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Average Price: $652
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$50
$176+
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Description
The Maxon OD-808 is a vintage overdrive pedal that has been a favorite among guitarists for decades, known for its warm, natural-sounding overdrive that enhances your guitar's tone without overshadowing it. This pedal is a staple in the world of overdrive effects, designed to add rich, harmonic texture to your playing. Whether you're pushing the front end of your amp or looking to add a little bite to your solos, the OD-808 delivers a smooth, creamy overdrive that's responsive to your dynamics.
At the heart of its legendary sound is the iconic JRC4558D op-amp, ensuring that the OD-808 retains the original analog warmth that players love. With its simple three-knob interface, you can easily dial in the right amount of drive, tone, and level to suit any style of music. The pedal's true bypass switching ensures that your signal remains pristine when the pedal is not in use, making it an essential tool for both live performances and studio sessions.
Perfect for beginners and seasoned professionals alike, the Maxon OD-808 is a versatile overdrive pedal that can adapt to a wide range of musical environments. Its rugged construction means it's built to withstand the rigors of the road, while its compact size makes it a convenient addition to any pedalboard.
Key Features:
- Classic overdrive tone with smooth, natural-sounding distortion
- Iconic JRC4558D op-amp for authentic analog warmth
- True bypass switching for uncolored signal when bypassed
- Simple three-knob interface (Drive, Tone, Level)
- Durable construction suitable for live and studio use
- Compact size for easy pedalboard integration
Product specs
| Brand | Maxon |
| Model | OD-808 |
| Year | 1979 - 1980 |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Overdrive and Boost Pedals |
| Pedal Format | Standard |
FAQs
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What makes the Maxon OD-808 different from other overdrive pedals?
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The Maxon OD-808 is known for its warm, smooth overdrive that enhances your guitar's natural tone without excessive coloration. Its unique circuit design, which inspired the iconic Tubescreamer, provides a balanced midrange boost that suits various music styles.
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Can the Maxon OD-808 be used with both single-coil and humbucker pickups?
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Yes, the Maxon OD-808 works well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups, offering a versatile overdrive sound that complements different guitar types and playing styles.
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Is the Maxon OD-808 suitable for live performances?
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The Maxon OD-808 is an excellent choice for live performances due to its robust build and reliable, consistent overdrive tone that cuts through the mix without overpowering other elements.
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Does the Maxon OD-808 work well with other pedals?
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Yes, the Maxon OD-808 integrates smoothly with other pedals, making it a versatile addition to any pedalboard setup. Its transparent overdrive allows it to stack well with other effects for more complex tones.
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What power supply does the Maxon OD-808 require?
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The Maxon OD-808 requires a standard 9V DC power supply or a 9V battery, making it easy to incorporate into most pedalboard power setups.
Videos
Ola Englund
Maxon Overdrive Metal Shootout (OD808,OD808X,OD9,OD9Pro+,ST9Pro+)
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Maxon OD-808 (1979).
Comparisons
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The Maxon OD808 is noted for being a practical version of the TS-808, with easier power compatibility, a visible LED, and a user-friendly switch, while maintaining identical sound.
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Some owners find the Maxon OD808 and Ibanez TS808 sound differences negligible, attributing perceived differences to component tolerances.
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Use cases and applications
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The OD808 effectively tightens the sound of Orange amps, enhancing their natural tone and providing substantial gain, making it ideal for heavy tones.
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The Maxon OD808 is highly effective when stacked with fuzz pedals like the Pharoah (Big Muff circuit) from Black Arts Toneworks, enhancing tonal versatility.
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Works exceptionally well with high-gain amps like the Friedman JJ Jr. and Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier, tightening the sound and adding punch.
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The Maxon OD808 is favored as a benchmark overdrive/boost for metal, especially thrash, due to its classic sound.
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Value and pricing
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The Maxon OD808 is approximately $50 cheaper than the TS-808, offering similar performance at a more affordable price point.
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User experience
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The pedal is praised for its impact on amp tone, with owners saying it unlocks a lot of gain potential, described as "sort of ridiculous" in its output.
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Owners note that the pedal consistently delivers a massive sound in front of both clean and high-gain amplifiers, making it versatile for various setups.
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A buyer opted for a new EHX East River Drive over a used Maxon OD808 due to the latter's smoke odor, highlighting resale considerations.
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Features and functionality
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Known for its simplicity, the OD808 provides a "meaner" sound compared to the EQD Palisades and Way Huge Green Rhino, despite fewer options.
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Community setups
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The current, reissue version of the much less famous, but arguably more important predecessor to the Tube Screamer.
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