The Budda ZenMan is an overdrive and boost pedal in one box from Budda, an admired amp builder that released a pile of new stompboxes1. Budda describes it as offering "a wide range of distortion tones from smooth overdrive to all out crunch and grind"2. It shares the family look of the line, with true bypass, chickenhead knobs, 9-volt or DC power, and a rugged steel chassis1.
The idea behind the ZenMan is flexibility. As Premier Guitar reported at launch, "the Zenman can pull double duty as an overdrive, an overdrive with a solo boost, or just as a clean boost pedal"2. The two circuits are independent: Guitar World's reviewer confirmed that "the boost and overdrive features can be used alone or in conjunction"3. That covers the three ways most players actually use a boost, without needing a second pedal on the board.
Overdrive and clean boost in one pedal
The overdrive side covers a lot of ground. Premier Guitar's announcement described "a wide range of distortion tones from smooth overdrive to all out crunch and grind"2. The boost side has its own level control and, per the launch announcement, "can be used with or without the overdrive"2.
For players who only want a volume lift, Vintage Guitar noted that "the ZenMan's gain can be dialed down and the Boost used as a clean-booster for solos"1. Guitar World's reviewer characterized the boost circuit on its own as clear, uncolored and notably uncompressed3. Stacked with the overdrive instead, he found it "great for igniting a gain-fueled tonal explosion and extra attack in conjunction with the overdrive circuit"3.
The ZenMan is one of two circuits sharing the same platform. Vintage Guitar reviewed it alongside the Budda Chakra compressor, noting both share true bypass, chickenhead knobs, 9-volt or DC power and a steel chassis1. Budda also announced a second overdrive, the Om Overdrive, in the same line2.
The controls
The layout is simple. Vintage Guitar described it as "Tone, Boost, Gain, and Level, along with a heavy-duty Boost footswitch and a Bypass switch"1. Guitar World grouped Tone, Gain and Level as the overdrive controls, with the Boost knob setting the boost level3.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Gain | Sets the amount of overdrive3 |
| Tone | Shapes the overdrive's tone3 |
| Level | Sets the overdrive output level3 |
| Boost | Sets the boost level, usable with or without overdrive2 |
| Phat/Vintage switch | Selects between two EQ curves3 |
| Boost footswitch | Activates the boost3 |
| Bypass switch | Turns the overdrive on and off1 |
Vintage Guitar's reviewer liked the Tone control in particular, finding it "pleasantly nuanced, not shrill or harsh, as is the case with some pedals"1.
The Phat/Vintage switch
The Phat/Vintage switch changes the EQ for further tonal shaping2. The two modes are quite different in character:
- Phat mode engages what Guitar World's reviewer called Budda's "famously dark and rich spectrum of gain," delivering "satanically dark tones with more character and low-mid bloom"3. Vintage Guitar described it as providing "some beef"1.
- Vintage mode "opens the gates to heavenly, full-spectrum overtones while it preserves your guitar's natural character," according to Guitar World, and eases off the middle for a more natural, old-school sound31.
The low-end effect in Phat mode was substantial in Vintage Guitar's testing: "the ZenMan delivers impressive bottom in this mode, suddenly the 1×12 cabinet had the beef of a 2×12 and, at times, even a half-stack"1.
What reviewers said
The ZenMan drew a positive reception from reviewers. Testing it with a '63 Fender Jaguar through a classic 1x12 tube combo, the reviewer found that "the ZenMan performed superbly, allowing the Jag's natural voice to shine through"1. The Tone control also earned praise as "pleasantly nuanced, not shrill or harsh, as is the case with some pedals"1.
Vintage Guitar tested the ZenMan with a '63 Fender Jaguar through a classic 1x12 tube combo and reported that "the ZenMan performed superbly, allowing the Jag's natural voice to shine through"1.
The ZenMan today
For players comparing gain pedals, the ZenMan's boost-plus-overdrive design sits between a straight overdrive and a dedicated boost. In Phat mode the reviewer found it "delivers impressive bottom," with the 1x12 test cabinet taking on "the beef of a 2x12 and, at times, even a half-stack"1.
Videos
Guitar World
GAK
Robert Baker
Questions
Can the Budda ZenMan be used as just a clean boost?
Yes. The boost and overdrive circuits can each be used on their own or together, so with the gain dialed down the Boost knob works as a clean booster for solos. Guitar World's reviewer found the boost on its own to be clear, uncolored and notably uncompressed.
What does the Phat/Vintage switch do on the ZenMan?
It selects between two EQ curves. Phat mode adds low-mid beef and a darker, richer gain character, while Vintage mode eases off the middle for a more natural, old-school sound that preserves the guitar's own character. Vintage Guitar found the bottom end in Phat mode made a 1x12 cabinet sound like a 2x12.
Is the Budda ZenMan true bypass?
Yes. Vintage Guitar's review lists true bypass among the ZenMan's features, alongside its chickenhead knobs, 9-volt or DC power and rugged steel chassis. The Bypass switch turns the overdrive on and off.
Does the Budda ZenMan run on a 9V battery?
Yes. Guitar World's review notes the ZenMan can be powered either with an internal nine-volt battery or an external power supply, so it works on a pedalboard or standalone.
Sources (3)
- Budda’s Chakra and ZenMan Pedals, Vintage Guitar magazine, 2014-04-14
- New Boutique Guitar Pedals Launched by Budda Amps, Premier Guitar, 2013-01-21
- Review: Budda ZenMan OD/Boost Pedal, Guitar World, 2013-08-20
