Visual Sound V3 Route 66

4.5 (3)

1 Critic Review

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Page last updated Jun 17, 2026

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Description

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Visual Sound has completely re-invented the Route 66 pedal with the new V3 Series version. All new circuitry takes the best tones of previous versions and makes them even better, with far more versatility. Here are some of the highlights:

Completely re-invented Route 66 pedal, with new circuitry.
Compression and Overdrive in one box. Use together or separately.
Compression Clean Mix knob allows varying degrees of compression mixed with dry signal, and the ability to be used as a clean boost.
Same Comp, Tone (with on/off switch) and Volume knobs as previous Route 66 pedals.
Redesigned, quieter compression with more subtle noise gate circuit.
New overdrive channel based on the Reverend/GarageTone Drivetrain pedal, but with Clean Mix and Voice controls.
Overdrive Clean Mix knob allows for various blends of overdrive and dry signal, including all drive or all clean boost.
Voice switch chooses between bright and open, or more saturated overdrive.
Separate Bass and Treble knobs.
The V3 Route 66 sounds equally great with guitar or bass, and even with keyboards and other instruments!

Product specs

Brand	Visual Sound
Model	Route 66 V3 Overdrive and Compressor
Finish	Cream
Year	2010s
Categories	Compressor Pedals, Overdrive and Boost Pedals

FAQs

What are the main features of the Visual Sound V3 Route 66 pedal?: The Visual Sound V3 Route 66 combines an overdrive and a compressor into one pedal. It offers a warm, vintage overdrive tone alongside a classic compressor with Tone Control, making it versatile for various playing styles.
How does the overdrive on the Route 66 V3 compare to other overdrive pedals?: The Route 66 V3 overdrive provides a smooth, vintage-style tone with a natural breakup, ideal for blues and rock. Its Tone Control feature allows for more tonal shaping compared to many standard overdrive pedals.
Can the Visual Sound V3 Route 66 be used with bass guitars?: Yes, the Visual Sound V3 Route 66 is suitable for bass guitars, especially the compressor section, which helps maintain clarity and punch in the low frequencies.
What power supply is required for the Visual Sound V3 Route 66?: The Visual Sound V3 Route 66 requires a standard 9V DC power supply, making it compatible with most pedalboard power setups.
Is the compressor on the Route 66 V3 suitable for live performances?: Yes, the compressor on the Route 66 V3 is designed to provide consistent volume and sustain, making it an excellent choice for live performances where dynamic control is essential.

Videos

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Brett Kingman

Truetone: V3 Jekyll & Hyde | Route 66 | VS-XO | H20 - Quick run-through

Brett Kingman

Truetone (Visual Sound) Route 66 American Overdrive Demo by Shawn Tubbs

Truetone

Review Demo - Truetone V3 Route 66 American Overdrive

Premier Guitar

Truetone Route 66 - Review for L&M

Sam Coulson

Truetone Route 66 V3 | Haar guitars Demo

HaarGuitars

Reviews

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PROS

Sounds great with a true overdrive and compressor combo
Amazingly well thought out and fun to use
Separate mix control for each effect helps dial in precise sounds
Can be used as two separate pedals for flexibility in pedal chain placement
Compressor ranges from subtle to extreme, versatile for different styles
Overdrive provides sweet tube-like crunch, ideal for classic/hard rock tones
Compatible with various guitars, from 12-String Rickenbackers to 6 string electrics
Built solid and sports a cool design
Lifetime warranty offers peace of mind

CONS

Internal build quality doesn't match boutique pedal standards
Requires a lot of knob tweaking to find the sweet spot

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Visual Sound V3 Route 66.

Build quality

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The footswitches on newer models are highly durable, rated for around 10 million stomps, making them exceptionally robust.
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Some users find the diamond or homeplate form factor of the pedal unusual and off-putting, affecting its appeal despite its robust sound quality.
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Some users feel the stomp switches lack an audible 'click', which affects tactile feedback despite their high durability rating.
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Features and functionality

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The compressor side is praised for delivering a sound that many other compressor pedals fail to achieve, staying on 99% of the time for some users.
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The overdrive is noted for not having as much dirt as the OCD pedal, making it suitable for clean boosts or milder overdrive tones.
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The bass boost on the pedal may alter tone negatively for some users, suggesting it might not suit all tonal preferences.
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User experience

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Despite a broken tone knob switch, the manufacturer offers free repairs, showcasing great customer support.
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Collectors appreciate the pedal's historical significance and unique design, despite its less intuitive layout compared to contemporary models.
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Despite the high durability rating, some users perceive the stomp switches as cheap-feeling, impacting their overall satisfaction.
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Use cases and applications

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The pedal pairs well with single coil guitars, enhancing its versatility across different guitar setups.
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Comparisons

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The pedal doesn't fully achieve the "perfect" blues driver sound and is considered less impressive than the Jekyll & Hyde or H20 from the original series.
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The overdrive is compared to a tubescreamer, offering a reference for those familiar with that pedal's sound.
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Value and pricing

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Older V1 models find a niche market among collectors, while used V3 units are valued at around $120, appealing to those wanting a more compact board setup.
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The combined pedal's pricing is highlighted as a significant advantage, making it a cost-effective choice for those needing both overdrive and compression.
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Critic Reviews

Visual Sound Route 66 V3 American Overdrive | Vintage Guitar® magazine

vintageguitar.com

The Visual Sound V3 Route 66 is a dual-purpose pedal that excels in both overdrive and compression. Praised for its quiet, versatile compressor and the robust, non-harsh overdrive, it offers musicians a dynamic range of sound-sculpting options. With features like a Clean Mix knob, Tone on/off slider, and a two-position A/B Voice switch, it provides endless possibilities for customization. The addition of true bypass options and separate inputs/outputs for each section further enhances its utility. While it comes at a competitive price, the pedal's quality and flexibility make it a serious contender for any player.

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