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Average Price: $145

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$50

$176+

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Description

Unleash the true potential of your guitar's tone with the Vertex Steel String (Slight Return Version) overdrive pedal. This pedal captures the essence of the legendary Dumble Steel String Singer amplifier, offering a dynamic and expressive range that enhances your playing without overshadowing it. Known for its authentic amp-like response, the Steel String (Slight Return Version) provides a transparent overdrive that allows your guitar's natural voice to shine through. Whether you're chasing the clean sustain of a classic blues tone or the gritty edge of rock, this pedal delivers with precision and clarity.

Designed for players who demand versatility, the Steel String (Slight Return Version) features intuitive controls for Volume, Gain, and Tone, allowing you to dial in your desired sound with ease. The pedal’s robust construction ensures it withstands the rigors of the road while maintaining top-notch performance. Ideal for both studio recording and live performance, this overdrive pedal will quickly become a staple on your pedalboard.

Key Features:

  • Authentic emulation of the Dumble Steel String Singer amplifier
  • Transparent overdrive with dynamic, amp-like response
  • Intuitive controls: Volume, Gain, Tone
  • Robust construction for durability and reliability
  • Perfect for a wide range of genres and playing styles
  • Ideal for both live performances and studio recordings

Product specs

Brand Vertex
Model Steel String SRV Slight Return Version
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Overdrive and Boost Pedals
Pedal Format Standard

FAQs

What type of sound can I expect from the Vertex Steel String (Slight Return Version) overdrive pedal?

The Vertex Steel String (Slight Return Version) is designed to emulate the classic Dumble Steel String Singer amp tone, offering a transparent overdrive with a dynamic and touch-sensitive response, perfect for blues and rock genres.

Is the Vertex Steel String (Slight Return Version) suitable for use with both electric and acoustic guitars?

Yes, the Vertex Steel String (Slight Return Version) can be used with both electric and acoustic guitars, providing a clean boost and subtle overdrive that enhances the natural tone of the instrument.

Does the Vertex Steel String (Slight Return Version) work well with other pedals in a signal chain?

The Vertex Steel String (Slight Return Version) is designed to integrate seamlessly with other pedals, maintaining clarity and articulation, making it an excellent choice for stacking with other overdrive or modulation effects.

What power supply is required for the Vertex Steel String (Slight Return Version) pedal?

The Vertex Steel String (Slight Return Version) requires a standard 9V DC power supply, center-negative, which is typical for most guitar pedals.

How does the Vertex Steel String (Slight Return Version) differ from other overdrive pedals on the market?

The Vertex Steel String (Slight Return Version) stands out with its focus on transparency and amp-like dynamics, specifically capturing the essence of a Dumble-style tone, which is distinct from the mid-hump character of many traditional overdrive pedals.

Vertex Effects

Vertex Effects

The Closest Pedal to a REAL Dumble

Video thumbnail for The Closest Pedal to a REAL Dumble by Vertex Effects

The Closest Pedal to a REAL Dumble

Vertex Effects

Vertex Effects

Video thumbnail for Vertex Steel String Slight Return Edition - Dumble Steel String Singer In A Box SRV and John Mayer by Buddy Blues

Vertex Steel String Slight Return Edition - Dumble Steel String Singer In A Box SRV and John Mayer

Buddy Blues

Buddy Blues

Reviews

PROS

  • Mimics Dumble amp sound effectively

  • Produces fat overdrive at low gain

  • Enhances clean amps, especially Fender style

  • Convincing tube break-up and compression

  • Versatile for both rhythm and lead tones

  • More Dumble-like mid shift in Slight Return Version

  • Works well as an 'always-on' pedal

  • Adds the final touch to achieve desired tone

CONS

  • Lacks tone control compared to some competitors

  • Mid tones less pronounced than expected in some setups

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Vertex Steel String (Slight Return Version).

Use cases and applications

  • Works excellently with Strat pickups but produces "farty" sounds with P-90 or humbucker pickups, suggesting it's best suited for single-coil setups.

    Source
  • Recommended to place at the end of the pedal chain to simulate an amp-like setup.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Cornerstone Gladio SC is recommended for a similar sound but supports humbuckers and P-90s without tonal issues.

    Source
  • Compared to the Nux Steel Singer, the Vertex offers a less gain-heavy effect, providing a more natural amp-like sound.

    Source
  • DemonFX offers a similar pedal for around £60, visually and functionally resembling the Vertex Steel String.

    Source
  • The Nux Steel Singer, priced at $49, is more overdrive-focused compared to the Vertex, which acts more as a clean boost.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Offers excellent sound quality for Stratocasters, but concerns about component quality and durability persist.

    Source
  • Described as providing a clean overdrive with minimal grit, adding an organic layer of grit to enhance clean tones, ideal for always-on use.

    Source

User experience

  • One user transitioned to the Cornerstone Gladio for a dual Dumble setup after using the Vertex, citing a better representation of Dumble tones.

    Source
  • The pedal's volume knob is said to be very usable, akin to a good fuzz, allowing for dynamic tonal shifts.

    Source
  • Owners acknowledge past controversies with Vertex, impacting brand perception despite the pedal's performance.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Users suggest the Vertex is overpriced compared to its clone-like alternatives, impacting its perceived value.

    Source

Other

  • Concerns exist over Vertex's history of rebranding existing circuits, affecting trust among potential buyers.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

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Artist usage

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See how Dann Huff uses Vertex Steel String (Slight Return Version)

Dann Huff

Guitarist, Music Producer

Giant

...
Verified via Premier Guitar

"Huff doesn’t need a spaceship to get where he needs to go. Along with a TC Electronic PolyTune and a Lehle volume pedal, he runs a Vertex Effects Steel String (Slight Return Edition), Vertex Ultraphonix Mk II, Boss SD-2, TC Electronic Corona, Boss VB-2w, Mr. Black SuperMoon, Strymon Brigadier, and Line 6 M9 Stompbox Modeler."

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 Vertex Steel String (Slight Return Version), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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raystephen

raystephen

Gear IQ 416

raystephen

raystephen

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