Way Huge Overrated Special review

A well-rated pedal for JoBo

  • £189
  • €248
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MusicRadar Verdict

A great asset in front of your amp, whether you're a JoeBo fan or not.

Pros

  • +

    Adds superb definition.

Cons

  • -

    Very few.

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Designed for Joe Bonamassa, the Overrated Special is a limited-edition run of 1,000 units that reimagines Way Huge's Green Rhino overdrive.

Designer Jeorge Tripps has tweaked the pedal for a more pronounced midrange and added a 500Hz knob that offers boost or cut around that low-mid frequency.

Bonamassa uses one of these with Fender tweed amps that are already cranked - and the pedal comes alive in that role, taking
an already overdriven amp to the next level, adding harmonics and helping notes bloom into feedback under your fingers.

When used as a boost, the 500Hz knob adds a certain definition at a sweet spot that will let your guitar cut through the mix, while sounding natural rather than overly aggressive. It works just fine with a clean amp, too, giving you an extra channel of natural raunch to play with.

Certain transparent overdrives have achieved mythical status by doing a similar job to this, give it a try - it's overrated in name only.

Trevor Curwen

Trevor Curwen has played guitar for several decades – he's also mimed it on the UK's Top of the Pops. Much of his working life, though, has been spent behind the mixing desk, during which time he has built up a solid collection of the guitars, amps and pedals needed to cover just about any studio session. He writes pedal reviews for Guitarist and has contributed to Total Guitar, MusicRadar and Future Music among others.