Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Guitar Center
4.0 (1)
$279.00
Amazon
4.2 (4)
Used
Reverb
5.0 (4)
$142.10 New
$77.99 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (2)
$279.00

Average Price: $211

High-end/Boutique

$60

$151+

Price Tier

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Carl Martin Hot Drive 'N Boost mk 3 Pedal". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Elevate your guitar tones with the Carl Martin Hot Drive 'N Boost mk 3 Pedal, a gem in the realm of guitar pedals designed to enrich your musical journey with authentic, tube-like overdrive. Crafted for musicians who yearn for the sound of a finely-tuned boutique tube amp, this pedal stands out by maintaining the integrity of your fundamental tone without imposing unnecessary coloration. Whether you're sculpting your sound in the studio or delivering electrifying performances on stage, the Hot Drive 'N Boost mk 3 offers unparalleled control over your sonic landscape. With its intuitive interface featuring Boost, Level, Wave, and Gain rotary knobs, alongside Boost and Drive switches, creating your signature sound has never been more seamless. Experience the thrill of a 20dB boost that ensures your solos cut through the mix with clarity and impact. Proudly hand-built in Denmark, this pedal is not just a tool but a testament to superior craftsmanship and sonic excellence. Dive into the world of refined overdrive that only the Carl Martin Hot Drive 'N Boost mk 3 Pedal can provide.

Key Features:

  • Completely new overdrive design for authentic tube simulating overdrive
  • Maintains fundamental tone without midrange emphasis or high/low-end cut
  • Equipped with Boost, Level, Wave, and Gain rotary knobs for precise sound shaping
  • Boost and Drive switches for easy activation and fine-tuning of your sound
  • Up to a 20dB boost for enhanced solo presence and punch
  • Built-in power supply for clean signal path
  • Hand-built in Denmark, ensuring superior craftsmanship

Product specs

Brand Carl Martin
Model Hot Drive 'N Boost mkIII
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Made In Denmark
Categories Overdrive and Boost Pedals

FAQs

What makes the Carl Martin Hot Drive 'N Boost mk 3 Pedal unique compared to other boost pedals?

The Carl Martin Hot Drive 'N Boost mk 3 features a completely new overdrive design that mimics a boutique tube amp sound without altering your core tone, offering up to a 20dB boost with no midrange emphasis or frequency cuts.

Does the Carl Martin Hot Drive 'N Boost mk 3 Pedal include a power supply?

Yes, the Carl Martin Hot Drive 'N Boost mk 3 Pedal comes with a built-in power supply, eliminating the need for external power adapters.

Can the Carl Martin Hot Drive 'N Boost mk 3 Pedal be used for both overdrive and clean boost?

Absolutely, this pedal is designed to provide both overdrive and clean boost functions, allowing you to switch between enhanced drive tones and a clean volume boost seamlessly.

Is the Carl Martin Hot Drive 'N Boost mk 3 Pedal suitable for live performances?

Yes, with its robust build and versatile sound options, the Carl Martin Hot Drive 'N Boost mk 3 Pedal is well-suited for live performances, offering reliable performance and dynamic control on stage.

How does the Carl Martin Hot Drive 'N Boost mk 3 Pedal affect the tone of my guitar?

This pedal is designed to enhance your sound with a tube amp-like overdrive, maintaining your guitar's fundamental tone without midrange or frequency cuts, ensuring a natural and dynamic sound.

Iga Massardi

Iga Massardi

Carl Martin - Hot Drive n Boost MK3

Video thumbnail for Carl Martin - Hot Drive n Boost MK3 by Iga Massardi

Carl Martin - Hot Drive n Boost MK3

Iga Massardi

Iga Massardi

Video thumbnail for Carl Martin Hot Drive'N Boost MK3 by Alberto Barrero

Carl Martin Hot Drive'N Boost MK3

Alberto Barrero

Alberto Barrero

Video thumbnail for Hot Drive´n Boost MK3 by Pedalmakers

Hot Drive´n Boost MK3

Pedalmakers

Pedalmakers

Video thumbnail for Carl Martin Hot Drive'n Boost Mk3 - Overdrive and Boost Pedal by EytschPi42

Carl Martin Hot Drive'n Boost Mk3 - Overdrive and Boost Pedal

EytschPi42

EytschPi42

Video thumbnail for Carl Martin - Hot Drive'N Boost mk3 by Pedals Fusion

Carl Martin - Hot Drive'N Boost mk3

Pedals Fusion

Pedals Fusion

Video thumbnail for Carl Martin were right about this pedal! Hot Drive'n Boost MK3 by The Tone Lounge

Carl Martin were right about this pedal! Hot Drive'n Boost MK3

The Tone Lounge

The Tone Lounge

Video thumbnail for Carl Martin - Hot Drive'n Boost MK3 by Alan Iarussi

Carl Martin - Hot Drive'n Boost MK3

Alan Iarussi

Alan Iarussi

Reviews

PROS

  • Transparent gain with no mid hump or loss of low end

  • Independent adjustable boost adds articulation and crunch

  • Dead silent operation, no noise even at high gain settings

  • Versatile sound from subtle overtones to full growl

  • High headroom and good options for boosts

  • Compatible with various guitars, including Les Paul and Telecaster

  • Excellent wave control allows tailored tonal adjustments

  • Natural tube-like sound with rich character

  • Great for blues, rock, and classic rock tones

  • Beautifully built and reliable, made in Denmark

CONS

  • Can be noisy with certain setups, especially at higher boost levels

  • Not ideal for metal or extremely high-gain requirements

  • Requires a dedicated power source for optimal performance

  • May not suit single coil guitars as well as humbuckers

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Carl Martin Hot Drive 'N Boost mk 3 Pedal.

Features and functionality

  • The pedal excels with clean amps, offering a tube-like overdrive sound, though lacking true tube compression.

    Source
  • The pedal initially comes with a hardwired power cord designed for 100V 50/60Hz, complicating international use without a converter.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users find the pedal somewhat cumbersome to fit on a pedalboard due to its size.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Converting the pedal to accept a standard 9V input requires a DC/DC converter due to its internal +/- 12V operation.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Carl Martin Hot Drive'n Boost Mk 3 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Carl Martin Hot Drive 'N Boost Mk 3 pedal is a standout in the overdrive category, praised for its valve-like tones that are exceptional at this price point. It's designed to emulate the nuanced drive of an all-valve amp, making it ideal for blues and rock guitarists seeking authentic sound. The pedal offers versatility with features like a boost function that adds up to 22dB, enhancing solos or drive. However, it falls short for extreme metal enthusiasts, as it doesn't deliver the aggressive tones required for those genres.

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4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Johnny Marr uses Carl Martin Hot Drive 'N Boost mk 3 Pedal

Johnny Marr

Singer, Guitarist

Modest Mouse

...
Verified via Photo

This image taken from Johnny's Instagram profile shows one of his pedal boards, on which the Hot Drive 'n Boost is visible (note the Mark 3 designation along the bottom of the pedal).

See how Aoi uses Carl Martin Hot Drive 'N Boost mk 3 Pedal

Aoi

Guitarist

the GazettE

...
Verified via Photobucket

Aoi is shown using the Carl Martin Hot Drive 'N Boost mk 3 Pedal in a Japanese magazine featured on Photobucket.

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 Carl Martin Hot Drive 'N Boost mk 3 Pedal, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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