The CopperSound Strategy is a two-channel analog preamp and overdrive pedal from CopperSound Pedals, a Massachusetts stompbox builder. The current Strategy V2 pairs a clean preamp channel with an overdrive channel, both built around what the maker calls an audiophile-grade Burr Brown op amp, and both sharing a sophisticated tone stack12. In Preamp Mode it runs from unity volume up to a 30dB boost; in Overdrive Mode it dials from subtle warmth to gritty saturation2.
The pedal is part of CopperSound's Pickguard Series, whose enclosure mimics the look of a Stratocaster's tone pots, pickguard, and input jack. Each unit is custom made to order, with a build time of up to 10 business days, and finishes, guards, knobs, and hardware can be customized through the maker's Custom Shop13.
The two channels
The Strategy V2's two modes cover the two jobs its name suggests. Preamp Mode is the clean side: the pedal delivers a range from unity volume to what the maker calls a massive 30dB of surgically clean boost, with stacks of headroom26. Overdrive Mode, selected via a switch on the side of the housing, adds grit and saturation, from subtle warmth at the low end of the drive control to full breakup at the top24.
Both channels share the same control set and the same tone stack, so a setting that works in Preamp Mode carries over when you flip into Overdrive Mode. Performer Mag's reviewer, Chris Devine, called the pairing of the two modes "perfect," finding the preamp articulate and very adjustable and the overdrive very natural7.
The controls
The control layout is deliberately simple: one knob, one tone control, and a footswitch48.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Volume / Drive | Controls volume in Preamp Mode or drive in Overdrive Mode4 |
| Tone | A wide-sweep tone control present on both channels8 |
| Footswitch | Click to latch, hold for momentary1 |
| Mode switch | Selects Preamp or Overdrive Mode, mounted on the side of the housing4 |
The tone control is the knob reviewers singled out. On the original Strategy, Performer Mag described it as working as a high and low pass filter: at 1 the highs roll off and the bass response is enhanced, while on 10 the highs are accentuated and the bass frequencies roll off a bit9. On the V2, Premier Guitar's reviewer found it darkens and thickens the signal at one end and works as a scorching treble booster cranked the other way, calling it one of the pedal's most impressive features:
"At all points of its sweep, it produces tones that are usable and appealing."
Switching and power
The SMART BYPASS system combines relay-based true bypass with the latching and momentary footswitch modes. The momentary function can be deactivated with an internal DIP switch, and the relay is fail-safe: if power is lost, the signal passes through unaffected2. MusicRadar described the Smart-Bypass design as a relay-based, true bypass switching system when the V2 launched6.
Power runs from 9 to 18V, drawing 40mA at either voltage2. RockBoard's PedalPedia listing gives the same 40mA figure and specifies a 9V DC center-negative supply3. One practical note from Premier Guitar's review: the angled input jack sits close enough to the bypass switch that the reviewer worried about stepping on the patch cable while activating the pedal4.
The maker's current product pages list the Strategy at $399.00 with a $349.00 sale price, and the standard finishes are sold out with a restock notification offered25. At launch in July 2022 the Strategy V2 sold for $27947.
History and versions
The original Strategy preamp/boost predates the V2 by several years. Pedal of the Day reviewed it in February 2016 as an op-amp based clean boost with simple controls, noting its Tone knob could beef up the low end or get thin and quacky for Strat-like funk sounds10. Performer Mag reviewed that first Strategy in March 2021, praising its excellent sound quality and flexible tone shaping9.
CopperSound launched the Strategy V2 on July 1, 2022, advancing the earlier preamp/boost with the two-channel preamp and overdrive design and the added momentary switching611. Guitar World reported it available now at $279, noting Strat super-fans would love the enclosure design but that guitarists of all stripes would find it useful11. Delicious Audio's write-up the same month described the master volume as ranging from boost to breakup and the pedal overall as "an all analog shot of adrenaline"8.
What reviewers said
Reviews of both versions were positive, with the tone control drawing the most specific praise479:
- Performer Mag (2021, original Strategy): excellent sound quality, simple to dial in, flexible tone shaping9.
- MusicRadar (2022, V2 launch): stacks of headroom for maximum clarity and articulation, and likely to find a home as an always-on pedal6.
- Performer Mag (2023, V2): preamp mode articulate and very adjustable, overdrive very natural, perfect pairing of preamp and drive7.
- Premier Guitar (2023, V2): simple but excellent, with the tone control usable and appealing across its whole sweep, though the reviewer flagged the $279 price as hefty and the input jack placement as a possible stomping hazard4.
Players comparing the Strategy with other CopperSound drives can also look at the Coppersound Foxcatcher transparent overdrive and the CopperSound Kingpin Overdrive, or browse more overdrive pedals and preamp pedals generally.
Videos
CopperSound Pedals
R.J. Ronquillo
shnobel
Questions
Is the CopperSound Strategy true bypass?
Yes. The Strategy V2 uses CopperSound's SMART BYPASS system, which combines relay-based true bypass with latching and momentary switching modes. The momentary function can be deactivated with an internal DIP switch, and the relay is fail-safe, so the signal stays unaffected if power is lost.
Can the Strategy footswitch work as a momentary boost?
Yes. The footswitch latches when you click it, and holding it gives a momentary effect. Premier Guitar notes this comes from a proprietary relay-based switching system, and the momentary mode can be turned off via an internal DIP switch if you prefer standard latching operation.
What op amp does the CopperSound Strategy use?
The circuit is built around a Burr Brown op amp, which CopperSound describes as audiophile-grade and chosen for pure tone. Premier Guitar notes the op amp was manufactured by the now-defunct Burr-Brown Corporation.
How much boost does the Strategy give in Preamp Mode?
In Preamp Mode the Strategy ranges from unity volume up to a 30dB boost. Premier Guitar confirms the pedal can add up to 30 dB to your signal, and MusicRadar describes it as enough headroom for maximum clarity and articulation.
Sources (11)
- Strategy Overdrive & Preamp, CopperSound Pedals
- Strategy // Custom Shop, CopperSound Pedals
- Strategy by CopperSound, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- Coppersound Pedals Strategy V2 Review, Premier Guitar, 2023-09-04
- Strategy // Custom Shop, CopperSound Pedals
- CopperSound Pedals release the Strategy V2, MusicRadar, 2022-07-01
- REVIEW: Coppersound Strategy Two-Channel Preamp and Overdrive V2, Performer Mag, 2023-01-26
- Coppersound Strategy V2 Preamp / Overdrive, Delicious Audio, 2022-07-05
- REVIEW: CopperSound Strategy Analog Preamp Pedal, Performer Mag (performermag.com), 2021-03-03
- CopperSound Pedals Strategy Boost, Pedal of the Day, 2016-02-12
- CopperSound's Strategy V2 is the two-channel preamp and overdrive pedal with a monster 30dB of boost and audiophile build, Guitar World, 2022-07-01
