Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $174
Standard/Professional
$50
$176+
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Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Fulltone Full Drive 3". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Fulltone Full Drive 3 Overdrive Effects Pedal
Experience the magic of the Fulltone Full Drive 3, a versatile overdrive pedal that offers a rich, tube-like response for your guitar. This pedal is driven by a JFET input and JFET op-amp, delivering a sound that's as close to the natural overdrive of a tube amplifier as you can get in a compact effects pedal.
The Fulltone Full Drive 3 features an Order switch that allows you to place the Boost either before or after the Overdrive section, opening up a whole new world of tonal options. The three different voicings provide a wide range of sound from classic smooth, symmetrical clipping to contemporary Class A-style even harmonic overtones, and an aggressive Comp-Cut setting that bypasses diode clipping for a pure, powerful op-amp overdrive.
The independent, discrete JFET Clean Boost with its own volume control is a particularly noteworthy feature, giving you the ability to hit the front end of your tube amp just right and always be at the perfect volume. The added germanium-diode "Limiting" function eliminates annoying spikes, ensuring a smooth, gorgeous sound every time you play.
Key Features:
- Driven by a JFET op-amp and JFET input for incredibly dynamic tube-like saturation
- Order switch gives you tons of tone-shaping control
- Choice of '90s FD2, Wide Asymmetrical, or Comp-Cut voicings
- Independent, discrete JFET Clean Boost gives you added versatility
- Housing is roughly 20% smaller than the original pedal
Product specs
| Brand | Fulltone |
| Model | Full Drive 3 |
| Finish | Carbon |
| Year | 2010s |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Distortion Pedals, Overdrive and Boost Pedals |
FAQs
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What type of overdrive circuit does the Fulltone Full Drive 3 use?
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The Fulltone Full Drive 3 uses a JFET op-amp and JFET input for dynamic, tube-like saturation, offering a rich overdrive experience.
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Can the Fulltone Full Drive 3 be used as a standalone boost pedal?
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Yes, the Fulltone Full Drive 3 includes a separate boost function, allowing it to be used independently for clean boosts or in conjunction with the overdrive section.
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Is the Fulltone Full Drive 3 suitable for both rhythm and lead guitar playing?
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Absolutely, the Fulltone Full Drive 3's dynamic range and separate boost function make it versatile for both rhythm and lead guitar applications.
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Does the Fulltone Full Drive 3 work well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups?
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Yes, the Fulltone Full Drive 3 is designed to complement both single-coil and humbucker pickups, providing a balanced and dynamic overdrive tone.
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What power supply does the Fulltone Full Drive 3 require?
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The Fulltone Full Drive 3 requires a standard 9V DC power supply for operation, making it compatible with most pedalboard power setups.
Videos
Sweetwater
Fulltone Fulldrive 3 Overdrive Pedal Review - Sweetwater Sound
Reviews
PROS
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Versatile tones, perfect for blues and rock
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Independent boost function enhances utility
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Smooth and compressed overdrive options
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Dynamic control with the dynamics knob
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Does not alter guitar signal tone with boost
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Compressor in boost perfect for solos
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Three distinct modes for varied sounds
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Clean and detailed boost tone
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Solid construction and durable
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Can be used with other overdrives for stacking
CONS
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Hard-clicking power buttons with unpleasant sound
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Mid-focused overdrive may not suit dark amps/guitars
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Requires additional EQ for more high-end tones
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Lowest setting still considered 'medium overdrive'
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Generates buzz sound on overdrive side without boost
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Dark tone; lacks treble until very high settings
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fulltone Full Drive 3.
Features and functionality
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The Full Drive 3 offers different clipping options and pedal sequence switching, providing versatile tonal shaping beyond the typical screamer and boost setup.
Source
User experience
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Owners often use the wide-asymmetrical clipping mode with the boost activated, indicating a preference for this configuration for robust sound.
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Full Drive 3's overdrive side has been described as 'very dark,' with some users needing to max out the tone knob for brighter sounds with bright guitars like an SG with P90s.
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Comparisons
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While similar to a tube screamer, the Full Drive 3 is likened to a variant, much like a Morning Glory is to a Bluesbreaker.
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The Keeley Tone Workstation is suggested as a flexible alternative, incorporating a compressor, switchable boost, and Keeley Red Dirt for varied tones.
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Users find the Full Drive 3 darker sounding than the Full Drive 2 MOSFET, which is noted for its brighter tone and can be purchased cheaply used.
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Use cases and applications
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The boost side of the pedal is frequently left on, highlighting its effectiveness as a constant tone enhancer in live settings.
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Build quality
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Full Drive 3 is notably heavy for its size, suggesting robust construction; feels substantially weightier compared to other pedals of similar dimensions.
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Value and pricing
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Due to past controversies, Full Drive 3 can be found at significantly reduced prices on the secondhand market, with B-stock models offering the most value.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 5 Reviews and 24 Ratings
120
Amazing Overdrive, just not the one for me.
This is a really good overdrive. The pedal is really solid and very well worth the money if you like the tone. It didn't work for me because,
- the pedal has a really dark tone. treble on the tone control isn't really present until 4-5 o'clock.
- there was a really bad "buzz" sound that appears when you turn on the overdrive side of the pedal, but disappears when you click on the boost side and turn it all the way down. I understand that that is the regular operation of the pedal, which is sad because the buzz is so present and always there, no matter what position the drive & tone knobs are.
As I said in the title, it's a great overdrive if you know how to dial it in properly to fit your rig. Sadly it didn't work for me.
156
Never sell it
I had one, sold it, then had to buy another. Tells you the whole story! There’s not enough said about the Comp Cut mode, especially using the limiter/boost switch to goose the signal going in to it. Fantastic pedal.
128
Super solid!
This won't blow you away or anything...but it is super solid. Pretty versatile--a definite upgrade to the FD2, which I have also owned in the past.
Artist usage
Add artist
In this Premier Guitar Rig Rundown, James Valentine shows us his Fulltone Full Drive 3.
In an Instagram video shared by the official Los Bunkers account, Francisco Durán is seen discussing and showcasing the equipment he is using for the "Ven Aquí" tour, including the Fulltone Full Drive 3 overdrive pedal.
Taylor Madison uses the Fulltone Full Drive 3 for their main distortion/overdrive sound (for the band Webbed Wing) , as evidenced by an image on Instagram.
In an Instagram video by @losbunkersoficial, Álvaro López demonstrates all his pedals used during the "Ven Aquí" tour 2023-2024, including the Fulltone Full Drive 3.
Zac Sokolow is confirmed to use the Fulltone Full Drive 3, which he primarily utilizes for achieving a louder, overdriven tone, as evidenced by the image provided.
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 Fulltone Full Drive 3, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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