The BearFoot Guitar Effects Model G is an analog overdrive pedal designed to conjure the underappreciated Gibson combo amps of the 1960s. Premier Guitar's reviewer summed it up as a "vibey overdrive with a '60s attitude. Extremely dynamic. Many sonic variations," and described it as a stompbox for players with a taste for primitive distortion1. It sits among overdrive pedals that take their cue from amp circuits rather than from a clean boost or a modern high-gain design.
How it works
Rather than modeling an amp digitally, the Model G replicates the circuit of the amp it models by analog means: a FET-based tone-shaping stage, plus a Screamer-like gain stage to simulate preamp distortion1. Players familiar with the Tube Screamer family of circuits, covered in the Boss SD-1 vs Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer comparison, will recognize that part of the signal path.
Controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| N (nature) | Progressively crisper tones clockwise, with a heavy low boost fully counter-clockwise1 |
| C | Compresses the signal slightly while adding highs to compensate for the squeeze1 |
| Drive | Straightforward drive control1 |
| Master volume | Straightforward level control; higher settings provide a virile solo boost on a reasonably loud circuit1 |
The N knob is the pedal's broadest tone control, spanning from a dark, bass-heavy voicing to crisp settings as it turns clockwise. The C knob works alongside it, tightening the feel while adding highs to keep the top end from dulling under compression1.
Sound and character
Premier Guitar's reviewer described the Model G as "a loose, vibey sort of distortion, well suited to bluesy roots-rock and scrappy indie sounds"1. The dynamic response and range of sonic variations were highlights of the review, with the higher volume settings doubling as a forceful solo boost1.
Build and power
The Model G is strictly handmade, and the review notes a tidily soldered circuit board inside the hand-painted "B"-sized enclosure1. Power comes from either a 9-volt battery or a conventional barrel-type adapter, so it fits a standard pedalboard supply without special requirements1.
Videos
ProGuitarShopDemos
Premier Guitar
Prymaxe
Sources (1)
- BearFoot Effects Model G Overdrive Review, Premier Guitar, 2013-09-23