The BMF Effects Marc F'N Ford Overdrive/Boost is a dual-channel signature pedal built for guitarist Marc Ford of The Magpie Salute. It puts two of BMF's existing circuits in one box: a GB Boost (Germanium Booster) on the boost side, feeding into a Purple Nurple Overdrive on the drive side1. Each side switches independently, and with both engaged the pedal works as boosted drive, which Premier Guitar's announcement described as making it effectively a three-channel pedal: boost, overdrive, and boosted drive2.
The pedal came out of a 13-year relationship between BMF Effects and Ford, and BMF builds it to the same specifications as the unit Ford uses onstage1. It was introduced in September 2018 at a retail price of $2493.
A germanium boost into a Purple Nurple overdrive
The drive side is the Purple Nurple circuit, which MusicRadar describes as "a simple IC-driven circuit with volume and drive controls" that "progresses from a gritty clean boost to tweed-like breakup with a little sag and mild fuzz"4.
The boost side is the GB Boost Germanium Booster, a design based on the vintage Dallas Rangemaster germanium treble booster, the circuit used by Tony Iommi, Brian May and Rory Gallagher4. Where the original Rangemaster had a single volume knob, BMF's version adds a tone control that blends between two different values of input capacitor, letting a player voice how much of the signal the booster emphasizes4.
Run together, the two sides interact the way a classic treble booster into an overdrive does. MusicRadar found that "the typical Rangemaster sparkle brings it alive with a gentle compression" that softens the whole sound "without losing transparency, clarity and detail of the guitar's pickup sound"4.
The controls on each side
Controls are straightforward, split between the two sides3:
| Side | Circuit | Controls |
|---|---|---|
| Left (Drive) | Purple Nurple Overdrive | Volume, Drive3 |
| Right (Boost) | GB Boost Germanium Booster | Volume, Tone3 |
Each side has its own footswitch and status LED, red for the boost side and orange for the drive side1. Per Marc Ford's specifications, when both sides are engaged the GB Boost goes into the Purple Nurple rather than the other way around2.
MusicRadar also noted how the pedal responds at the guitar: at higher gain settings, backing off the guitar's volume knob gives a good germanium-transistor-style clean-up that retains a fullness of tone, and the pedal "interacts well with guitar volume and tone controls"4.
History: from Marc Ford's rig to a signature pedal
The pedal began with Ford's own experimenting. According to MusicRadar, the idea came from a suggestion to try a germanium boost going into the Purple Nurple overdrive, a combination built by Scott Kiraly of BMF Effects4. What ended up in Ford's touring units became the signature pedal itself; as MusicRadar put it, "Ultimately, what ended up going into his units is the Marc F'N Ford signature pedal. They're exactly the same."4
BMF Effects announced the pedal on September 3, 2018, describing it as a dual-channel pedal built to Marc's specifications, coupling the Purple Nurple Overdrive with the germanium-fueled GB Boost2. Guitar.com covered it a few days later, noting the $249 retail price and the straightforward control layout3.
What reviewers said
MusicRadar's review was positive on the pedal's core qualities, crediting it with "excellent transparency and retention of guitar characteristics/playing dynamics" and a "broad palette of sounds"4. On the overall verdict:
"This signature offering is an inspired combination of pro tried-and-tested gain circuits in one unit, providing a virtually unlimited array of natural-sounding distortion effects."
The review's criticisms were practical rather than tonal: the buffered/true bypass option is not selectable, and the four jacks and separate connections may or may not suit a given pedalboard4.
Videos
The Official BMF Effects Channel
Mike Hermans
Ed Pettersen
Questions
Is the BMF Marc F'N Ford pedal true bypass?
Yes. BMF Effects lists the Marc F'N Ford Overdrive/Boost with true bypass switching on both sides. MusicRadar's review noted the buffered/true bypass option is not selectable, listing that among its reasons to avoid, but the pedal as built is true bypass.
Can you run the boost and drive sides at the same time?
Yes. Each side operates independently and can be stacked. When both are engaged, the GB Boost feeds into the Purple Nurple, per Marc Ford's specifications, so the pedal works as boost, overdrive, or boosted drive.
How much current does the Marc F'N Ford OD/Boost draw?
BMF Effects lists a current draw of 13mA at 9V DC through a standard DC jack. No special power supply is required, so it runs comfortably on a typical 9V pedalboard supply.
Is the BMF Marc F'N Ford Overdrive/Boost still available?
The BMF Effects product page currently shows the pedal as sold out, with a lead time of 5 to 6 weeks listed for orders. It retailed for $249 at its 2018 introduction, and the maker's page lists a price of £220.00 GBP.
What is the GB Boost on the Marc F'N Ford based on?
The GB Boost is a germanium booster based on the vintage Dallas Rangemaster treble booster, the circuit used by players such as Tony Iommi, Brian May and Rory Gallagher. BMF's version adds a tone knob that blends between two input capacitor values for voicing.
Sources (4)
- Marc F'N Ford Overdrive/Boost, BMF Effects
- BMF Effects Releases the Marc F’N Ford OD/Boost, Premier Guitar, 2018-09-03
- BMF Effects introduces the Marc F'N Ford Overdrive/Boost, Guitar.com, 2018-09-07
- BMF Effects Marc F'N Ford Overdrive/Boost review, MusicRadar, 2019-02-01
