MusicRadar Verdict
A pedal that you'll need to demo before you make the commitment.
Pros
- +
Good for bringing the best out of vintage and boutique gear.
Cons
- -
Vast expense.
MusicRadar's got your back Our team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you. Find out more about how we test.
On first appearances, the Germanium Drive is a fear-inducing beast.
Just look at the features: a five-position feedback knob, drive that goes up to 11, and two EQ-shaping toggle switches. Heck, it even requires two power supplies (or two 9V batteries).
For all we know, our amp is about to sprout arms and beat us to a bloody pulp as soon weplug it into this thing.
That would be getting a little carried away, though, because the Germanium Drive is actually more of a coloured boost or tone filter than a traditional fuzz pedal, and as a result the signal doesn't break up much until the drive control is well in to the final third of its travel.
Once you get there, there's a huge boost in output, and the rough, organic fuzz that germanium transistors are known for comes on in waves. The Highs and Boost Range toggles are also ideal for fine-tuning the sound.
Tone-obsessed guitarists with an ear for detail will love the harmonics this pedal gives and the way that the feedback selector toggle changes your entire rig's character.
“While it might not be the vintage D-28 of your dreams, this is a Martin you can be proud of”: Martin X Series Remastered D-X2E Brazilian review
“These guitars are going to turn some heads. The natural designs in the wood create ‘aesthetic arrest’ from the first look”: PRS launches limited edition SE Exotic Veneer range of electric guitars – and updates SE Swamp Ash with 5-way switching
"And the winners are": Queen, Herbie Hancock and Barbara Hannigan just won 1 million krona each in 2025's Polar Music Prize
