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Average Price: $70

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Description

The DOD FX55 Distortion pedal is a staple for guitarists seeking to add a classic crunch to their sound. First introduced in the 1980s, this pedal has earned its place in the pedalboards of many due to its straightforward design and robust sound capabilities. Its three-knob layout offers precise control over Level, Tone, and Gain, allowing musicians to shape their distortion from a subtle drive to an aggressive roar.

Renowned for its versatile performance, the FX55 is suitable for a wide range of musical genres, from blues to metal. It is built with high-quality components that ensure durability and consistent sound quality. The pedal’s compact design makes it a convenient addition to any setup, whether you are practicing at home or performing on stage. For those looking to maintain a vintage sound or add a new edge to their tone, the DOD FX55 Distortion delivers with reliability and clarity.

Key Features:

  • Three-knob layout for easy control over Level, Tone, and Gain
  • Versatile sound suitable for various music genres
  • Durable construction with high-quality components
  • Compact design for easy integration into any pedalboard
  • Classic distortion sound reminiscent of the 1980s rock era

Product specs

Brand DOD
Model Distortion FX55
Finish Red
Year 1982 - 1985
Made In United States
Categories Distortion Pedals

FAQs

What type of sound can I expect from the DOD FX55 Distortion pedal?

The DOD FX55 Distortion pedal offers a classic, aggressive distortion tone with a pronounced midrange, making it suitable for rock and hard rock genres. It provides a raw, gritty sound that cuts through the mix effectively.

Is the DOD FX55 Distortion pedal suitable for both rhythm and lead guitar parts?

Yes, the DOD FX55 is versatile enough to handle both rhythm and lead guitar parts, providing thick, saturated tones for power chords and a singing sustain for solos.

Can the DOD FX55 Distortion pedal be used with a bass guitar?

While primarily designed for electric guitar, the DOD FX55 can be used with a bass guitar, though it may result in some loss of low-end frequencies. Bassists seeking a more tailored distortion might consider bass-specific pedals.

What power supply does the DOD FX55 Distortion pedal require?

The DOD FX55 Distortion pedal operates on a 9-volt battery or a compatible 9V DC power adapter, which is standard for many guitar pedals.

How does the DOD FX55 Distortion pedal differ from overdrive pedals?

The DOD FX55 provides a more intense, saturated distortion compared to overdrive pedals, which typically offer a milder, more transparent boost to your signal. This makes the FX55 ideal for heavier music styles.

ThePeaveyGeneration

ThePeaveyGeneration

DOD FX55 Distortion (Vintage 1984)

Video thumbnail for DOD FX55 Distortion (Vintage 1984) by ThePeaveyGeneration

DOD FX55 Distortion (Vintage 1984)

ThePeaveyGeneration

ThePeaveyGeneration

Video thumbnail for DOD FX55 Distortion by TheSuperFunAwesomeHappyTimePedalShow

DOD FX55 Distortion

TheSuperFunAwesomeHappyTimePedalShow

TheSuperFunAwesomeHappyTimePedalShow

Video thumbnail for Old School Static... DOD FX55 Distortion, Guitar Pedal Review, Reid's Reviews by Reid's Reviews

Old School Static... DOD FX55 Distortion, Guitar Pedal Review, Reid's Reviews

Reid's Reviews

Reid's Reviews

Video thumbnail for DOD FX55 Distortion Demo by Monarch Musical Devices

DOD FX55 Distortion Demo

Monarch Musical Devices

Monarch Musical Devices

Video thumbnail for DOD FX55 Distortion Demo with Pete's Pedals Mods and Upgrades by Pete's Pedals

DOD FX55 Distortion Demo with Pete's Pedals Mods and Upgrades

Pete's Pedals

Pete's Pedals

Reviews

PROS

  • Durable construction, built like an M-1 tank

  • Unique, bright OD/distortion sounds that cut well in a mix

  • Versatile with both humbuckers and single coils

  • Can be used as a clean boost for guitar or bass

  • Stacks pleasantly with other pedals

  • Provides distinct 80s rock distortion tones

  • Affordable for collectors and enthusiasts

CONS

  • Original version has a quirky microswitch, prone to issues

  • Prone to losing battery compartment cover

  • Sound described as dry and lacking character by some

  • No tone knob for sound shaping

  • Requires an uncommon power supply connection

  • Some units have crackle in the volume pot

  • Distortion may be considered tame by modern standards

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about DOD FX55 Distortion.

Use cases and applications

  • Works surprisingly well with bass guitars, offering a distinct sound that some bass players appreciate.

    Source
  • Can be effective for doom and sludge metal, yet cleans up well to function as an overdrive.

    Source

User experience

  • Many owners received their Supra Distortion as a hand-me-down, highlighting its role as a nostalgic entry-level pedal.

    Source
  • Often remembered as a first pedal, though early on users struggled to achieve desirable tones, likely due to lack of experience.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Known for having a distinctively sharp, shrill tone that polarizes users; some find it unique, others off-putting.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The FX55C can be modified with a daughter board and dual pot for an "HM-2" style overhaul, though interior space may be limited.

    Source
  • Changing the soft clipping diodes and adjusting the R/C networks can alter the clipping frequency for diverse tonal options.

    Source
  • The tone control features a fixed bass boost and variable treble boost, which can be modified using the Vox model in the Tone Stack Calculator.

    Source
  • Two versions of the FX55C exist, with different component values, affecting mod compatibility and results.

    Source
  • A potentially risky mod involves soldering a .01uF cap from leg 1 to R36, possibly creating a positive feedback loop on the op-amp.

    Source
Add

3.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 2 Ratings

5 star
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1 star
kelvin_swalsh

A pleasant surprise of 80’s/90’s raunch.

Really nice OD/distortion sounds that border on fuzz minus the boominess. Bright. Cuts well in a mix. No tone knob, but to my ears it almost seems like the gain maxes out around 2-3 o’clock, and between 3-6 you just get more high end to taste. It reminds me a bit of the Red Llama side of my Camel toe pedal. Similar fizz to it. Stacks very pleasantly with the Greer Amp lightspeed. It was a gift and I’d love to get it on my board, but the power supply won’t play with the weird Atari plug it needs. So far decent battery life, but I’ll fuck that up by forgetting to unplug it soon enough. I’d love a modern version of the same thing.

jimmarchi1

a gainier od250

these are really hard to find. They sound great.... mean 80s rock distortion. Bright! Imagien a gain boosted OD250. Capable of randy Rhodes tones in front of a marshall... approximates the Edge's War tones in front of an AC30 top boost. Overall a very rusty and clangy distortion into a clean amp but with a whole other character into an amp that's about break up. tame by modern standards. Only things like it I can think of are the SD9 and of course the OD250. Kissing cousins. Shitty switch, minijack for power, ltos of drawbacks that would keep it off a pedalboard. This is true of all the old DOD effects. Even the ones with regular switches have the EHX type minijack if they even have a 9v input!

Artist usage

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See how carter c uses DOD FX55 Distortion

carter c

Drummer, Music Producer

Iridal

...
Verified via Photo

seen in this picture of carter c's pedalboard

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 DOD FX55 Distortion, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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