Pricing and availability

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Amazon
4.3 (25)
$229.95
Reverb
5.0 (11)
$225.00 New
$201.37 Used
Thomann
4.4 (14)
$229.00

Average Price: $221

High-end/Boutique

$80

$181+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Unleash the dark side of your guitar tones with the KHDK Dark Blood Distortion pedal, a sonic marvel crafted for those who crave the raw power of heavy distortion. Created in collaboration with Kirk Hammett, this signature series pedal is designed to deliver the crushing, aggressive sounds that define metal music. With its cutting-edge MOS-FET technology, the Dark Blood offers a rich, tube-like warmth and dynamic response that makes every riff resonate with intensity.

Housed in a rugged, compact enclosure, this pedal is built to withstand the rigors of the road while maintaining exceptional sound quality. The user-friendly design features an On/Off switch and intuitive controls that allow you to sculpt your sound effortlessly. Whether you're pounding out power chords or shredding intricate solos, the Dark Blood Distortion elevates your sound with precision and depth.

For connectivity, the pedal includes standard 6.3 mm input and output jacks, ensuring seamless integration into any pedalboard setup. Power it up using a 9 V battery or an external 9 V power supply for extended play sessions. Made with pride in the USA, the KHDK Dark Blood Distortion is a testament to superior craftsmanship and a must-have for any guitarist looking to push their sonic boundaries.

Key Features:

  • Kirk Hammett Signature Series
  • MOS-FET technology for tube-like warmth
  • On/Off switch
  • Input and output: 6.3 mm jack
  • Power supply via 9 V battery or 9 V power supply (not included)
  • Made in USA

Product specs

Brand KHDK Electronics
Model Dark Blood Kirk Hammett Signature Distortion Pedal
Finish Red/Black
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Distortion Pedals

FAQs

What type of distortion tones can the KHDK Dark Blood pedal produce?

The KHDK Dark Blood pedal offers a range of distortion tones from a pick-sensitive, dynamic sound with lower gain settings to a massively overdriven, saturated tone at higher settings. The Doom control allows for a tight bass or a liquid, solo-ready sustain.

How does the HI/LO switch affect the sound of the KHDK Dark Blood?

The HI/LO switch on the KHDK Dark Blood directly influences the gain. The LO setting provides a chunky overdrive suitable for rhythm playing, while the HI setting adds saturation, sustain, low end, and compression, making it ideal for soloing.

Is the KHDK Dark Blood suitable for live performances?

Yes, the KHDK Dark Blood is well-suited for live performances. Its footswitch allows for easy engagement and true bypass mode, ensuring your signal remains clear when the pedal is off. The pedal's controls offer versatile tone shaping for different performance needs.

How does the Gate control work on the KHDK Dark Blood pedal?

The Gate control on the KHDK Dark Blood reduces background noise by allowing the stronger gain signal to pass while blocking weaker humming or hissing. It is recommended to adjust the Gate with higher gain settings to avoid negatively impacting the decay of your tone.

Can the KHDK Dark Blood pedal be used with different amplifiers?

Yes, the KHDK Dark Blood can be used with various amplifiers. The Treble control allows you to adjust the pedal's high-end frequencies, enabling you to achieve either a bright or dark tone depending on your amp's characteristics.

Equipboard's Expert Review

Equipboard tested this

Equipboard tested this

Brutal Beast Unleashed

The KHDK Dark Blood, while not widely known, comes from a brand that's quickly gaining respect among metal enthusiasts. Upon unboxing, we were immediately struck by its robust build and professional appearance. The control layout is intuitive, featuring standard EQ knobs alongside a unique 'Doom' control and a built-in noise gate. In our tests, we found the noise gate to be a crucial feature, effectively taming the beast within.

Sound-wise, the Dark Blood delivers in spades. We were blown away by its thick, juicy high-gain tones that scream authenticity. Power chords sound massive and chunky, while lead lines cut through the mix with ease. The pre-gain EQ allows for precise tone shaping, and we appreciated the wide range of sounds achievable - from classic rock crunch to modern metal mayhem.

However, it's not without its quirks. We noticed the gain structure can be a bit extreme, sometimes jumping from clean to face-melting with little in between. The 'Doom' knob, while intriguing, can muddy things up if not used judiciously.

For us, the Dark Blood shines brightest in high-gain territory. It's a pedal that will likely appeal to metalheads and hard rock enthusiasts seeking thick, natural-sounding distortion. However, those looking for more subtle overdrive or budget-conscious players might want to explore other options. While it's not the most versatile or affordable pedal out there, for the right player, the Dark Blood's unique voice and powerful tone-shaping abilities make it a worthy investment.

Rated 5
Ola Englund

Ola Englund

KHDK Dark Blood - Metal

Video thumbnail for KHDK Dark Blood - Metal by Ola Englund

KHDK Dark Blood - Metal

Ola Englund

Ola Englund

Video thumbnail for KHDK Dark Blood Kirk Hammett Signature Distortion | CME Gear Demo | Alex Chadwick by Chicago Music Exchange

KHDK Dark Blood Kirk Hammett Signature Distortion | CME Gear Demo | Alex Chadwick

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for KHDK Dark Blood Distortion Pedal Demo and Review | GEAR GODS by Trey Xavier

KHDK Dark Blood Distortion Pedal Demo and Review | GEAR GODS

Trey Xavier

Trey Xavier

Video thumbnail for KHDK Dark Blood - Quick Test by Ola Englund

KHDK Dark Blood - Quick Test

Ola Englund

Ola Englund

Video thumbnail for KHDK Dark Blood (Distortion) - Review by EytschPi42

KHDK Dark Blood (Distortion) - Review

EytschPi42

EytschPi42

Video thumbnail for Why Do People Hate This? Kirk Hammet's KHDK DARK BLOOD  pedal by Taylor Danley

Why Do People Hate This? Kirk Hammet's KHDK DARK BLOOD pedal

Taylor Danley

Taylor Danley

Video thumbnail for KHDK: DARK BLOOD Distortion by Brett Kingman

KHDK: DARK BLOOD Distortion

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

Video thumbnail for KHDK Dark Blood Pedal Demo by KHDK

KHDK Dark Blood Pedal Demo

KHDK

KHDK

Video thumbnail for KHDK Electronics Dark Blood by Mike Hermans

KHDK Electronics Dark Blood

Mike Hermans

Mike Hermans

Reviews

PROS

  • Versatile, sounds natural, like distortion "should be"

  • Built-in noise gate enhances sound clarity

  • Provides excellent, chunky distortion for power chords

  • Easy to dial in desired sound, great for heavy distortion needs

  • Pre-gain EQ and traditional tone knob offer wide sound spectrum

  • Sufficient gain for integration into various rigs

  • Mid-heavy with significant low end, enriching sound quality

  • Works well stacked with drives, preamps, ODs, and fuzzes

CONS

  • May require noise gate usage on some amps due to noise levels

  • Darker voice may not suit all tastes or expectations

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about KHDK Dark Blood Distortion.

Setup and maintenance

  • Switching from a 9V battery to a non-pedal-specific power supply can introduce screeching noise, highlighting the need for a properly regulated supply for quiet operation.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The pedal is known for high gain, but it’s noted that batteries offer lower noise compared to some power supplies.

    Source
  • Owners highlight the built-in noise gate of the KHDK Dark Blood as particularly effective, especially for single coil pickups, allowing for high gain without unwanted noise.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • In Norway, the Truetone CS-7 is significantly pricier (1650 NOK) than its US/EU counterparts, affecting its value proposition.

    Source

User experience

  • Frequent battery replacements are a common concern for users who extensively use the pedal, prompting a consideration for dedicated pedal power supplies.

    Source
  • The Dark Blood is praised for its massive bottom end, making it a preferred choice for Strat players seeking heft without sacrificing precision in the distortion sound.

    Source
  • Users report that the Dark Blood's tonal character is distinct from other high-gain pedals, providing a unique sound profile that stands out for heavy rock and metal styles.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Boss PSA230 is suggested as a more suitable power supply compared to generic 3-12V options, especially for single pedal setups.

    Source
  • The KHDK Dark Blood is often compared to the Filaments for its ability to maintain note clarity and avoid cluttering the signal, especially when paired with single coil pickups.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The KHDK Dark Blood, alongside the Keeley Filaments, is noted for excelling in metal genres, with its tight gain and wide EQ options catering to high-gain needs.

    Source

Critic Reviews

KHDK Dark Blood Distortion Pedal - The Gear Gods Review - Gear Gods

geargods.net

The KHDK Dark Blood Distortion Pedal delivers a rich, aggressive tone that rivals some tube amps, making it a standout choice for metal enthusiasts. With its built-in gate and wide gain range, it offers versatility from tight modern prog metal to swampy sludge. However, the Treble knob can become overly brash if pushed too far. Despite minor tonal adjustments, the Dark Blood's finely crafted distortion makes it a valuable addition for those seeking a transformative sound for clean amps or lackluster drive channels.

positive

KHDK Dark Blood review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The KHDK Dark Blood Distortion pedal is a metalhead’s dream, delivering tight, defined high-gain sounds with effective noise suppression. Its standout feature, the 'Doom' knob, offers a deep, crushing tone reminiscent of Metallica's signature sound. The pedal's treble control and Hi/Lo switch provide versatile tonal options. While low-gain tones fall short, the pedal excels in its intended high-gain territory. For those seeking powerful metal tones in a compact package, this pedal is a must-have.

positive

Gear Review: KHDK Dark Blood - zZounds Music Blog

zzounds.com

The KHDK Dark Blood Distortion pedal impresses with its robust construction and versatile sound shaping capabilities. It delivers a convincing tube-like tone, with controls like the Doom knob for bass control and a Treble filter for tailored sonic textures. The Hi/Lo switch offers varied gain levels, and the Gate feature effectively minimizes noise. While the gate can cut sustain at high settings, the pedal excels in providing tight, powerful distortion across genres, from metal to stoner rock. Its ability to clean up with guitar volume adjustments enhances its appeal. A strong choice for heavy rock enthusiasts.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

5 star
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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kirk Hammett uses KHDK Dark Blood Distortion

Kirk Hammett

Guitarist

Metallica

...
Verified via Photo

On the KHDK website, Kirk says:

"I plug it in when I want an over-the-top sound that dominates everything. It's a tornado."

"This is the ultimate pedal for gain freaks."

In this article with Guitar World he adds:

“I plugged it in and the name Dark Blood came to me right away. At that moment, I knew this pedal was going on the new album (Hardwired... to Self Destruct)."

See how Ola Englund uses KHDK Dark Blood Distortion

Ola Englund

Guitarist, Podcasters & Streamers

Six Feet Under

...
Verified via YouTube
See how Zoltán Farkas uses KHDK Dark Blood Distortion

Zoltán Farkas

Singer, Guitarist

Ektomorf

...
Verified via Photo

Zoltán Farkas, guitarist of Ektomorf, is shown using the KHDK Dark Blood Distortion pedal in a post by KHDK Electronics on Instagram.

See how Jeremy Wagner uses KHDK Dark Blood Distortion

Jeremy Wagner

Guitarist

Broken Hope

...

Album Usage

The KHDK Dark Blood Distortion has been featured on the following albums:

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 KHDK Dark Blood Distortion, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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