This page about Great Eastern FX Co. Small Speaker Overdrive is a stub. You can help improve it:

Pricing and availability

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The SMALL SPEAKER OVERDRIVE (SSO) is a low-gain overdrive inspired by classic small-amp-in-the-studio tones, from Steve Cropper to Eric Clapton, Duane Allman and Joe Walsh. The SSO's discrete transistor circuit offers outstanding dynamics, with full control of breakup from just your fingers or the guitar’s volume knob. With gain set low, the SSO can be used as a boost, preamp and tone-shaper, with an uncanny ability to open up the sound of your guitar. Driven hard, it mimics the punchy tone and mid-range ‘honk’ of a simple Class-A amp circuit driving a small speaker. It's an open secret that some of the greatest guitar tones of all time were recorded using surprisingly small amps. While "student-model" combos like the famous tweed Champ were never really designed for professional use, recording engineers long ago discovered that these small amps are dynamite in the studio. In front of a microphone, the low-end roll-off and focused mids you get from a smaller speaker become a distinct advantage. Combined with the dynamic break-up of a simple Class-A amp circuit, this characteristic frequency response makes for killer guitar tones that sit brilliantly in the mix, sounding anything but small. The SSO is not an ‘amp-in-a-box’ emulation of one particular amp. Instead, this unique circuit captures some of the most desirable characteristics associated with small-speaker, vintage valve combos when miked up in the studio – punchy, upper mid focus, earthy breakup and super sensitive, expressive playing dynamics.

Product specs

Power 9V
Bypass true bypass
Analog/Digital analog
The Studio Rats

The Studio Rats

FINALLY A Different Overdrive Pedal - Great Eastern FX Co Small Speaker Overdrive

Video thumbnail for FINALLY A Different Overdrive Pedal - Great Eastern FX Co Small Speaker Overdrive by The Studio Rats

FINALLY A Different Overdrive Pedal - Great Eastern FX Co Small Speaker Overdrive

The Studio Rats

The Studio Rats

Video thumbnail for Great Eastern FX Co |  Small Speaker Overdrive Pedal | Tweed Champ Tones! by Shawn Tubbs

Great Eastern FX Co | Small Speaker Overdrive Pedal | Tweed Champ Tones!

Shawn Tubbs

Shawn Tubbs

Video thumbnail for Great Eastern FX Co.: SMALL SPEAKER OVERDRIVE by Brett Kingman

Great Eastern FX Co.: SMALL SPEAKER OVERDRIVE

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

Video thumbnail for Ben Smith demos the Small Speaker Overdrive from Great Eastern FX Co. by Great Eastern FX Co.

Ben Smith demos the Small Speaker Overdrive from Great Eastern FX Co.

Great Eastern FX Co.

Great Eastern FX Co.

Video thumbnail for Great Eastern FX Co. Small Speaker Overdrive by Jack Fossett

Great Eastern FX Co. Small Speaker Overdrive

Jack Fossett

Jack Fossett

Video thumbnail for Great Eastern FX Co. Small Speaker Overdrive || Demo by Noise Generator

Great Eastern FX Co. Small Speaker Overdrive || Demo

Noise Generator

Noise Generator

Video thumbnail for Small Speaker Overdrive deep dive | In-depth look at this unique pedal with designer David Greeves by Great Eastern FX Co.

Small Speaker Overdrive deep dive | In-depth look at this unique pedal with designer David Greeves

Great Eastern FX Co.

Great Eastern FX Co.

Video thumbnail for Small Speaker Overdrive | Blues/rock Tones by Neil Cowlan | Great Eastern FX Co. by Great Eastern FX Co.

Small Speaker Overdrive | Blues/rock Tones by Neil Cowlan | Great Eastern FX Co.

Great Eastern FX Co.

Great Eastern FX Co.

Video thumbnail for Small Speaker Overdrive | Demo medley by Neil Cowlan | Great Eastern FX Co. by Great Eastern FX Co.

Small Speaker Overdrive | Demo medley by Neil Cowlan | Great Eastern FX Co.

Great Eastern FX Co.

Great Eastern FX Co.

Video thumbnail for Small Speaker Overdrive | Soul Tones by Neil Cowlan | Great Eastern FX Co. by Great Eastern FX Co.

Small Speaker Overdrive | Soul Tones by Neil Cowlan | Great Eastern FX Co.

Great Eastern FX Co.

Great Eastern FX Co.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Great Eastern FX Co. Small Speaker Overdrive.

Comparisons

  • The Great Eastern FX Co. Small Speaker Overdrive is comparable to the Blackstone Appliances MOSFET Overdrive as a base OD, both known for being controllable with the guitar volume knob.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • It’s noted for its controllability directly from the guitar’s volume knob, allowing for dynamic tonal shifts without needing to adjust the pedal itself.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for players who want to control their overdrive dynamically while performing, enabling on-the-fly adjustments for varying musical styles.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate its versatility, highlighting its ability to serve as a reliable base overdrive for various genres and styles.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Great Eastern FX Small Speaker Overdrive Pedal Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

This little pedal packs a surprisingly powerful punch, delivering sweet, balanced crunch tones that shine when paired with a quality amp. Its dynamic response allows for a crisp, clean sound even at higher gain settings, making it versatile for various playing styles. However, the $249 price tag might be a turn-off for some looking for a budget-friendly option. Overall, while it may not be the cheapest choice on the market, the Great Eastern FX Small Speaker Overdrive stands out for its high-quality build and impressive tonal range.

positive

Great Eastern FX Co. Small Speaker Overdrive review: your new secret weapon for small-amp tones?

guitar.com

Crafted with a nod to vintage tones, the Great Eastern FX Co. Small Speaker Overdrive delivers impressive versatility in a compact package. It shines with its ability to produce tight, focused sounds reminiscent of low-wattage amps, making it a great choice for those seeking clarity and punch in their tone. While the pedal excels in transforming smaller combos into vibrant tweed-like machines, it may leave some wanting more bass response, lacking the 'big' sound for open chords. Additionally, the build quality reflects a boutique feel, though not entirely hand-wired. Overall, it’s a promising debut that might just become a secret weapon for tone aficionados.

positive

Great Eastern FX Small Speaker Overdrive

soundonsound.com

The Great Eastern FX Small Speaker Overdrive pedal offers a unique tonal character that captures the essence of low-wattage tube amps. It's responsive and touch-sensitive, making it ideal for achieving nuanced, recorded guitar sounds. While its lack of a battery option and somewhat niche functionality might deter some, the pedal shines in its ability to deliver expressive overdrive, particularly when paired with the right gear. However, for those on a budget, there are cheaper alternatives in the form of small amps that could achieve similar results. Overall, this pedal stands out as a creative option for guitarists looking to explore distinct overdrive sounds.

positive

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Chris Buck uses Great Eastern FX Co. Small Speaker Overdrive

Chris Buck

Guitarist

Cardinal Black

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video Chris Buck Demos His Touring/Recording Rig. The pedal is clearly visible at 8:07.

See how Dave Powys uses Great Eastern FX Co. Small Speaker Overdrive

Dave Powys

Guitarist

The Paper Kites

...
Verified via Great Eastern FX Co.

In an Instagram post from February 2025, a screengrab reveals that guitarist Dave Powys uses a Great Eastern FX Co. Small Speaker Overdrive pedal, visible on his pedal board (bottom row, third from the left when facing the board). This is confirmed on the Great Eastern FX Co. list of Artists (https://www.greateasternfx.com/artists). I also personally saw this pedal on his board at a live show this year.

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 Great Eastern FX Co. Small Speaker Overdrive, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

More Great Eastern FX Co. Overdrive Effects Pedals

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    F
    faber72

    Gear IQ 1197