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Electro-Harmonix East River Drive

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$62.00 to $81.60 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (68)

4 Critic Reviews

14 Reviews

Find out who is using Electro-Harmonix East River Drive

11 community setups

11 wishlisted

134 saved

Page last updated Jul 06, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 10 stores. Prices updated July 6, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

4.5 (48)

$81.60

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4.5 (7)

$81.60

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4.4 (184)

$81.60

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5.0 (65)

$68.23 71 available New

$42.00 27 available Used

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4.0 (23)

$81.60

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5.0 (4)

$81.60

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$81.60

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4.6 (207)

$63.00 $62.00 $1.00 · All time low

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£70.00

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$81.60

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Average Price: $74

Standard/Professional

$50

$176+

Price Tier

In the Overdrive Effects Pedals category, Electro-Harmonix East River Drive is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 7 merchants for "Electro-Harmonix East River Drive". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Experience the Electro-Harmonix East River Drive - a beast of an overdrive pedal that's as bold and unapologetic as New York City itself. Designed with symmetrical overdrive, it adds an edgy gain to your sound without compromising your tone. Whether you're looking to enhance your clean sound with a touch of grit or push your already dynamic tone to the limit, this pedal has got you covered.

Take control of your sound with Volume and Drive knobs that can take your tone from sweet melodies to searing solos. The Tone control allows you to dial in the perfect amount of bite, ensuring your sound cuts through any mix. No matter how hard you drive it, the East River Drive puts you in the driver's seat of your sound.

Constructed with a near-bulletproof design and true bypass signal path, this pedal is built to last, offering a tone that remains unflinching under any condition. Embrace the East Coast attitude and bring home the Electro-Harmonix East River Drive today.

Key Features:

Symmetrical overdrive for edge and gain without compromising tone
Volume and Drive controls for variable sound from sweet to searing
Tone control for adjustable bite and attack
True bypass design for an unaltered, clean signal path
Near-bulletproof construction for lasting durability
Powered by a 9V battery or optional AC adapter (not included)

Owner's manual

Electro-Harmonix East River Drive User Manual

Product specs

Pedal Type	Overdrive
Inputs	1 x Instrument
Outputs	1 x 1/4"
Power Source	9V DC power supply (sold separately)
Batteries	1 x 9V
Height	2"
Width	2.2"
Depth	4.3"
Weight	0.55 lbs.

FAQs

What type of overdrive does the Electro-Harmonix East River Drive provide?: The Electro-Harmonix East River Drive offers a symmetrical overdrive, known for adding edge and gain without compromising the original tone. It's designed to deliver authentic Tube Screamer-style sounds.
Is the Electro-Harmonix East River Drive suitable for use with both clean and distorted amp settings?: Yes, the East River Drive works well with both clean and distorted amp settings, enhancing the natural tone of your guitar while providing a wide range of overdrive tones.
What power supply does the Electro-Harmonix East River Drive require?: The Electro-Harmonix East River Drive requires a 9V DC power supply, which is sold separately. It can also be powered by a 9V battery.
How does the Electro-Harmonix East River Drive compare to other overdrive pedals?: The East River Drive is modeled after the classic Tube Screamer, offering similar tonal characteristics with added versatility and a bold sound, making it a popular choice among guitarists seeking vintage overdrive tones.
Can the Electro-Harmonix East River Drive be used with a bass guitar?: While primarily designed for electric guitars, the East River Drive can also be used with a bass guitar, adding a gritty edge to the bass tone without losing low-end clarity.

Videos

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EHX

Electro-Harmonix East River Drive Overdrive (EHX Pedal Demo)

EHX

Electro-Harmonix East River Drive

Prymaxe

Electro-Harmonix East River Drive Overdrive Pedal (Demo by JJ Tanis)

EHX

Electro-Harmonix East River Drive Pedal Review by Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Electro-Harmonix East River Drive Overdrive Effects Pedal Demo

Guitar Center

Electro-Harmonix East River Drive | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Was Josh Scott right about this? EHX East River Drive

Budget Pedal Chap

Electro-Harmonix EAST RIVER DRIVE Demo

MUSIMASTER TV

Reviews

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PROS

Tube Screamer style with its own unique personality
Versatile for various musical styles; great for blues, rock, country
Compatible with multiple guitar pickups and amp types
Excellent for stacking with other pedals for enhanced sound
Provides a classic, early 1970s Marshall tone with specific setups
Offers a rich, "creamy" tone that cuts through the mix
True bypass and competitive pricing
Encourages experimentation with settings for optimal tone
Visually appealing design
Durable and well-built for long-lasting use

CONS

Some users prefer clearer, more modern-sounding alternatives
Not the best overdrive for all players’ needs, despite high value
May require modding for specific tonal enhancements

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Electro-Harmonix East River Drive.

Comparisons

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The East River Drive is a TS-808 clone, offering a mid boost similar to the Boss SD-1, but with a different tonal character.
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Analogman’s involvement in design makes it superior to reissue 808s, offering better performance at half the price.
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The Way Huge Green Rhino is praised for its EQ options and output, surpassing the East River Drive in versatility.
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The Boss SD-1 Super Overdrive is preferred by some for cutting through a band mix better than the East River Drive.
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Build quality

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Notable for its loud activation button; some users find the pedal's housing and switch mechanism to be of lower quality.
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Use cases and applications

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Works well for progressive and 70s rock tones and enhances fuzz pedals beautifully, complementing the SD-1 for a varied sound palette.
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Can emulate tube amp sounds, like a Fender Blues Junior, especially when paired with an Orange Crush amp.
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The East River Drive is favored for tightening low end without sacrificing fullness, particularly in rock and metal settings.
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Value and pricing

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Can often be found for around $40, making it a low-risk purchase for those wanting to experiment with their sound.
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Demo models can be a great deal, often looking perfect with minor issues like slightly faded dial markers, yet come with original packaging and instructions.
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User experience

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Some owners have returned the pedal due to its more pronounced impact on guitar tone compared to a TS9, which might not suit all preferences.
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New users find it versatile, delivering from volume boost to heavy distortion and excelling at mid-range crunchy tube screamer sounds.
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Owners note the East River Drive features a tone knob with a narrower, more useful range, offering better resolution and control.
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It's reported that the East River Drive's low cut is less drastic, maintaining a beefy sound while controlling bass.
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Users appreciate the East River Drive for its subtle tonal adjustments, making it less touchy compared to other overdrives.
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Critic Reviews

Guitar Overdrive Pedal Shootout: Electro-Harmonix East River Drive Review

adamharkus.com

The Electro-Harmonix East River Drive offers a budget-friendly, U.S.-made alternative to the Ibanez Tubescreamer, boasting solid build quality and a warm, clear tone. It's praised for its dynamic, transparent sound, perfect for low-medium gain overdrive, making it a standout in its class. However, its lack of higher gain and poor compatibility with boost pedals limit its versatility, leading to dissatisfaction in live settings where more power and clarity are needed. A great pedal for specific applications, but not for everyone.

neutral

Full Review

Electro-Harmonix East River Drive Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Electro-Harmonix East River Drive emerges as a standout in the crowded Tube Screamer market, offering authentic TS-style tones at a remarkably low price. Praised for its responsiveness to guitar volume and smooth integration with amps, it delivers vintage TS-808 vibes with a slight midrange mellowness. While some high-mid tones can sound scratchy with chords, its compact design and road-ready build make it a steal for its price. Ideal for both leads and rhythm, it excels at providing classic rock tones. Despite minor tonal gaps, it’s a compelling choice for budget-conscious guitarists.

positive

Full Review

East River Drive Review: This is, in case you're not aware, a TS808 clone, and... | Electro-Harmonix | Guitar Effects | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The Electro-Harmonix East River Drive offers a natural, sweet overdrive reminiscent of the TS808, providing a solid sustain boost and a pleasing crunch. It impresses with its metal durability and decent sound quality, especially for its affordable price. However, it lacks significant volume boost and can unbrighten tones, which may require adjustments. While it doesn't complement overdriven amps well, it excels in clean settings, making it a great choice for smooth, mild overdrive needs. Overall, it's a superb budget-friendly option for those seeking a classic overdrive experience without breaking the bank.

positive

Full Review

Electro-Harmonix East River Drive review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Electro-Harmonix's East River Drive delivers natural overdrive tones with its JRC4558 chip, a staple in iconic pedals like the Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer. This pedal offers a unique take, providing a smooth overdrive sound from a gentle breakup to a medium raunch. While it closely resembles the TS-808, it lacks some midrange hump, making it an excellent option for musicians seeking a transparent overdrive. Priced affordably, it's a great buy for those wanting to add dirt to a clean amp or further drive a distorted one. However, it's advisable to test it before replacing your current Tube Screamer.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 14 Reviews and 68 Ratings

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eric_b_wood

776

almost 10 years ago

great TS clone!

This is now one of my fave pedals...I tend to leave it on constantly with minimal drive and it just makes everything sound better! Also hands-down one of my favorite pedal designs, especially now that I live next to the empire state building...