The Budda ZenMan OD/Boost is an overdrive and boost pedal that carries both circuits in one stompbox: a stand-alone boost circuit alongside a full overdrive, each with its own control1. Budda Amplification, the pedal's maker, built its name on amps, and Guitar World's reviewer heard that influence in the overdrive, which he described as producing "sounds akin to richly developed power-amp distortion rather than the more compressed, screaming-preamp style"1.
The controls
The pedal splits its controls between the two circuits. The overdrive side has tone, gain and level knobs, plus a switch for selecting between Phat and Vintage EQ curves. The boost side has its own dedicated knob to dial in the exact amount of boost, and the boost is activated with its own footswitch, so the two circuits can be switched independently1.
| Control | Circuit | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Gain | Overdrive | Sets the overdrive gain1 |
| Tone | Overdrive | Overdrive tone control1 |
| Level | Overdrive | Overdrive level control1 |
| Phat/Vintage switch | Overdrive | Selects between Phat and Vintage EQ curves1 |
| Boost knob | Boost | Dials in the exact amount of boost1 |
| Footswitch | Boost | Activates the boost1 |
Phat and Vintage modes
The Phat/Vintage switch is the pedal's main voicing choice, and the two curves are very different. Guitar World's reviewer found that "the Phat mode engages Budda's famously dark and rich spectrum of gain," delivering what he called "satanically dark tones with more character and low-mid bloom"1.
Vintage mode sits at the other end of the spectrum. In the reviewer's words, "the Vintage mode opens the gates to heavenly, full-spectrum overtones while it preserves your guitar's natural character," and he found it sounds clearer and more transparent than Phat1.
Using the boost on its own
Because the boost circuit is stand-alone and has its own footswitch, it can be used without the overdrive engaged. Guitar World's reviewer found the "Boost is clear, uncolored and notably uncompressed on its own," which suits players who want to push an amp's front end or lift a solo without changing their core tone1. For more on how pedals like this fit a board, see Boost Pedals and Overdrive Pedals.
Power
The ZenMan can be powered either with an internal nine-volt battery or with an external power supply, according to Guitar World's review1.
What reviewers said
Guitar World reviewed the pedal in its October 2013 issue, when it was new, and the reviewer's overall verdict was favorable:
"Budda's boutique ZenMan OD/Boost is a purist's pedal, whether you want an uncompromising clean boost or the blossoming tones and harmonics normally experienced from overdriven power tubes."
The pedal also appears as an official licensed Budda ZenMan OD/Boost stompbox model on HeadRush's product pages2.
Videos
GAK
Robert Baker
Peavey Hollywood
Questions
What is the difference between Phat and Vintage mode on the Budda ZenMan OD?
The Phat/Vintage switch selects between two EQ curves. Guitar World's reviewer found that Phat mode engages Budda's famously dark and rich spectrum of gain, delivering what he called satanically dark tones with more character and low-mid bloom. Vintage mode sounds clearer and more transparent, opening up full-spectrum overtones while preserving the guitar's natural character.
Can you use the boost on the Budda ZenMan OD without the overdrive?
Yes. The ZenMan has a stand-alone boost circuit alongside its overdrive, activated with its own footswitch. Guitar World's reviewer found the boost clear, uncolored and notably uncompressed on its own, so it can be used by itself to push an amp or lift a solo.
Does the Budda ZenMan OD take a battery?
Yes. According to Guitar World's review, the ZenMan can be powered with an internal nine-volt battery or with an external power supply, so either option works.
Can the Budda ZenMan OD run on a power supply?
Yes. Alongside the internal nine-volt battery, the pedal can be powered from an external power supply, per Guitar World's review.
How much does the Budda ZenMan OD/Boost cost?
Guitar World's August 2013 review listed the price at $239.99. That figure dates from the review, so current pricing may differ.
Sources (2)
- Review: Budda ZenMan OD/Boost Pedal, Guitar World, 2013-08-20
- Budda ZenMan OD, HeadRush (revalver.headrushfx.com), 2026
