, Gdansk, Rattle That Lock, Pompeii 2016
Electro Harmonix Crayon
The Crayon is no doubt based on the Tube Driver and the Chandler in particular. It has a flat frequency range, perhaps with a slight mids hump, although not nearly as much as a Tube Screamer. It’s very easy to dial in great tones regardless of what pickups or amps you use. Perhaps not as characteristic as a Tube Driver or the TDY but absolutely a worthy companion. See my full review of the Electro Harmonix Crayon.
Bedroom setups: yes
Gilmour tones: Division Bell, Pulse, On an Island, Gdansk, Rattle That Lock, Pompeii 2016
Boss BD-2
It’s impossible to go wrong with the BD2. This has been my go-to overdrive for years. Whether I need a bit of boost, crunch or tight distortion. Incredibly versatile and a perfect match for any pickups, amps and setups. The BD-2 is remarkably close to a Tube Driver, with just a hint of mid range and a classic tube amp response. The Waza version offer a bit more mid range, compression and warmth compared to the stock model. See my full review of the Boss BD2.
Bedroom setups: yes
Gilmour tones: any tone, ideally from Division Bell to present
ProCo Rat
The Rat was designed in the late 70s to capture the tone of a cranked Marshall Plexi paired with a screaming fuzz. David Gilmour would rely on his clean Hiwatt amps and fuzz and later Big Muffs but these pedals can be hard to pair with smaller and more modern amps and setups. The Rat is an excellent and versatile alternative that’s capable of anything from overdrive to fuzz. Especially on typical bedroom setups.
Bedroom setups: yes
Gilmour tones: fuzz and Big Muff tones
Tru-Fi Rat Pack
Teh Rat Pack is based on a specific Rat circuit for authentic vintage tones. It has considerably more gain than the Rat and most clones but perhaps also the creamiest and most fuzz-like character. A 3-way toggle switch allows you to chose between classic Rat, a more mellow overdrive tone and an aggressive open tone. In addition to the stunning looking box the Rat Pack is definitely one of my favourites. See my full review of the Tru-Fi Rat Pack here.
Bedroom setups: yes
Gilmour tones: fuzz and Big Muff tones
Jam Pedals Rattler
The Rattle is a faithful take on the classic Rat circuit, with a few tweaks. It has slightly less mid range and compression, making it sound less boxy and a bit brighter than the original. An incredibly versatile overdrive and distortion unit that fits any pickups, amps and setups.
Bedroom setups: yes
Gilmour tones: fuzz and Big Muff tones
Past FX Revolution
The Revolution is a continuation of the now discontinued Buffalo FX Evolution, which again is a take on the Pete Cornish G2. Sonically, the Revolution sits right between a Rat and a Big Muff, with a bit of early Marshall Plexi shining through. It’s edgy, wild and smooth all at once. An onboard contour control, allows you to dial in a bit of mid range and tailor your tone to fit any amp and setup. Looking for David Gilmour’s Live 8 tone? This is it!
Bedroom setups: yes
Gilmour tones: fuzz and Big Muff tones, Live 8 and On an Island
Did I miss something? Please use the comments field below and share your tips and recommendations!
