The BMF Effects Rocket 88 Overdrive is an overdrive pedal described by its maker as "the classic green drive refined. A little more low end, more clarity, and more control over the gain range"1. In other words, it takes the familiar Tube Screamer-style circuit that generations of players have used to push an amp or tighten up a drive tone, and aims it at players who find the original a little thin or compressed. If you are weighing it against the standard green boxes, our Boss SD-1 vs Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer comparison covers the classics it draws on, and our Overdrive Pedals page sets it among the wider field.
Sound and character
BMF Effects positions the Rocket 88 as a refined take on the green drive formula. The maker's own words put it plainly1:
"the classic green drive refined. A little more low end, more clarity, and more control over the gain range"
For a player, that reads as a pedal intended to keep the mid-focused push of a Tube Screamer-style circuit while addressing the two complaints most often raised about it, namely a loss of bottom end and a gain control with a narrow useful range. The maker's description promises three specific changes over the classic1:
- A little more low end
- More clarity
- More control over the gain range1
BMF Effects builds a range of overdrives, including The Godfather II Dual Overdrive, the Godfather Overdrive and the Velvet Hammer Overdrive, so the Rocket 88 sits in a lineup with several other drive options from the same maker1.
Power, bypass and size
The Rocket 88 features true bypass switching and a DC jack1. BMF Effects lists the operating voltage as 9v to 18v DC and the current draw at 7mA1, so it runs from a standard 9V center-negative supply or an 18V output, and its low draw keeps it well within the budget of any output on a typical pedalboard power supply. The maker's page does not list a battery option, so plan on DC power.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Bypass | True bypass switching1 |
| Operating voltage | 9v to 18v DC1 |
| Current draw | 7mA1 |
| Power connection | DC jack1 |
| Width | 2.9 in (73.7mm)1 |
| Length | 4.5 in (114.3mm)1 |
The pedal was listed as sold out on the maker's page as of 26 October 2026, with a stated current lead time of 7 to 10 days1. BMF Effects also notes that color and/or graphics are subject to change1.
Price and availability
BMF Effects lists the Rocket 88 at a regular price of £167.00 GBP1. The maker's page was showing the pedal as sold out as of 26 October 2026, with a current lead time of 7 to 10 days1.
Videos
Mike Hermans
Lance Keltner Music
The Official BMF Effects Channel
Sources (1)
- Rocket 88 Overdrive, BMF Effects
