Pricing and availability
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Reviews
Price
Average Price: $43
Budget/Beginner
$50
$176+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 6 merchants for "TC Electronic Cinders Overdrive". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Unleash your inner rockstar with the TC Electronic Cinders Analog Overdrive, a compact power-packed pedal that delivers the growl and grit of a vintage tube amp. With a wide gain range, it offers the tonal versatility musicians crave. Its robust steel chassis is home to an intuitive three-knob interface of Volume, Drive, and Tone controls, providing an all-analog signal path for authentic overdrive. As part of the company’s Smorgasbord of Tones series, the Cinders Overdrive promises scorching sounds without burning a hole in your pocket.
Key Features:
- Analog overdrive for authentic grit
- Three-knob interface: Volume, Drive, and Tone controls
- Part of the TC Electronic’s Smorgasbord of Tones series
- Compact and sturdy steel chassis
- Provides a wide gain range for tonal versatility
Product specs
| Pedal Type | Overdrive |
| Analog/Digital | Analog |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4" (instrument) |
| Outputs | 1 x 1/4" |
| True Bypass | Yes |
| EQ | Tone Control |
| Power Source | 9V DC power supply (sold separately) |
| Batteries | 1 x 9V |
| Power Usage | 20mA |
| Height | 2.3" |
| Width | 2.9" |
| Depth | 5.2" |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs. |
FAQs
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What type of overdrive circuit is the TC Electronic Cinders Overdrive based on?
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The TC Electronic Cinders Overdrive is based on the Blues Driver circuit, offering a tube-like overdrive with a responsive and expressive feel.
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Does the TC Electronic Cinders Overdrive work well with bass guitars?
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While primarily designed for electric guitars, the TC Electronic Cinders Overdrive can be used with bass guitars, though it may affect the low-end response differently.
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What power supply is required for the TC Electronic Cinders Overdrive?
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The TC Electronic Cinders Overdrive requires a 9V DC power supply, which is sold separately, or it can be powered by a 9V battery.
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Is the TC Electronic Cinders Overdrive true bypass?
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Yes, the TC Electronic Cinders Overdrive features true bypass, ensuring your tone remains uncolored when the pedal is not in use.
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How does the tone control on the TC Electronic Cinders Overdrive affect the sound?
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The tone control on the TC Electronic Cinders Overdrive allows you to shape the high-frequency response, ranging from warm and smooth to bright and cutting tones.
Videos
Guitar Center
TC Electronic Cinders Overdrive Effects Pedal Demo
Reviews
PROS
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Delivers vintage sparkle and grit
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Durable steel construction with well-sized, spaced knobs
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Simple to use, quick to find desired tone
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Responsive to pick attack, dynamics
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Offers tube-like tones, from light overdrive to aggressive without breakup
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Versatile for genres from blues to hard rock
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Transparent overdrive with distinct, clean tones at high and low gain
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Can produce endless sustain with high output humbuckers
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Quiet operation, minimal noise
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Affordable, great value for its performance
CONS
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No compartment for 9V battery, requires a screwdriver to install
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Not suitable for very high gain genres like black metal or stoner
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Gain not very clean at low settings
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Can sound a bit shrill at maximum gain
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Bright sound, may not work well at lower gain settings for some preferences
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Lacks a clear boost function
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about TC Electronic Cinders Overdrive.
Features and functionality
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The TC Electronic Cinders Overdrive is noted for its ability to dial in sounds from Klon, Blues Drive, Blues Breaker, to light fuzz, offering versatile tone-shaping options.
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When used with a cleaner Fender amp, setting the volume slightly above unity, gain below noon, and tone low delivers a smooth, thick, and crunchy sound.
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Use cases and applications
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Owners often use the Cinders Overdrive as an always-on pedal to add a bluesy crunch to clean channels, effectively taming distortion and fuzz without volume jumps.
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The pedal provides a "sizzle" and slight compression, making it suitable for heavier music styles when used after OD/Fuzz pedals like the Nightwolf.
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Comparisons
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Cinders is considered a robust alternative to the Boss BD-2, delivering a similar tonal quality at a budget-friendly price, making it a favorite among value-conscious musicians.
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It's part of the Smorgasbord series, known for refined Behringer circuits in durable enclosures, making it a standout choice in budget overdrive pedals.
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Described as having a "crispy" high end, similar to an OR15 amp with a boost, offering a distinct tonal character when gain is cranked.
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Owners note that while based on the BD2, Cinders can sound harsher and grainier, suggesting possible quality control issues or differences in circuit design.
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Build quality
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The pedal is praised for its sturdy construction, with top jack sockets and a proper footswitch, ensuring durability and reliable performance on pedalboards.
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Value and pricing
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At a price point of $49, it's considered a great deal compared to other budget mini pedals like Donners and Mosky which are similarly priced.
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User experience
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Owners appreciate its ability to impart a "sizzle" and slightly compress the tone, enhancing heavier music styles effectively.
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Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 5 Reviews and 16 Ratings
476
Great BD-2 clone
I wasn't satisfied with a tube screamer, so I tried Cinders and this is definitely the overdriven sound I had in my head. Versatile for almost any genre and I'd trust the box to last some heavy stomping as well - it's heavy and sturdy.
Preferred Settings + Usage:
Tone - 13:00, volume - 13:00-14:00, gain - either 13:00 or full on
Pretty cool overdrive
Good sounding pedal, really nice to tidy up the lows. Sounds great when used as a dirty boost or combined with a fuzz pedal.
88
Great distortion for the price.
It's not only a transparent overdrive, but also a distortion pedal when the gain knob is cranked to 3 o'clock or more. Really versatile, and modern sounding.
447
Artist usage
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Used With
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