Ross R-50 Distortion

$99.00 to $189.00 Price Tier: Standard

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Newer option

Ross Distortion (Reissue)

$129.86 - $189.00

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1 wishlisted

5 saved

Page last updated Jun 09, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated June 8, 2026.

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Price

$189.00

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$189.00

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5.0 (2)

$99.00 9 available Used

$189.00

$149.00

$183.00

Average Price: $163

Standard/Professional

$80

$181+

Price Tier

In the Distortion Effects Pedals category, Ross R-50 Distortion is priced in the upper end of the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Ross R-50 Distortion". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Unlock the authentic sounds of the past with the Ross R-50 Distortion pedal—an homage to one of the 1970s' most iconic dirt boxes, reimagined for today's discerning guitarists. This JHS-built pedal channels the spirit of its vintage predecessor with an op-amp hard-clipping circuit, delivering that sought-after amp-like feel and touch-sensitive dynamics. Whether you're chasing the raw, jagged tones of classic rock or the creamy saturation of modern leads, the R-50 has you covered.

At the heart of its versatility is a 2-position voicing switch that lets you alternate between the warm, slightly gritty germanium mode and the smoother, more transparent silicon mode. This dual-voicing capability makes it easier than ever to dial in the perfect tone for any musical context. Equipped with intuitive Level and Distort knobs, the R-50 offers seamless control over your sound, pushing your amplifier into a natural breakup that captures the essence of tube overdrive.

Modern enhancements like a soft-touch bypass and a dramatically lowered noise floor ensure that your signal remains pristine and your operation effortless. The pedal's classic Ross enclosure style, complete with recessed control knobs, adds a vintage flair to your pedalboard, while the LED indicator keeps you informed at a glance. Crafted with the same stringent quality standards you expect from JHS, the Ross R-50 Distortion stands as a faithful tribute to a legendary era of guitar music.

Key Features:

Op-amp hard-clipping circuit for amp-like distortion
Dual-voicing switch: Germanium for warmth, Silicon for transparency
Intuitive Level and Distort controls
Soft-touch bypass and lowered noise floor for clean operation
Vintage-inspired design with recessed knobs and LED indicator
Standard 9V DC Negative Center power, 40mA consumption

Product specs

Power	9V
Analog/Digital	analog

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Pedal of the Day

Ross Distortion

Pedal of the Day

ROSS / R50 DISTORTION (80s Vintage)

K Sakuma

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ross R-50 Distortion.

Build quality

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The recessed knobs are a distinct feature, adding a unique aesthetic while protecting settings during transport.
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Comparisons

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The Ross R-50 is compared to the Ibanez SD-9, with the former being more abrasive, while the latter offers a creamier tone.
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The DOD 250 is based on the Ross Distortion circuit, with the BAT Quantum Mystic noted as a favored version among enthusiasts.
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The Ross R-50 distortion has been described as having a warm, creamy, and vintage tone similar to a tube amp overdrive, particularly at lower gain settings.
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Some users consider replacing more common pedals like the RAT clone or Boss BD-2 with the Ross R-50 due to its unique sonic characteristics.
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Use cases and applications

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The Ross distortion phaser works well for lightly distorted clav sounds, showcasing its versatility beyond just guitar applications.
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One user reported achieving a favorable analog sound directly through an amp without encountering any undesirable tones, suggesting its versatility for straightforward setups.
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Features and functionality

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The pedal's unique enclosure design is noted, though such custom designs are rare due to high manufacturing costs.
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At maximum gain, the Ross R-50 distortion can verge on a fuzz-like sound, offering a distinct character compared to more modern, high-gain pedals.
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The Ross R-50 includes a 3.5mm power port, requiring an adapter for modern power supplies.
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At high gain settings, the pedal can produce a high-pitched squeal, which can be mitigated by slightly reducing the 'D' knob.
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Value and pricing

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A vintage version of the Ross R-50, branded as "Marquis by Harmony," was noted for its analog warmth, indicating that while modern options may exist, the vintage appeal adds unique value.
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User experience

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Owners appreciate the pedal's ability to highlight the organic jangle of string rattles, contributing to its vintage sound profile.
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Artist usage

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Bruce Kulick

Guitarist

Kiss

Verified via Photo

In the photo titled "pedals24.jpg" on Bruce Kulick's blog, a Ross R-50 Distortion pedal is visible, indicating its inclusion in his gear collection.

Richard Hawley

Singer, Guitarist

Pulp

Verified via Atkinguitars

From Guitar Buyer magazine, October 2009: "I really only ever use one distortion pedal, and that’s this Ross pedal that I got when I was 13, when I swapped it with my next-door neighbour for a fishing reel,” says Hawley.

“It’s got this creamy distortion but the control knobs fell off years ago. That’s got a great sound and it has to be maintained regularly. I have to make sure that it’s clean because it’s pretty knackered – it’s been stomped on so many times – but I’ve used it throughout my career from my first ever band right up to last week... but I’ve never been able to find another one.”

http://imgur.com/4MjCz8S Also used on the Hollow Meadows 2015 tour, as photographed in Guitarist magazine, February 2016.

Butch Walker

Singer, Guitarist

The All-American Rejects

Verified via YouTube

Walker’s first distortion pedal, as stated at 0:11 in JHS Pedals’ “The Story of ROSS Pedals”.

My first distortion pedal was the yellow label Distortion, the Ross Distortion pedal.

Ronald Jones

Guitarist

The Flaming Lips

Verified via Photo

In a user-uploaded photo, Ronald Jones appears to use a Ross R-50 Distortion pedal, positioned after a green Boss PH-2 Phaser. Although the pedals look similar, the darker label suggests it might be a Ross Phaser instead. In a video from a Letterman performance, Jones steps on the green phaser for prolonged effects, possibly using the Ross for faster phasing. This setup reflects his nuanced approach to creating dynamic soundscapes.

Henrik Höckert

Bassist

Viagra Boys

Verified via Photo

Took a screenshot of a instragram story show Henriks pedalboard

Ryan Cook

Singer, Guitarist

Skid Row

Verified via Photo

"My first stomp box…….. EVER !! Ross Distortion !! Purchased at Hayes House of Music on 6th Street in Topeka, KS, 1980-Something. Nothing fancy here…… one Distort Control, one Level Control. I’d pair this with my DOD Flanger and I was off and running !!!Do you remember your first pedal? Which one? Do you still have it ?!? And don’t forget……. You can dress for less at Ross :). @scottihill @theephilipshouse @theejeremyasbrock @dodpedals @pedaloftheday #pedaloftheday"