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Average Price: $163

Standard/Professional

$80

$181+

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Budget

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High-end

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Description

Unleash your inner rock beast with the E.W.S. Brute Drive, a compact powerhouse of tonal versatility that easily fits into any pedalboard setup. This pedal combines a svelte aluminum chassis with a straightforward three-knob layout, making it a favorite for guitarists seeking both simplicity and powerful sound. The Brute Drive is your ticket to a wide range of distortion styles—from nuanced overdrive to thick, silicon-based distortion—perfect for genres like metal, sludge, and garage rock.

The added boost switch is a game-changer, offering an instant 10dB lift that can cut through any mix with ease. Whether you're shredding solos or laying down thunderous riffs, the Brute Drive ensures your sound remains clear and punchy. Built with durability in mind, this pedal is ready to withstand the rigors of both practice sessions and live performances. Dive into a world of gritty tones and discover why the E.W.S. Brute Drive is a must-have for any serious guitarist.

Key Features:

  • Compact aluminum chassis for easy pedalboard integration
  • Three-knob layout for intuitive control
  • Instant 10dB boost switch
  • Versatile distortion range from overdrive to silicon-based tones
  • Ideal for metal, sludge, and garage rock genres
  • Rugged design for durability in various settings

Product specs

Brand E.W.S.
Model Brute Drive
Finish Graphic
Year 2010s
Made In Japan
Categories Overdrive and Boost Pedals

FAQs

What type of distortion can I expect from the E.W.S. Brute Drive pedal?

The E.W.S. Brute Drive delivers a powerful and dynamic distortion sound that is suitable for rock and metal genres, offering a wide range of gain from subtle overdrive to aggressive distortion.

Does the E.W.S. Brute Drive work well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups?

Yes, the E.W.S. Brute Drive is designed to perform well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups, providing clear and responsive distortion tones regardless of your guitar's pickup configuration.

Is the E.W.S. Brute Drive pedal true bypass?

Yes, the E.W.S. Brute Drive features true bypass switching, ensuring that your guitar's tone remains unaffected when the pedal is not engaged.

What power supply is required for the E.W.S. Brute Drive?

The E.W.S. Brute Drive requires a standard 9V DC power supply, which is commonly used for guitar pedals, or it can be powered by a 9V battery.

How does the E.W.S. Brute Drive compare to other overdrive pedals?

The E.W.S. Brute Drive stands out with its robust build and ability to produce a range of distortion tones, from mild overdrive to heavy distortion, offering versatility for various playing styles.

Mike Hermans

Mike Hermans

E.W.S. Brute Drive

Video thumbnail for E.W.S.  Brute Drive by Mike Hermans

E.W.S. Brute Drive

Mike Hermans

Mike Hermans

Video thumbnail for EWS Brute Drive BD-1 Distortion Pedal by intheblues

EWS Brute Drive BD-1 Distortion Pedal

intheblues

intheblues

Video thumbnail for EWS Brute Drive by Lance Keltner Music

EWS Brute Drive

Lance Keltner Music

Lance Keltner Music

Video thumbnail for Klon KTR vs EWS Brute Drive vs Fulltone Plimsoul by intheblues

Klon KTR vs EWS Brute Drive vs Fulltone Plimsoul

intheblues

intheblues

Video thumbnail for Jeff Richman with EWS Brute Drive (Part1) by Xotic Video

Jeff Richman with EWS Brute Drive (Part1)

Xotic Video

Xotic Video

Video thumbnail for EWS Brute Drive by N Stuff Music

EWS Brute Drive

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for EWS Brute Drive BD-1 Distortion Pedal (High Gain Demo) by intheblues

EWS Brute Drive BD-1 Distortion Pedal (High Gain Demo)

intheblues

intheblues

Video thumbnail for EWS Brute Drive in 100 Seconds by docSanchezFX

EWS Brute Drive in 100 Seconds

docSanchezFX

docSanchezFX

Reviews

Critic Reviews

E.W.S. BD-1 Brute Drive Distortion Pedal Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The E.W.S. BD-1 Brute Drive is a compact distortion pedal that impresses with its smooth, tube-like rock and blues tones. Its standout feature is a low-mid Boost switch, perfect for adding depth to solos, though adjusting it requires opening the case. The pedal excels with natural, creamy distortion but isn't tailored for metal enthusiasts. While its internal Boost setting might frustrate some, the Brute Drive shines in delivering classic and hard rock sounds with clarity, outperforming traditional options like the Boss DS-1. If you're after dynamic range and a quality build, this pedal is a solid choice.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Eric Gales uses EWS Brute Drive

Eric Gales

Guitarist

Pinnick Gales Pridgen

...
Verified via Guitarplayer

In the ninth paragraph of this 2014 interview with Guitar Player Magazine, Eric says "My main booster is my signature edition of the E.W.S. Brute Drive, which is kind of midway between an overdrive and a fuzz, and sounds edgy without being acidic or having too much high end. It gives me great, smooth sustain without breaking up very much. I keep the Brute on most of the time. I set the Volume control around 12 o’clock, Gain at about 5 o’clock, and Tone around 10 o’clock."

See how Christone Kingfish Ingram uses EWS Brute Drive

Christone Kingfish Ingram

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Pedal appears in his Instagram

See how Nili Brosh uses EWS Brute Drive

Nili Brosh

Guitarist, Music Producer

Dethklok

...
Verified via Instagram

In an Instagram post, Nili Brosh is seen using an EWS Brute Drive pedal, as evidenced by the caption and accompanying image.

See how Chris Impellitteri uses EWS Brute Drive

Chris Impellitteri

Guitarist, Composer

アニメタルUSA

...
Verified via Photo

The pedal is seen in his Instragram pedal board photo.

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 EWS Brute Drive, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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