The BPC Blackface Overdrive Pedal is an overdrive from British Pedal Company (BPC), and it is the Blackface variation of the company's Dumble Overdrive Special pedal range1. British Pedal Company describes it as taking the sound into the 80s/90s, voiced to give a more mid-focused, dynamic and harmonically complex sound with the characteristic bloom of the note that appears to swell as the note sustains2.
Controls and switches
The pedal carries four knobs and two switches on its face2:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Gain | Sets the amount of overdrive |
| Dynamic | Increasing this control increases the gain, bite and amount of touch sensitivity2 |
| Tone | Shapes the treble character of the overdrive |
| Volume | Sets the output level |
| Gain switch | Engaging the gain switch adds more fatness and gain to the sound2 |
| Boost switch | A second footswitch for boost2 |
An LED indicator shows when the pedal is engaged2.
Sound and circuit
British Pedal Company describes the Blackface as the later-voiced half of the Dumble Overdrive Special range: where the range comes in Silverface and Blackface variations, the Blackface takes the sound into the 80s/90s, with a more mid-focused, dynamic and harmonically complex character and the characteristic bloom of a note that appears to swell as it sustains21. The circuit features a carefully selected op-amp23.
The pedal sits in the wider field of overdrive pedals as a low to mid gain design in its normal setting, with the gain switch on hand to add fatness and gain when a player wants more2.
Power
The pedal can run from a 9V battery or from a 9 to 18V PSU, and the maker notes the higher supply voltage can be used for more headroom2.
A 9 to 18V DC supply gives the option of more headroom than battery power, according to British Pedal Company2. Check the polarity and current requirements of any supply you intend to share with other pedals before daisy chaining.
Availability and price
The pedal is priced at £329.00 GBP on the maker's product page as of 26 October 20262. The maker's page shows no published reviews at that date3.
Videos
British Pedal Company
The Guitar Show
Amelia Island Fine Guitars
Questions
Is the BPC Blackface Overdrive part of the Dumble Overdrive Special range?
Yes. British Pedal Company announced the Dumble Overdrive Special pedal range in 2022 after more than four years of development, and the pedals come in two variations, Silverface and Blackface. The Blackface Overdrive is the Blackface variation of that range, voiced by the company from original amplifiers.
Can the BPC Blackface Overdrive run at 18V?
Yes. The pedal can be powered by a 9V battery or a 9 to 18V PSU. British Pedal Company notes that a higher voltage supply can be used for more headroom, so players who want extra clean headroom can run it at 18V.
Does the BPC Blackface Overdrive take a battery?
Yes. According to British Pedal Company's product page, a 9V battery can be used to power the pedal, or alternatively a 9 to 18V PSU for more headroom.
What does the Dynamic knob do on the BPC Blackface?
The Dynamic control increases the gain, bite and amount of touch sensitivity as it is turned up. Alongside Gain, Tone and Volume, it shapes how the pedal responds to playing dynamics, which suits the pedal's stated aim of a dynamic, harmonically complex overdrive sound.
Sources (3)
- Dumble - The Art of Electronics, British Pedal Company, 2022
- BPC Blackface Overdrive Pedal, British Pedal Company
- BPC Blackface Overdrive Pedal, British Pedal Company
