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Average Price: $115

Standard/Professional

$50

$176+

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Budget

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High-end

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Description

Introducing the JHS SuperBolt, a handcrafted overdrive/boost pedal designed meticulously for the discerning musician. This pedal captures the essence of vintage Supro amps, renowned for their iconic touch-sensitive overdrive and tube rectifier character. Famous artists, including the legendary Jimmy Page, have used these '50s and '60s Supro amps to create unforgettable music. The JHS SuperBolt embraces this rich history and packs it into a compact design, delivering that same classic tonal goodness in a modern, user-friendly pedal.

Key Features:

  • Touch-sensitive overdrive/boost pedal
  • Emulates vintage Supro amps
  • Handcrafted design
  • Compact and portable
  • Ideal for creating '50s and '60s tones
  • Suitable for a range of musical styles and genres
  • User-friendly design for easy operation

Product specs

Brand JHS
Model SuperBolt V1
Finish Hand Painted, White
Year 2012 - 2015
Made In United States
Categories Overdrive and Boost Pedals
Pedal Format Standard

FAQs

What is the JHS SuperBolt based on?

The JHS SuperBolt is based on the original Supro Thunderbolt amplifier, aiming to emulate the tone and character of 1960s-era Supro amps with its discreet circuit design.

How does the JHS SuperBolt compare to other overdrive pedals?

The JHS SuperBolt offers a unique vintage amp-like overdrive, distinct from more transparent or modern overdrives, making it ideal for those seeking a classic rock or blues tone.

Is the JHS SuperBolt suitable for both guitar and bass?

While primarily designed for electric guitar, the JHS SuperBolt can be used with bass, though it may color the tone more significantly than bass-specific pedals.

Does the JHS SuperBolt work well with other pedals?

Yes, the JHS SuperBolt integrates well with other pedals, particularly those with clean boosts and delays, enhancing its vintage amp simulation.

What power supply does the JHS SuperBolt require?

The JHS SuperBolt requires a standard 9V DC center-negative power supply, consuming approximately 3mA.

JHS Pedals

JHS Pedals

JHS Pedals "SuperBolt" (Supro, Valco)

Video thumbnail for JHS Pedals "SuperBolt" (Supro, Valco) by JHS Pedals

JHS Pedals "SuperBolt" (Supro, Valco)

JHS Pedals

JHS Pedals

Video thumbnail for JHS SuperBolt Distortion/Overdrive Pedal by intheblues

JHS SuperBolt Distortion/Overdrive Pedal

intheblues

intheblues

Video thumbnail for JHS SuperBolt | Reverb Demo Video by Reverb

JHS SuperBolt | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for JHS Superbolt Overdrive Pedal Demo - Sweetwater Sound by Sweetwater

JHS Superbolt Overdrive Pedal Demo - Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional value for its price

  • Versatile, works well alone or with other drive pedals

  • Offers unique overdrive sounds, from clean boost to fuzz tone

  • Gain switch provides flexibility between low and high gain settings

  • Transparent quality blends seamlessly with the amp

  • Ideal for praise and worship music styles

  • Provides a warm, crunchy drive perfect for leads

  • Simple, easy-to-use design with three knobs for precise control

CONS

  • May be considered a one-trick pony by some users

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about JHS SuperBolt.

Features and functionality

  • The JHS SuperBolt V2 is noted for its substantial gain, delivering a raspy growl that emulates a cranked 1960s Supro amp.

    Source
  • The SuperBolt is described as having a mid-drive sound that responds well to dynamics, with a cranked gain yielding a smooth fuzz.

    Source
  • The middle toggle switch offers high/low settings: high boosts midrange, while low provides normal EQ with lower output, contributing to tonal versatility.

    Source
  • Internal up-scaling to 18V provides massive headroom, allowing for a range of usable tones from crunchy, tube-like overdrive to thick distortion.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners highlight that the pedal is exceptionally loud, often overpowering when used with amps like the Fender Twin, even at low volume knob settings.

    Source
  • A user with a Fender Princeton amp finds the SuperBolt effective at low volumes, suggesting it maintains clarity even when the amp is set to clean.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Successfully used for both guitar and bass, the SuperBolt V2 is praised for its versatility in achieving desired tones across instruments.

    Source
  • The SuperBolt's toggle switch can transform its sound from smooth fuzz to a tone resembling tube amp destruction.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Known to stack well with a Kilt pedal, enhancing sound thickness during performances, particularly in church settings.

    Source
  • The SuperBolt is noted for being more compressed, while the Supro Drive offers a more open sound, ideal for achieving "Whole Lotta Love" tones.

    Source
  • The Supro Drive is preferred by some for its versatility, offering two distinct tonal flavors that are highlighted when used with a boost or Tube Screamer type pedal.

    Source
  • Unlike the OCD pedal, the SuperBolt has much lower gain and is designed to emulate old Valco amps, offering a fizzy, bright sound ideal as a boost in front of another overdrive.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Owners express satisfaction in acquiring the pedal before it was discontinued and prices increased, emphasizing its desirability.

    Source
  • Some users feel the $200 price tag is excessive, suggesting that other, more innovative pedals might provide better value at this price point.

    Source

Other

  • The SuperBolt V2 is compared to the RunOffGroove Superaux, with affordable alternatives available on Reverb.

    Source

Critic Reviews

JHS Pedals SuperBolt Overdrive Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The JHS SuperBolt is a nostalgic nod to the classic low-wattage amps of the '60s, capturing the essence of vintage tones in a modern pedal. With its intuitive controls and versatile tone options, it offers more than just overdrive, allowing players to explore a range of sounds from gritty to clean. While it's a bit pricey, the SuperBolt's ability to inspire creativity and deliver iconic rock tones makes it a worthy investment. However, its limited sustain might not suit every guitarist's needs. Overall, it’s a unique addition to the crowded overdrive market, earning a thumbs-up.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 17 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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eyvind_eidesen

Super cool!

My taste dictates that a dirt pedal should feel as if the amp is a part of it. Maybe that is what is meant by transparent. The Superbolts is both transparent and not. Its gain structure goes from a cleanish boost to an amp in a fuzzy compressed meltdown. It never sounds fizzy or like it lies on top of the signal, but blends beautifully with the amp. I don't even need the amp to be breaking up to get it feeling good and responsive, which is great when I'm playing at home and need to keep it down.

jimmarchi1

this is an amp in a box type pedal so its meant to go into a straight clean platform... its meant to be like a supro thunderbost, which if you're unaware is a mid-wattage 50s/60s bass combo that in tis most revered form utilized 2 6L6 tubes run very low power, tube rectified and with a primitive grid leak bias dual triode preamp and high cut tone control (like a guitat tone control, no joke, that's the supro tone control from their golden age, all the original amps just have that). It has a simple, square pine cab with a 15" and the amp bolted to the bottom and controls accessible via the rear because there is no back panel (like on most old supro amps I've owned). From the front it looks like an old extension cabinet. Its become a colelctors item for 3 reasons. 1) there's a photo of a young Hendrix inf ront of one in a band photo and tis presumably his ampligfier (I think he may have mentioned liking the amp in an interview somewhere but I've enver seen the interview), 2) for a while it was rumored to be the LZ1 amp but based on pagey's comments this mdoel has been sunk as a contender form the supro line and 3) when turned all the way up it produces a righteous power tube distortion that has a marshally quality but is also way raunchier not unlike the silvertone amps but far more responsive to playing then any but the tube rectified ones. The thunderbolt has been 'reissued' in a somewhat bastardized form built cheaply on a PCB by the new supro which is apparently a collaboration between pigtronix effects and bruce zinky of fender custom shop amps fame. The new ones sound pretty decent compared to well serviced old ones but I've actually seen some in stores BROKEN, marked not for sale, so they have some QC issues at the new supro. To be fair, the old ones were budget amps and likely had QC issues. They're a nightmare to service, rat's nest of wire in most of them I've had. To the best of my knowledge every other supro amp in a box pedal on the market goes after the smaller 6V6 or 6973 power tubes since those are the hot ticket these days with the Page association. Hope thatw asn't boring, but you definitely got me thinking sicne you didn't mention this as an amp in a box tone-a-like of an old obscure amp known for its overdrive and not much else.

nils813

Crunchy, powerful overdrive that can be used for light drive

The JHS Superbolt is easily my favorite pedal on my board. Featuring a toggle switch for high gain and low gain, it is a warm, crunchy drive that is great for leads. Using the low gain switch is a good option for those looking to have a light gain for ambient things or those not trying to be the most present one playing. It has three knobs for volume, drive and tone, and is a very simple, easy to use, great sounding pedal.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Noel Gallagher uses JHS SuperBolt

Noel Gallagher

Singer, Guitarist

Oasis

...
Verified via Photo

Noel Gallagher shows his pedalboard (new as of Oct 2016) on his Instagram. In the top row, fifth from the right, is his JHS SuperBolt Overdrive Pedal.

The signal coming out of the pedalboard looks to be going into the first Vintage channel of his Fender '68 Custom Twin Reverb Amp.

See how Josh Klinghoffer uses JHS SuperBolt

Josh Klinghoffer

Singer, Guitarist

Red Hot Chili Peppers

...
Verified via YouTube

We can see the JHS Superbolt in 3:12.

See how Robben Ford uses JHS SuperBolt

Robben Ford

Guitarist, Composer

Yellowjackets

...
Verified via YouTube

Robben Ford is using this overdrive pedal at 2'36".

See how Joey Walker uses JHS SuperBolt

Joey Walker

Singer, Guitarist

King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard

...
Verified via Photo

Joey shows his pedalboard in this video at 3:59. You can see he has a JHS Superbolt there.

https://youtu.be/170Z9qBjfkI?t=3m59s

See how Robin Finck uses JHS SuperBolt

Robin Finck

Guitarist

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via Effects Bay

Robin Finck of Nine Inch Nails uses a JHS SuperBolt Overdrive according to this photo posted to Effects Bay's website.

See how Ambrose Kenny Smith uses JHS SuperBolt

Ambrose Kenny Smith

Singer, Guitarist

King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard

...
Verified via Photo

This photo taken by @danyshaharriot (instagram) at Nightjar Festival 2024 shows Ambrose's pedalboard. This photo was posted Danysha's instagram story on 26th Janurary 2024.

The JHS Superbolt sits at the top middle of the board and has a plastic cover to stop the accidental adjustment of knobs. There is also a piece of red tape on the pedal and pieces of yellow tape with drawn on marks to show Ambrose’s settings.

See how Dustin Kensrue uses JHS SuperBolt

Dustin Kensrue

Guitarist, Singer

Thrice

...
Verified via Twitter

These @jhspedals are crazy. The SuperBolt especially is blowing my mind

See how Dweezil Zappa uses JHS SuperBolt

Dweezil Zappa

Guitarist

Spinal Tap

...
Verified via Premierguitar

According to Premier Guitar, Zappa uses the JHS SuperBolt pedal.

See how Olivia Rodrigo uses JHS SuperBolt

Olivia Rodrigo

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

On September 8, 2020, she posted a picture on her Instagram story and you can see part of her personal pedalboard.

See how Gotoh Masafumi uses JHS SuperBolt

Gotoh Masafumi

Singer, Guitarist

Asian Kung-Fu Generation

...
Verified via Photo

A picture on Guitar Magazine, January 2019 issue, shows Gotoh's pedalboard circa 2018.

See how Ariel Posen uses JHS SuperBolt

Ariel Posen

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Premierguitar

"For boosts/overdrives I’ve been using JHS pedals for a few years now. The Prestige, SuperBolt, and Morning Glory are my favorites."

See how Jeffrey Kunde uses JHS SuperBolt

Jeffrey Kunde

Guitarist

...
Verified via Jeffreykunde

"This drive pedal is pretty cool. Tight, good eq, and unique sounding. I use it alot these days for most lead lines. Check it out here."

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 JHS SuperBolt, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

Show yours
meerk

meerk

Gear IQ 202

saint_fire

saint_fire

Gear IQ 220

3 alternative and related items for JHS SuperBolt, curated by the Equipboard community.

JHS SuperBolt V2

$129.00 - $208.00

Vintage or Discontinued newer similar sound

A newer version, that adds JHS's red remote system, for a switchable gain boost.

JHS Ruby Red

$293.93

Vintage or Discontinued similar sound mod

The JHS Ruby Red is based on the SuperBolt, with an additional boost section that can be ran pre or post drive.

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