Sonic Edge J&J Overdrive review

A classic drive to give you an edge

  • £135
  • $189
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The J&J is a straight-forward analogue overdrive from the people behind Fargen amps

MusicRadar Verdict

The J&J's transparent tone and excellent touch sensitivity make it a perfect partner for any non-master amp when a bit more drive is needed.

Pros

  • +

    Simple controls. Transparent tone. Response.

Cons

  • -

    The non-slip base that doesn't stay put.

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Sonic Edge is the pedal brand of Sacramento-based Fargen amps, whose Olde 800 head has mightily inspired us in recent weeks. The Sonic Edge range includes two stompboxes: a clean boost/compressor called the Tumbleweed, and this no-frills J&J Overdrive.

"We tried it with a variety of amps and it never disappointed"

The J&J is a pure analogue pedal with a pair of JFET transistors on a small single-sided PCB, complemented with film capacitors and carbon comp resistors. There's a true bypass in/out switch, with power provided from an PP3 or a standard DC socket.

A non- slip rubber pad lies underneath the cast-alloy box, but the plastic battery cover sits a little proud, causing the pedal to skid around on hard floors.

Sounds

There are three knobs - for volume, tone and gain - and a blue status LED. The J&J has a wide gain range that goes from clean boost up to a decent Tube Screamer-style drive, with a smooth but effective tone control that dials in just the right amount of top.

We tried it with a variety of amps and it never disappointed, leaving the amp's native tone intact and making solos sing with sustain and bite.

Nick Guppy