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Description

The Dumble 1980s Dumble Overdrive Special Amp is more than just an amplifier; it's a piece of musical history with an unparalleled reputation. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail by the legendary Howard Alexander Dumble in California, this amp stands as a testament to timeless craftsmanship and sonic excellence. Known for its incredibly smooth overdrive and responsive touch sensitivity, this amp has been the secret weapon behind the tones of icons like Carlos Santana, John Mayer, and Larry Carlton.

What sets the Dumble Overdrive Special apart is its exclusive and limited production, making it not just an amplifier but a collector's dream. Each unit is hand-built, ensuring that every component is perfectly matched to deliver the rich, harmonic tones that Dumble amps are celebrated for. Musicians cherish this amp for its ability to produce a warm, dynamic sound that can seamlessly transition from clean to a creamy overdrive, offering an unmatched playing experience that enhances every note.

The Dumble Overdrive Special is not only an amplifier but a community of sound, a shared experience among musicians who value the pure artistry of their craft. Whether you're playing in a small club or a large venue, this amp ensures your guitar's voice is heard with clarity and depth.

Key Features:

  • Hand-built in California by Howard Alexander Dumble
  • Renowned for its smooth overdrive and touch sensitivity
  • Limited production, highly collectible
  • Used by legendary artists like Carlos Santana and John Mayer
  • Warm, dynamic sound with seamless transition from clean to overdrive

Product specs

Brand Dumble
Model Overdrive Special
Finish Brown
Year 1977
Categories Guitar Combo Amps
Direct Output No Direct Output
Electronics Tube
Number of Channels 1 Channel
Number of Inputs 2 Inputs
Reverb None

FAQs

What is the tonal characteristic of the Dumble Overdrive Special Amp?

The Dumble Overdrive Special Amp is renowned for its smooth, dynamic overdrive and rich harmonic content, often described as having a creamy, singing quality. It's highly responsive to a player's touch, making it ideal for expressive playing styles.

Is the Dumble Overdrive Special suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Dumble Overdrive Special is well-suited for live performances, offering a powerful and versatile tone that can cut through a mix. Its single-channel design provides simplicity, while its tube electronics ensure a warm, natural sound.

Does the Dumble Overdrive Special Amp include reverb?

No, the Dumble Overdrive Special Amp does not include built-in reverb. Its design focuses on delivering a pure overdrive tone without additional effects, allowing players to use external reverb units if desired.

How many inputs does the Dumble Overdrive Special have?

The Dumble Overdrive Special Amp features two inputs, allowing for multiple guitars or different input configurations to be used during a performance or recording session.

What type of electronics does the Dumble Overdrive Special use?

The Dumble Overdrive Special Amp utilizes tube electronics, which contribute to its warm, responsive sound and dynamic overdrive characteristics, favored by many professional musicians for their tonal richness.

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1980s Dumble Overdrive Special

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Emerald City Guitars

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"Pick of the Day" - 1960 Gibson Les Paul and Dumble Overdrive Special

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Dream Guitars - 1980s Dumble Overdrive Special Amplifier

Dream Guitars

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Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Dumble 1980s Dumble Overdrive Special Amp.

Build quality

  • Dumble amps have unique circuit boards encased in epoxy, making repairs difficult, especially when components fail and need replacement.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Overdrive Special is noted for its mid-focused tone, ideal for blues-rock genres, offering responsive dynamics and touch sensitivity.

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User experience

  • Owners report the amp's responsiveness to pick dynamics, behaving differently for each player, even with the same guitar and pick.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Dumble circuits, like those in the Overdrive Special, have been successfully replicated by users in amps such as the Bludotone and Fuchs, offering similar tonal qualities at a more accessible price.

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Comparisons

  • Despite similarities to Fender circuits, Dumble amps possess unique tonal characteristics and dynamic response, distinguishing them from standard Fender models.

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Value and pricing

  • Dumble amps are highly collectible due to their rarity and association with famous musicians, driving prices into six figures on the used market.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Under the microscope: Dumble Overdrive Special | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Dumble Overdrive Special Amp is revered as the "Holy Grail" of tone, offering unmatched clarity and power that has captivated guitar legends like Robben Ford. Its unique, muscular sound encourages a more dynamic playing style, making it hard for users to switch to other amps. However, its exclusivity and staggering price—exceeding £100,000—keep it out of reach for most musicians. Though alternatives like Bludotone and Two-Rock exist, they fall short of capturing the full essence of a Dumble, leaving many musicians yearning for the real deal.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Robben Ford uses Dumble 1980s Dumble Overdrive Special Amp

Robben Ford

Guitarist, Composer

Yellowjackets

...
Verified via Premierguitar

Since 1983, Ford’s main amp has been a Dumble Overdrive Special, serial number 002, which Alexander Dumble made for him that year. (Serial 001 is Dumble’s personal amp.) Ford keeps this sweet baby safe by plugging it into a variable voltage regulator. He runs this Overdrive Special through a Dumble 2x12 cabinet that was actually made for his second Dumble head. The cabinet houses a pair of Celestion G12-65 8-ohm speakers.

See how Keith Urban uses Dumble 1980s Dumble Overdrive Special Amp

Keith Urban

Guitarist, Bassist

Artists of Then, Now & Forever

...
Verified via YouTube

Chris Miller, Keith's guitar tech shows us Keith's Dumble Overdrive Special Amp at 30:46 of this "Rig Rundown" with Premier Guitar. Chris says about this amp "It’s an amazing sounding amp and just uh it’s not, Dumbles are so specific."

See how Tom Verlaine uses Dumble 1980s Dumble Overdrive Special Amp

Tom Verlaine

Guitarist

Television

...
Verified via Photo

In this image, we see Verlaine's Overdrive Special in the background (one has to look somewhat closely to see the "SPECIAL" across the faceplate).

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Dumble 1980s Dumble Overdrive Special Amp, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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