The Colortone Parasite JFET Overdrive V2 is a compact analog overdrive pedal, released in 2024 as a smaller version of the original full-size Parasite, a warm and dynamic overdrive built around hand-matched JFETs. Guitar Pedal X's review describes it as covering a wide range of drive flavors, from Honey Bee-adjacent tones through JTM45/Marshall and OCD styles to fuzz-edged Dumble ODS sounds, all with guitar-volume cleanup1.
From the full-size V1 to the compact V2
The original Parasite was a full-size thru-hole (THT) pedal, and it has been superseded by this V2 compact version. Designer AD Hauser converted the circuit to mostly SMT/hybrid construction to make the smaller enclosure possible, but the JFETs remain thru-hole and hand-matched, retaining the original design's character1. The full-size original is covered on its own page for the Colortone Parasite.
The core of the circuit carries over: three CEN2N547 JFETs, a custom J201 JFET IC, and an ST Electronics D741 op-amp1.
Controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Drive | Sets the drive amount |
| Level | Output level |
| Post-Drive Active Low | Post-drive low control |
| Post-Drive Active High | Post-drive high control |
| Pre-Drive Bass Boost | Pre-drive bass boost |
| Pre-Drive "Bright" Treble | Pre-drive treble control |
There are also two internal trimmers for Q1 and Q2 Bias. Guitar Pedal X suggests leaving those well alone, as the pedal is already factory calibrated1.
What reviewers said
Guitar Pedal X reviewed the V2 in August 2024 and summed it up this way:
"This Parasite is a beautifully dynamic and warm sounding overdrive - big on harmonics and break up texture - and with excellent feel and guitar volume cleanup1."
Stefan Karlsson and AD Hauser, Guitar Pedal X, 20241
The same review describes the pedal's range: "It delivers dynamic, warm, harmonic overdrive with guitar-volume cleanup, covering Honey Bee-adjacent, JTM45/Marshall, OCD, and fuzz-edged Dumble ODS flavours"1.
Price and availability
As of August 2024, the Parasite Overdrive V2 2024 model was available for orders on the Colortone Webstore, where it went for $199, listed at £159 GBP1.
Sources (1)
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2024-08-16
