I'm very impressed with the Maxon OD-820 Overdrive Pro. This overdrive delivers big time and does so transparently, leaving the guitar's tone uncolored. The overdrive cleans up nicely when backing off the volume, and is very responsive to good playing technique. On YouTube, the Maxon OD-820 is contrasted favorably against the much higher priced Klon Centaur. I can't claim the same, as I don't own the Klon, but the Maxon doesn't leave me wanting. I'm no longer waiting for the Lovepedal Kalamazoo, or the Klon Centaur to finally be back in stock. I have compared the Maxon to Fulltone's OCD, and while the OCD has more tonal control, my experience is the OD-820 delivers a comparatively richer, warmer sound. True, the Maxon takes up more real estate on the pedalboard than the OCD and Kalamazoo, but this doesn't bother me; it sounds that good.Read full review
I have been trying out overdrive pedals for over a year from vintage to moded, and new. This is the first one that I found that is very transparent with my sound. Great Overdrive pedal that just added that little extra flavor I was looking for well worth the little extra money. Also, this unit can be used as just a boost pedal. Looking forward to trying out one of their many other pedals...
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I have always loved this pedal, not a TS at all, it has a totally different character, has a much more full and warm vibe to it. Worth adding to your box of tricks for the studio or live, I highly recommend it.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Great transparent overdrive, not limited to one sweet spot, full range of the gain knob is usable. The only thing I might want different is a smaller footprint.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
The Maxon OD 820 was intended to be the last word, the cumulation of all Maxon learned, starting with the first TS 808 model. The larger enclosure to reduce noise, and voltage upped to 20V internally, increasing dynamic range, all with a 9V battery. The three pots Gain, Tone, and Volume, are usable throughout their range, you just won't believe how sweet and musical the range of this Tone pot is. More level/volume on tap to drive your amps input stage, and then the Gain.. On minimum you get a perfectly clean signal coloured with the classic eq curve so essential to lifting your tone in the mix. From here on up its all gravy.. And at 2 o, clock a touch of compression compliments your valve amp that is now singing, a point that with my TS 10 is loosing me vital definition due to the pedals more compressed circuit design. This is not helped by low frequency I just don't need in front of a cooking Vox AC30, or Marshall 1959. None of this is an issue with the OD 820, and explains the comparisons with the Klon Centaur. The OD 820 can work with clean amps, but is less forgiving due to its sensitivity to pick attack and reduced compression requiring a disciplined right hand technique, which holds its own appeal. It does stack really well with other pedals, and combined with something complimentary (I like the Fulltone OCD, Boss SD1, Crowther Hotcake, and my TS 10 pedal can blend to great effect).Read full review
Verified purchase: No
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