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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 |
Videos
The Studio Rats
FINALLY A Different Overdrive Pedal - Great Eastern FX Co Small Speaker Overdrive
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
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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.
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Features and functionality
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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.
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Use cases and applications
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Ideal for players who want to control their overdrive dynamically while performing, enabling on-the-fly adjustments for varying musical styles.
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Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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In this video Chris Buck Demos His Touring/Recording Rig. The pedal is clearly visible at 8:07.
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.