DOD Overdrive Preamp 250 50th Anniversary Drive Pedal

Brand

DOD

DOD, or Digitech/DOD Electronics, is a renowned brand in the world of audio electronics, particularly known for its effects pedals for guitars and basses. The company was founded in 1973 by David Oreste Di Francesco and John Johnson, hence the acronym DOD. Initially focusing on guitar effects pedals, DOD gained prominence with its innovative designs and affordable yet high-quality products.

Throughout its history, DOD has produced a wide range of effects pedals, including overdrive/distortion pedals, delay units, chorus and flanger pedals, and more. Their pedals often feature robust construction, simple yet effective controls, and distinctive sound characteristics. Classics like the DOD Overdrive/Preamp 250 and the DOD Stereo Chorus have become staples on pedalboards of musicians across various genres.

In 1984, DOD was acquired by Harman International Industries, which also owned other prominent audio brands like AKG, JBL, and Lexicon. Under Harman’s ownership, DOD continued to innovate and release new pedals while maintaining its reputation for providing high-quality effects at accessible prices. Though there have been shifts in ownership and product lines over the years, DOD pedals remain highly regarded by musicians seeking reliable and versatile effects for their performances and recordings.

Category

Guitar Pedals

Tags

Boost

Distortion

Distortion pedals take your clean guitar signal and transform it into something bigger, bolder, and full of attitude. By clipping the waveform, they add sustain, bite, and aggression, creating that thick, compressed tone that’s powered rock music for decades. From the growling crunch of classic hard rock to the tight, saturated roar of modern metal, distortion is all about energy and presence. It gives every note weight and authority, pushing your amp to its limits and beyond.

There are countless flavours of distortion, each with its own texture and edge. Some sound smooth and creamy, others raw and gnarly like tearing fabric. It’s the sonic equivalent of turning up the heat until the sound cooks — rich, sizzling, and perfectly seasoned to taste. Whether used for rhythm muscle or soaring leads, a good distortion pedal doesn’t just add volume; it adds personality, grit, and that unmistakable sense of power under your fingers.

New

This is brand new, fresh in, and a UK warranty is included. New Gear always comes from trusted UK music retailers.

Overdrive

Like a golden layer of melted cheese — warm, gooey, and just put it all over. It adds just the right amount of richness and grit, turning a clean signal into something smooth and savoury. Designed to mimic the natural breakup of a tube amp pushed to its sweet spot, overdrive delivers the flavour of classic rock and blues in every bite. From creamy mid-gain warmth to crisp edge-of-breakup sparkle, it’s the comfort food of guitar tone — simple, satisfying, and endlessly versatile. Whether it’s a mild crunch or a full-bodied roar, overdrive is where good taste begins.

Preamp

A preamp pedal shapes and boosts your guitar’s signal before it reaches your amp or recording interface, giving you control over tone, gain, and headroom. It acts as the first stage of amplification, adding warmth, clarity, and character while preparing your signal for the next part of the chain. Some preamps emulate the response of classic valve circuits, while others offer clean, transparent tone shaping ideal for acoustic instruments or direct recording setups.

Used on its own, a preamp pedal can serve as the foundation of your tone, providing a consistent core sound wherever you play. When combined with other effects, it enhances dynamics and helps each pedal sound more defined and natural. Whether you’re looking to push your amp harder, bring life to a dull signal, or refine your sound for the studio, a good preamp pedal adds presence, punch, and musicality to any rig.