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Average Price: $425

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$176+

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Description

Introducing a powerhouse of tonal versatility, the Pettyjohn Electronics PreDrive is more than just an overdrive pedal—it's a dynamic extension of your guitar's voice. Designed for both the purist and the experimentalist, this pedal features a dual channel design that offers a vast palette of overdriven textures. Whether you're chasing the warmth of a vintage amp or the clarity of modern tones, the PreDrive's Harmonic Drive Circuit breathes life into every note.

Engineered with studio-grade, audiophile components, the PreDrive ensures that every nuance of your performance is preserved and enhanced. The easily operated high/low cut filters allow for seamless tonal shaping, while its ability to match magnetic pickup impedance makes it an invaluable tool for both live gigs and studio sessions. Whether you're layering complex harmonics or driving your signal into sonic bliss, the PreDrive is your go-to for impeccable sound quality and reliability.

Step into a world where your guitar's potential is fully realized, and let the Pettyjohn Electronics PreDrive become an indispensable part of your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Dual channel design for a wide range of overdriven tones
  • Harmonic Drive Circuit for enhanced warmth and clarity
  • Studio-grade, audiophile components for superior sound quality
  • High/low cut filters for precise tonal control
  • Magnetic pickup impedance matching for optimal performance in any setting

Product specs

Brand Pettyjohn Electronics
Model PreDrive Handwired
Finish Blue
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Overdrive and Boost Pedals, Preamps
Pedal Format Standard

FAQs

What tonal characteristics can I expect from the Pettyjohn Electronics PreDrive?

The Pettyjohn Electronics PreDrive offers a transparent overdrive with a focus on preserving the original tone of your guitar. It provides a clean boost and adds a subtle warmth, making it ideal for enhancing your sound without drastically altering it.

Is the Pettyjohn PreDrive suitable for use with both electric guitars and basses?

Yes, the PreDrive is designed to work well with both electric guitars and basses, providing a clear and dynamic response that enhances the natural tone of the instrument.

Does the Pettyjohn PreDrive require a specific power supply?

The Pettyjohn PreDrive operates on standard 9V DC power, commonly used for guitar pedals, ensuring compatibility with most pedalboard power supplies.

How does the Pettyjohn PreDrive differ from other overdrive pedals?

The PreDrive is unique due to its high-quality, handwired construction and its dual functionality as both an overdrive and a preamp, offering a versatile range of tonal enhancements.

Is the Pettyjohn PreDrive suitable for live performances?

Yes, the PreDrive is well-suited for live performances, providing reliable signal boosting and tone shaping that can enhance your live sound without unwanted noise or distortion.

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Pettyjohn Electronics PreDrive

Video thumbnail for Pettyjohn Electronics PreDrive by ProGuitarShopDemos

Pettyjohn Electronics PreDrive

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for Pettyjohn Predrive Pedal, demo by Pete Thorn/Vintage King by Pete Thorn

Pettyjohn Predrive Pedal, demo by Pete Thorn/Vintage King

Pete Thorn

Pete Thorn

Video thumbnail for Pettyjohn PreDrive Demo 1: Basic Functions by Pettyjohn Electronics

Pettyjohn PreDrive Demo 1: Basic Functions

Pettyjohn Electronics

Pettyjohn Electronics

Video thumbnail for Pettyjohn PreDrive Announcement by Pettyjohn Electronics

Pettyjohn PreDrive Announcement

Pettyjohn Electronics

Pettyjohn Electronics

Video thumbnail for Pettyjohn Electronics PreDrive Preamp Demo by Curtis Kent

Pettyjohn Electronics PreDrive Preamp Demo

Curtis Kent

Curtis Kent

Video thumbnail for Pettyjohn PreDrive Demo 2: Four Presets by Pettyjohn Electronics

Pettyjohn PreDrive Demo 2: Four Presets

Pettyjohn Electronics

Pettyjohn Electronics

Video thumbnail for Pettyjohn Electronics Predrive demo by Lance Seymour by Lance Seymour

Pettyjohn Electronics Predrive demo by Lance Seymour

Lance Seymour

Lance Seymour

Video thumbnail for Pettyjohn Electronics PreDrive by Pedal of the Day

Pettyjohn Electronics PreDrive

Pedal of the Day

Pedal of the Day

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Pettyjohn Electronics PreDrive.

Features and functionality

  • The Pettyjohn PreDrive offers a unique control layout for tone shaping, with EQ capabilities similar to studio preamps for subtle but effective adjustments.

    Source
  • The Crush's Tilt EQ can function as a master tone control, effectively evening out or highlighting guitar characteristics across various models.

    Source
  • Running both the PreDrive and Crush at 18v through a Strymon Zuma provides ample headroom, enhancing tonal clarity and dynamics.

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  • With its unique control layout, the PreDrive allows for nuanced tonal adjustments that can mimic studio preamps.

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Comparisons

  • The pedal's transparent drive mode is likened to a Hot Cake, offering thick and clear response with varied clean blend textures.

    Source
  • The Crush compressor eschews squashing peaks, maintaining tone breathiness, unlike the Keeley 4-Knob and JHS Pulp N Peel v4.

    Source
  • The Pettyjohn PreDrive can evoke a glassy clean tone akin to Jeff Buckley's "Hallelujah" when paired with a fuzz face and guitar volume rolled back.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Commonly used as a start-of-chain sweetener, the PreDrive enhances tone by boosting lows and low mids while adding preamp-style compression.

    Source
  • Functions effectively as an end-of-chain EQ/line driver for overall EQ control, though more value is noted in start-of-chain or transparent drive use.

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  • Achieves specific tonalities like Andy Summers' Telecaster sound with a PRS and humbuckers, suitable for reggae and jump blues styles.

    Source
  • The PreDrive can enrich clean tones in ambient music setups, offering subtle saturation without overpowering the signal.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners find initial control quirks, but the pedal's versatility in tone shaping is appreciated after familiarization.

    Source
  • Owners report a significant reduction in reliance on amp controls, using the PreDrive and Crush for tonal tweaking instead.

    Source
  • Owners using the PreDrive for ambient music report it complements stereo amp setups, adding fullness and a 3D feel to the sound.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Using the PreDrive in conjunction with a Boss Dimension C pedal enhances clean tones by adding texture and depth.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Pete Thorn uses Pettyjohn Electronics PreDrive

Pete Thorn

Guitarist

SatchVai Band: Joe Satriani & Steve Vai

...
Verified via YouTube

Pettyjohn Predrive Pedal, demo by Pete Thorn

See how Brad Whitford uses Pettyjohn Electronics PreDrive

Brad Whitford

Guitarist

Hollywood Vampires

...
Verified via Photo

photo from […] @aerosmith gig in #Kelowna BC. #bradwhitford @3monkeysamps pedalboard outfitted with a number of great pedals

See how Josh Weaver uses Pettyjohn Electronics PreDrive

Josh Weaver

Guitarist

Royal Thunder

...
Verified via YouTube

In Royal Thunder's Rig Rundown in PremierGuitar, Josh shows us his new Pettyjohn Electronics PreDrive.

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 Pettyjohn Electronics PreDrive, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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