Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 9 stores. Prices updated .
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Price
Average Price: $96
Standard/Professional
$80
$181+
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Budget
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Price History
Based on price data from 6 merchants for "JHS 3 Series Distortion". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the JHS 3 Series Distortion, a versatile distortion pedal that packs a punch. This pedal is designed for musicians who crave variety, with the ability to generate sounds ranging from medium gain crunch and heavy overdrive, to distortion and even fuzz tones. Its simplicity is its strength, with just three knobs — Volume, Filter, and Distort — that allow you to carve out your unique sound.
This pedal is not just about raw power, it's about control. The Gain toggle feature lets you alternate between a saturated, compressed distortion or a dynamic, responsive crunch, giving you the freedom to adapt your sound to any musical context. The JHS 3 Series Distortion pedal is a testament to the idea that great things come in small packages, delivering impressive sonic heft and flexibility at a comfortable price. Whether you're building your first pedalboard or looking to add a new shade to your tone palette, the JHS 3 Series Distortion is a solid choice for any guitarist.
Key Features:
- Versatile distortion pedal capable of producing a wide range of tones
- Simple 3-knob design: Volume, Filter, and Distort
- Gain toggle switch for selecting between compressed distortion or dynamic crunch
- Can produce sounds from medium gain to heavy distortion and fuzz
- Operates on 9-volt DC negative center power (power adapter not included)
- True bypass for maintaining signal integrity when the pedal is off
- Compact, durable metal housing
- Made in the USA.
Product specs
| Pedal Type | Distortion |
| Analog/Digital | Analog |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4" |
| Outputs | 1 x 1/4" |
| True Bypass | Yes |
| EQ | Filter Control |
| Power Source | 9V DC power supply (sold separately) |
| Power Usage | 9mA |
| Height | 1.22" |
| Width | 2.38" |
| Depth | 4.42" |
FAQs
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What type of power supply does the JHS 3 Series Distortion pedal require?
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The JHS 3 Series Distortion pedal requires a 9V DC power supply, which is sold separately. It has a power usage of 9mA.
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Is the JHS 3 Series Distortion pedal true bypass?
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Yes, the JHS 3 Series Distortion pedal is equipped with true bypass, ensuring that your guitar's signal remains unaffected when the pedal is turned off.
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What kind of tone control does the JHS 3 Series Distortion pedal offer?
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The JHS 3 Series Distortion pedal features a filter control, allowing you to shape the tone by adjusting the high-frequency response.
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Can the JHS 3 Series Distortion pedal be used with a bass guitar?
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While primarily designed for electric guitars, the JHS 3 Series Distortion pedal can also be used with bass guitars, though tonal results may vary based on the specific bass and setup.
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What are the input and output options on the JHS 3 Series Distortion pedal?
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The JHS 3 Series Distortion pedal has one 1/4" input and one 1/4" output, making it compatible with standard guitar cables.
Videos
JHS Pedals
In Depth Look at the NEW JHS 3 Series
In Depth Look at the NEW JHS 3 Series
JHS Pedals
JHS 3 Series - Simple & Affordable Guitar Pedals Built in the USA!
Andertons Music Co
JHS 3 Series (Our NEW Budget Line)
JHS Pedals
JHS 3 Series: DISTORTION
Living Room GD
The JHS 3 Series Pedals Work on Bass
JHS Pedals
How good is it really? JHS 3 Series Distortion
Everyday Guitarist
JHS 3 Series Distortion Demo and Review
Runway Audio
JHS 3 Series Pedals : Distortion Demo/Playthrough
Flipside Music
JHS Pedals 3 Series Distortion | SOUND BITES
GUITARGUITAR
JHS Pedals 3 Series Distortion - Pedal Empire
Pedal Empire
JHS 3 Series Distortion at Brown's Guitar Mill with Paul Jackson of Blackberry Smoke
Brown's Guitar Mill
Reviews
PROS
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Mimics the quintessential Rat distortion sound with more versatility
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Simple design, easy to use for a "set it and forget it" experience
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Offers a unique Filter control for tonal adjustments
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Two gain modes provide a range from light distortion to fuzz-like sounds
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Excellent build quality, made in the USA
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Brighter and less noisy than other Rat variants
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Can creatively customize the pedal's appearance
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Works well with a variety of guitars and amps
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Offers great value for its price
CONS
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Some units may have reliability issues or glitches
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Lacks built-in noise gate, leading to potential noise issues without additional equipment
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Only a 6-month warranty, shorter than some competitors
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about JHS 3 Series Distortion.
Comparisons
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It's noted that the JHS 3 Series Distortion is essentially a stock Rat with a clipping switch for silicon and LED, offering "stock" and "turbo" Rat sounds.
Source -
The JHS 3 Series Distortion is compared to the Walrus Iron Horse for similar silicon and LED clipping features but at a lower price point.
Source -
Compared to the Boss DS-1, the JHS Distortion provides a thicker sound and more usable controls, appealing to those seeking a richer distortion palette.
Source
Features and functionality
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JHS uses an anti-log-taper 100K potentiometer for the filter control, differing from the Rat's log-taper, altering mid-range frequency cuts but not the full-range sound.
Source -
The level knob pushes harder than typical, offering a distinct drive character, effective with tube screamers and suitable for guitar, baritone, and bass.
Source
User experience
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An owner prefers the JHS 3 Series Distortion as their primary Rat pedal, mentioning potential visual confusion when placed next to a Fulltone OCD due to similar aesthetics.
Source -
Users appreciate the turbo mode for added tonal variety without sacrificing the classic Rat sound.
Source -
Owners report the pedal excels in stacking with other drives, like the SD-1, enhancing overall tone and versatility in setups.
Source
Use cases and applications
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The gain toggle on the pedal, with LED clipping, provides more headroom before distortion, affecting perceived gain levels for users expecting more clipping.
Source -
Works effectively in mono or wet/dry stereo setups, complementing a wide array of pedals including noise gates, boost, and chorus.
Source -
The JHS 3 Series Distortion shines with humbuckers, offering tones from light overdrive to fuzz, especially suitable for versatile rock sounds.
Source
Build quality
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While well-built, the JHS lacks the bomb-proof housing and sturdier knobs of the original Rat.
Source
Mods and upgrades
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Owners suggest trying different pedal order setups, such as placing the JHS Distortion before or after a Tube Screamer for varied tonal results.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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Without isolated power supplies, JHS 3 Series pedals may cause radio interference and hum in signal chains, highlighting the importance of clean power setups.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating
522
JHS's mouse
It's a white version of the RAT with basic mods: simple controls and powerful distortion, an underrated pedal among the 3 series pedals.
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Community setups
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