J Rockett releases Hot Rubber Monkey V2 overdrive pedal
July 4, 2023 · 2 sources
J Rockett Audio Designs released the Hot Rubber Monkey V2, a compact D-style overdrive pedal, on July 4, 2023, after two years of research and development1. The pedal is a revision of the original Hot Rubber Monkey, which was itself based on another of the company's Dumble-inspired designs, The Dude, an overdrive based on Keith Urban's Dumble Overdrive Special1.
The V2 replicates what MusicRadar describes as the drive sounds of a Dumble equipped with an HRM EQ mod1. Premier Guitar reports that the pedal is based on the Dumble mod and quotes Chris Van Tassel of J. Rockett: "Much like the Dude, we were finally able to source and replicate the HRM mod using real Dumbles"2. According to MusicRadar, the company says time spent examining the source allowed it to source NOS components for the build1; Premier Guitar lists NOS components among the features2.
The controls are Level, Gain, Top End and Midrange. Level sets overall output and Gain sets the amount of drive, and MusicRadar notes that adjusting one affects the other1. Midrange controls the low-mid guitar frequencies, and Top End adjusts bite12. Premier Guitar also lists true bypass and a self-serviceable, replaceable "Speedswitch" for on-the-spot repairs2.
"This pedal, even at lower gain settings, will bloom and feedback making it feel like the real thing"
The pedal runs on 9V DC from a pedalboard power supply and draws 18mA, according to MusicRadar1. Both publications give a US price of $22912. Premier Guitar says it is available now for $229 through select dealers2. Premier Guitar quotes Van Tassel saying the V2 is "an entirely different pedal with different tone controls and a new design to match"2.