Strymon takes a new approach to overdrive with Riverside Multistage Drive pedal

We knew it was coming, and now Strymon has made its first overdrive pedal official, with the announcement of the Riverside Multistage Drive.

In true Strymon fashion, the Riverside takes a new approach to drive 'n' distortion, combining analogue and digital gain stages to produce top-notch harmonic and dynamic content.

The pedal also introduces "continuously variable circuit tuning", which dynamically adjusts multiple internal parameters for what the company's calling "infinite sweet spot" - that means it can capably span tones from cleans right up to saturated distortions.

By analysing various analogue and valve circuits, Strymon reckons it's produced a pedal that can "adapt to any amp", assisted by a three-band EQ and rear-mounted presence switch.

Elsewhere, a Push toggle can provide additional mid emphasis, while Strymon's Favorite footswitch engages a saved setting; an external footswitch can also be connected to toggle up to +6dB of post-boost, while an expression input offers control of any or all the knobs. There's even a built-in noise reduction circuit.

Yep, Strymon has thought of everything. Suffice to say, we can't wait to get our hands on this one. Riverside is available from November for £299/$299/€349.

Michael Astley-Brown

Mike has been Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com since 2019, and an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict for far longer. He has a master's degree in journalism from Cardiff University, and 15 years' experience writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as 20 years of recording and live experience in original and function bands. During his career, he has interviewed the likes of John Frusciante, Chris Cornell, Tom Morello, Matt Bellamy, Kirk Hammett, Jerry Cantrell, Joe Satriani, Tom DeLonge, Radiohead's Ed O'Brien, Polyphia, Tosin Abasi, Yvette Young and many more. His writing also appears in the The Cambridge Companion to the Electric Guitar. In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock as Maebe.