The Reuss Ecstatic Overdrive is based on the coveted 1990s Marshall BluesBreaker mk I pedal, with the popular KoT modifications and all the vintage new old stock ‘mojo’ semiconductors parts that goes with it. Handmade in Europe with no waiting list.
It’s a great sounding pedal that offer a relatively transparent and dynamic overdrive effect with a slight high-mids boost. Compared to a classic tube screamer type of overdrive, this one is brighter, clearer and punchier. It shines and sparkles at lower drive levels, and gives some killer crunch-tones at modest drive settings. Less compression and more low-end. Turning the drive control way up gives a sharp, gritty overdrive sound, which makes me think of Noel Gallagher with Oasis.
The Ecstatic Overdrive can be pre-set to two different drive modes – or to a great sounding clean boost effect - via internal 'DIP' switches. The pedal stacks very well with other pedals, and works magnificently as a second gear to a classic overdrive/tube screamer-type pedal like the above examples - Or with itself, so buying two pieces is not a bad idea at all. Then you will become king of tone ;-)
I recommend using the 'DRIVE' setting for at-the-verge-of-break-up tones, where it adds a wonderful sparkle to your tone. The difference between the drive and distortion modes is subtle. Generally, the pedal sounds best in 'DRIVE' mode, though for higher overdrive levels, the 'DIST' settings can shine too. It's all subjective and a matter of taste. The pedal ships in 'DRIVE' mode.
The overall brightness of ther pedal can be adjusted at a presence trimmer inside the pedal.
The Ecstatic Overdrive is made with genuine vintage new old stock Panasonic MA856 diodes in the clipping section of the DRIVE circuit. These are incredibly rare parts, and there's four in each pedal. I have parts to build 40 pedals, and when they're done, it's highly unlikely I will be able to do more with these diodes in it. My old source of parts have dried out, and I havn't succeeded in finding a new one. MA856s seems to be gone from the face of the Earth. So get an Ecstatic Overdrive with the original specs. while you can. It's the real deal!