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Average Price: $450

High-end/Boutique

$50

$176+

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High-end

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Description

Dive into the realm of nuanced tonal control with the Paul Cochrane Tim Overdrive, a masterpiece in the world of guitar pedals. This pedal is not just about adding grit to your sound; it's a sculptor's tool, allowing for a remarkable level of sound shaping that respects the core tone of your instrument. With its transparent overdrive and dual-stage functionality, the Tim Overdrive stands out in the crowded pedal market, offering both subtlety and power in one compact package. Its inclusion of a separate effects loop further elevates its versatility, making it a coveted piece for any guitarist looking to refine their sound palette without losing their instrument's natural voice.

Key Features:

  • Transparent overdrive for nuanced tone shaping
  • Dual-stage overdrive for both subtle and powerful effects
  • Separate effects loop for enhanced versatility
  • Highly sought after, produced in limited quantities

Product specs

Brand Paul Cochrane
Model Tim
Finish Purple
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Overdrive and Boost Pedals

FAQs

What type of sound does the Paul Cochrane Tim Overdrive produce?

The Paul Cochrane Tim Overdrive is known for its transparent overdrive sound, providing a clean boost and subtle drive that enhances your amp's natural tone without coloring it significantly.

Is the Paul Cochrane Tim Overdrive suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Tim Overdrive is well-suited for live performances due to its dynamic response and clarity, allowing guitarists to maintain their instrument's character even at higher gain settings.

How does the Paul Cochrane Tim Overdrive handle different pickup types?

The Tim Overdrive works effectively with both single-coil and humbucker pickups, offering a versatile response that adapts to various guitar types and playing styles.

Can the Paul Cochrane Tim Overdrive be used with a bass guitar?

While primarily designed for electric guitar, the Tim Overdrive can be used with a bass guitar, though the tonal results may vary based on personal preference and specific setup.

Does the Paul Cochrane Tim Overdrive have any additional features for tone shaping?

The Tim Overdrive features controls for gain, bass, treble, and volume, allowing users to fine-tune their sound and achieve a wide range of overdrive tones.

Jack Zucker - Jazz Guitar

Jack Zucker - Jazz Guitar

Paul Cochrane Tim Pedal Part I

Video thumbnail for Paul Cochrane Tim Pedal Part I by Jack Zucker - Jazz Guitar

Paul Cochrane Tim Pedal Part I

Jack Zucker - Jazz Guitar

Jack Zucker - Jazz Guitar

Video thumbnail for Paul Cochrane - Tim and Timmy by Brett Kingman

Paul Cochrane - Tim and Timmy

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

Video thumbnail for Paul Cochrane Tim Pedal Overdrive Part III by Jack Zucker - Jazz Guitar

Paul Cochrane Tim Pedal Overdrive Part III

Jack Zucker - Jazz Guitar

Jack Zucker - Jazz Guitar

Video thumbnail for Paul Cochrane Tim Pedal with Subdecay Echobox in loop by Brett Kingman

Paul Cochrane Tim Pedal with Subdecay Echobox in loop

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

Video thumbnail for GAS N' GO - Paul Cochrane Tim by 60 Cycle Hum

GAS N' GO - Paul Cochrane Tim

60 Cycle Hum

60 Cycle Hum

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional tonal versatility and warmth

  • Transparent overdrive with minimal tone coloration

  • Highly effective boost function

  • Works seamlessly with various amp types

  • Stacks well with other pedals

  • Enhances amp sound without aggressive volume increase

  • Maintains clarity at different output volumes

  • Robust and reliable long-term performance

  • Useful effects loop feature

  • Superior for single coil pickups

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Paul Cochrane Tim Overdrive.

Features and functionality

  • The effects loop is operational only when the pedal is on and the boost is engaged, allowing creative integration with other effects like delay or phaser.

    Source
  • The Timmy's treble and bass controls cut rather than boost frequencies, which can make the pedal less intuitive to dial in for some users.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users compare the Tim to dual overdrive pedals like the King of Tone and Browne Protein, appreciating its boost feature for adding gain without altering tone.

    Source
  • The Timmy is often compared to the EarthQuaker Devices Westwood and the Mosky Golden Horse Klon Klone, with some owners preferring the latter for its character and price.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the genuine transparency of the Tim, noting its ability to preserve the original characteristics of their amp and guitar, unlike other so-called transparent overdrives.

    Source
  • Tim pedals often ship slower than expected from Paul Cochrane due to his one-man operation; patience is advised when ordering directly.

    Source
  • The Tim is sold directly via Paul's Reverb shop, with listings frequently priced at $169 plus shipping.

    Source
  • Some users feel the Timmy can make guitars feel stiff and less dynamic, particularly at low volumes, where its lack of compression might be more noticeable.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Tim v3 is often compared favorably against more expensive options like Analogman or Klon, praised for offering boutique quality at a more accessible price point.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some owners opt to upgrade the Tim's original black knobs due to aesthetic preferences.

    Source

Other

  • Humbucker Music has exclusivity on the new Tim model, as they helped fund its development.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The MXR Mini Timmy is recommended as an alternative for those seeking similar tones with broader availability.

    Source
  • The Timmy is regarded as effective for pushing hot amps, with some users finding it excels when used to add a bit of crunch to already overdriven tones.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • It's noted that the Timmy pedal is socketed, allowing easy experimentation with different op-amps like the Burr Brown 2134 to address issues like brittleness.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Pedalboard Gems #6: Tim | insounder.org

insounder.org

Paul Cochrane's Tim Overdrive is a storied gem in the world of guitar pedals, revered for its transparent distortion and dynamic response. Its design, born from Cochrane's personal quest for a clean boost, has made it a cult favorite despite its elusive availability. The review praises its unique control scheme, which allows for fine-tuning of sound without altering the amp's core character, setting it apart from common overdrive pedals. While the Tim's scarcity and Cochrane's low-profile marketing can be frustrating for eager buyers, its quality and versatility in sound customization make it worth the wait. Enthusiasts seeking a pedal with legendary status and adaptability will find the Tim a compelling choice, especially those looking to avoid the midrange lift typical of other overdrives like the tubescreamer.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings

5 star
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1 star
cheol_kim

The modern Centaur

It cleans up very well, and no wonder why this is the dream overdrive

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Chris Buck uses Paul Cochrane Tim Overdrive

Chris Buck

Guitarist

Cardinal Black

...
Verified via Photo

Guitarist Chris Buck uses the Paul Cochrane Tim Overdrive, as seen in his Instagram post featuring his pedalboard packed for a trip to Spain.

See how Brad Whitford uses Paul Cochrane Tim Overdrive

Brad Whitford

Guitarist

Hollywood Vampires

...
Verified via Analogman

According to Analogman's website, Whitford used Paul Cochrane Tim Overdrive pedal.

See how Chris Cheney uses Paul Cochrane Tim Overdrive

Chris Cheney

Guitarist

The Living End

...
Verified via Photo

Tim Dual overdrive in front row of pedalboard.

See how Nick Steinborn uses Paul Cochrane Tim Overdrive

Nick Steinborn

Guitarist, Drummer

The Wonder Years

...
Verified via Harmonycentral

On this Harmony Central forum (username i51423), Nick shows the TIM overdrive on his board in conjunction with the Montgomery Appliances Civil War drive.

See how C.W. Stoneking uses Paul Cochrane Tim Overdrive

C.W. Stoneking

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

At 11.32 of C.W. Stoneking's rig rundown, he is seen with a Tim overdrive on his Pedalboard.

See how Corey Coffman uses Paul Cochrane Tim Overdrive

Corey Coffman

Singer, Guitarist

Gleemer

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture you can see Corey Coffman's pedalboard, which includes notable pedals like the Tim.

See how Jesse Garcia uses Paul Cochrane Tim Overdrive

Jesse Garcia

Guitarist

Building 429

...
Verified via YouTube

A favorite overdrive for Jesse

See how Todd Nichols uses Paul Cochrane Tim Overdrive

Todd Nichols

Guitarist

Toad the Wet Sprocket

...
Verified via Facebook

Here is my current pedalboard setup for you gear heads. Only thing that has changed is I now have a Tim overdrive instead of 2 Timmy's. Dave at L.A. SOUND DESIGN built me this custom board about 5 years ago, and that's definitely the longest I have ever used the same board. — with Toad the Wet Sprocket.

See how Naveen Thomas Joseph uses Paul Cochrane Tim Overdrive

Naveen Thomas Joseph

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Naveen Thomas Joseph uses the Paul Cochrane Tim Overdrive pedal, as mentioned in his Instagram post about preparing for the Mindstreet concert with Suraj Mani & The Tattva Trip.

See how Tom Peters uses Paul Cochrane Tim Overdrive

Tom Peters

Guitarist

Alpha Male Tea Party

...
Verified via YouTube

In the Guitar Nerds' YouTube video, Tom Peters of Alpha Male Tea Party discusses his use of the Paul Cochrane Tim Overdrive pedal at the 3:28 mark.

See how Toby Friesen uses Paul Cochrane Tim Overdrive

Toby Friesen

...
Verified via YouTube

Toby is in Jeremy Camp's band and uses Paul Cochrane Tim Overdrive as part of his foot pedal setup.

See how Greg Rietwyk uses Paul Cochrane Tim Overdrive

Greg Rietwyk

Guitarist

Press Club

...
Verified via Photo

In this YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYBm_uFUTio right in beginning you can see all Greg Rietwyk pedalboard which includes:

From left to right

Top Row: Diamond Tremolo TRM-1 Mojo Hand FX Colossus Paul Cochrane Tim v1 Ibanez CS9 Stereo Chorus TC Electronic Polytune

Bottom Row: Line 6 HX Stomp Guitar Multi-Effects Floor Processor Strymon TimeLine MI Audio Boost 'n' Buff Wren and Cuff Tall Font Russian

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 Paul Cochrane Tim Overdrive, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

Show yours
andy_bejnariu

andy_bejnariu

Gear IQ 187

2 alternative and related items for Paul Cochrane Tim Overdrive, curated by the Equipboard community.

Lovepedal Amp Eleven (2012-2020)

$107.00

Vintage or Discontinued similar sound cheaper alternative

While not a direct clone of the Tim, the Amp 11 has a similar appeal at a more affordable price point.

Paul Cochrane Timmy

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Vintage or Discontinued similar sound

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