Colorsound1970s (reissued through the 90s-2000s)OverdriveOverdrive$$Mid-Range($250–800)
Colorsound Overdriver
Guitarists and pedal historians wanting a genuine deep-cut British overdrive predating the dominant Japanese circuits.
Find on ReverbUsed-gear listings, graded conditionCheck prices on eBayBroader inventory, live auctions
Check your gain staging
Free tool — convert dBu/dBV, chain gain stages, and check your headroom before it clips.
Strengths
- A genuine deep-cut British overdrive circuit predating the more famous Japanese Tube Screamer family by several years
- Distinctive, slightly grittier voicing than the smoother Tube Screamer/Blues Driver lineage gives it real character
- Its obscurity relative to the dominant Japanese overdrive circuits makes it a genuine find for pedal historians
Trade-offs
- Considerably less documented and supported than the mainstream Boss/Ibanez overdrive lineup
- Original 70s units are genuinely rare, and reissues vary in how faithfully they replicate the original circuit
Full Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Colorsound |
| Model | Overdriver |
| Era | 1970s (reissued through the 90s-2000s) |
| Typical Price Tier | Mid-Range ($250–800) |
| Effect Type | Overdrive |
| Circuit | Analog |
| True Bypass | No |
| Power | 9V battery/adapter |
| Controls | 2 knobs |
| Tap Tempo | No |
| I/O | Mono in/out |
A relative used-market guide, not a live quote — real prices vary by condition, region, and timing. Check the Reverb/eBay links on any item for current listings.
Match Score Explorer
Weight what matters to your workflow. Every deck is re-scored live against your priorities, benchmarked against the Colorsound Overdriver.
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This deckColorsound Overdriver
Match54
Flexibility30
Portability85
Ease of Maintenance70
Tonal Neutrality32
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Maintenance & Supplies
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