Pricing and availability
Average Price: $199
High-end/Boutique
$50
$176+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
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Description
Meet the Function f(x) Third Rail Dual Overdrive, a powerhouse pedal that brings versatility and depth to your guitar's sound. This dual overdrive pedal is designed to provide musicians with the ability to blend and stack two separate overdrive circuits for a wide array of tonal possibilities. Whether you're looking for a subtle boost or a full-throttle distortion, the Third Rail has you covered with its intuitive layout and flexible control options.
At the heart of this pedal lies a unique cascade feature, allowing you to route the two overdrive circuits in series for a more dynamic and rich sound. The Third Rail is equipped with independent gain and volume controls for each channel, giving you precise control over your tone. This pedal is perfect for musicians who thrive on experimentation and want to push the boundaries of their sound.
The rugged design ensures durability for both studio sessions and live performances. With true bypass switching, your signal remains clean and uncolored when the pedal is disengaged, ensuring that your guitar's natural tone shines through.
Key Features:
- Dual overdrive circuits with independent control
- Unique cascade feature for series routing
- True bypass switching for unaltered signal
- Durable construction for reliability on the road
- Versatile tonal options from subtle boost to heavy distortion
Product specs
| Brand | Function f(x) |
| Model | The Third Rail Overdrive |
| Finish | White |
| Year | 2010s |
| Categories | Overdrive and Boost Pedals |
FAQs
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What types of tones can I expect from the Function f(x) Third Rail Dual Overdrive?
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The Function f(x) Third Rail Dual Overdrive provides a wide range of tones, from subtle overdrive to more aggressive distortion. It is designed to maintain clarity and articulation, making it suitable for various genres including rock, blues, and metal.
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How does the dual overdrive feature of the Third Rail benefit my guitar setup?
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The dual overdrive feature allows you to stack two overdrive circuits, offering greater flexibility in shaping your tone. You can use each overdrive independently or combine them for a richer, more complex sound.
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Is the Function f(x) Third Rail Dual Overdrive pedal suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Third Rail is designed with live performance in mind, offering robust construction and intuitive controls. Its dual overdrive circuits provide versatile tonal options, making it a reliable choice for gigging musicians.
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Does the Third Rail Dual Overdrive work well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups?
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The Third Rail is compatible with both single-coil and humbucker pickups, delivering clear and dynamic overdrive tones regardless of your guitar's pickup configuration.
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What kind of power supply does the Function f(x) Third Rail Dual Overdrive require?
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The Function f(x) Third Rail Dual Overdrive requires a standard 9V DC power supply, which is typical for most guitar pedals. Ensure your power supply matches these specifications for optimal performance.
Videos
ProGuitarShopDemos
Function f(x) Third Rail Dual Overdrive
Reviews
PROS
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Unique circuit design, not a rehash of old circuits
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Can be used effectively as a boost for other OD pedals
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Versatile with both guitar and amp pairings
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User-friendly controls, consistently bright and crisp sound
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Complements rather than competes with other pedals on the board
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Dual drive feature offers expansive sound possibilities
CONS
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Limited product range from the manufacturer
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Function f(x) Third Rail Dual Overdrive.
Features and functionality
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The pedal includes multiple switching modes: independent sides, a flip-flop mode, and a momentary mode for dynamic live use.
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Offers clipping options and gain/bass cut switches, allowing for extensive tonal customization and versatility.
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The pedal is praised for its ability to cover a wide range of tones, from clean boosts to heavy distortion, making it highly versatile for various musical styles.
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Use cases and applications
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Shines in mid to high-gain settings, providing a unique tone that doesn't resemble typical tube screamers or Bluesbreaker sounds.
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The Function f(x) Third Rail is nearly always on for some users, blending well with other dirt pedals and enhancing their individual characteristics.
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It's noted for being effective in achieving tones reminiscent of cranked amplifiers, suitable for styles like early White Stripes and Black Keys sounds.
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User experience
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Each channel is robust on its own, prompting a desire for a single-channel version due to its strong individual performance.
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A cornerstone pedal for some, it is regarded for its transformative effect on a setup, adding distinctiveness to other effects in a chain.
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Some users have replaced the Third Rail with other overdrives not due to dissatisfaction, but to make room for new gear, highlighting its enduring quality.
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Comparisons
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Often compared to Blackout Effectors pedals for versatility, with additional mentions of its unique ability to bring out special qualities in other pedals.
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Owners transitioning to newer models like the EAE Limelight still regard the Third Rail highly, indicating its strong standing even when compared to new releases.
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Value and pricing
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The Function f(x) Third Rail is often praised for its affordability, especially since dual overdrive pedals can exceed $300, making it a cost-effective option at $200 shipped.
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Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Hi, it's Andy from ProGuitarShop and ToneReport.com and today we're harnessing the power of the Third Rail, by Function f(x). The Third Rail is a dual-channel overdrive pedal with a set of programmable footswitches to accomodate a variety of switching options. The heart and soul of the Third Rail is its dynamic NPN Transistor overdrive circuit, featuring two nearly identical drive circuits with different options on each. Channel 1 contains a Cut toggle, which is helpful for stacking both drives, as engaging both drives may add too much low-end. Channel 2 contains a Gain toggle, which switches between low and high gain, allowing for maximum stacking potential. Both channels feature a three-way Clip toggle which alters the way each channel reacts. The Third Rail's footswitch can be programmed between three modes, by holding down the left footswitch and cycling the modes with the right footswitch. Mode 1 lets players switch Channels 1 and 2 individually. Mode 2 lets players use one footswitch to toggle either 1 or 2. Mode three, the Third Rail mode, allows players to use a footswitch as a momentary switch that activates both channels at once for a blast of molten tone. Each Function f(x) pedal is hand-made in the USA with the best components money can buy.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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