The Cusack Music Project 34 Pre/Drive is an analog pedal that works as an overdrive, a booster and a preamp, built around a selenium rectifier1. Cusack describes it as a pedal you can use "for a boost, pre-amp, a bit of a compression, or a light overdrive"2. It sits in the same family as preamp pedals and overdrive pedals, but its central component is something almost no other pedal uses.
What the selenium rectifier does
Selenium rectifiers are an old technology that goes back to pre-germanium times, first introduced in the early 1930s2. In the guitar world they were last used as rectifiers in older amps such as the 1950s tweeds, and were phased out in the 1960s as the industry turned to silicon and tube rectifiers1. RockBoard's PedalPedia puts one at the heart of this pedal, and the maker is upfront about the choice: "While they are a very expensive component, we think you'll come to agree that they certainly do have a sound of their own"1.
| Selenium rectifiers in brief | |
|---|---|
| Component type | Rectifier, from pre-germanium times2 |
| First introduced | Early 1930s2 |
| Last seen in guitar amps | 1950s tweed amps1 |
| Phased out | 1960s, replaced by silicon and tube rectifiers1 |
| Where you find one now | At the heart of the Project 34 Pre/Drive1 |
The component at the heart of the pedal is an unusual one. RockBoard's PedalPedia describes the pedal as built around a selenium rectifier, an old technology from pre-germanium times first introduced in the early 1930s1. The maker also notes that it is a very expensive component, and says: "we think you'll come to agree that they certainly do have a sound of their own"1.
What it does for your sound
Cusack positions the Pre/Drive as a flexible low-gain tool. The maker lists its uses as324:
Cusack Music does not describe the Project 34 Pre/Drive as a neutral boost. On the component at its core, RockBoard's PedalPedia says: "While they are a very expensive component, we think you'll come to agree that they certainly do have a sound of their own"1. In other words, the selenium rectifier is presented as part of the pedal's character rather than a transparent stage in the signal path.
His overall verdict placed the pedal against the crowded field of overdrive designs built on familiar circuits: "it's a genuine nice surprise when we encounter something wholly different, and that is spectacularly great sounding in i"4.
Where it came from
The Project 34 was designed by Cusack Music founder Jon Cusack1. The maker describes his approach as "a true engineer's approach to guitar pedal design," grounded in physics and electrical principles rather than hype5. His switching design has also been used outside his own brand: Caroline Guitar Company credited "his silent relay-based switching system used on his effects and others" when incorporating it into their pedals6.
The pedal follows the Cusack Music Screamer Fuzz Selenium, a very small run of 20 pedals that sold out immediately1. Cusack Music says a second pedal became possible "after over a year of searching he finally located the supply we needed to make another pedal"2.
| Project 34 Pre/Drive | |
|---|---|
| Maker | Cusack Music1 |
| Core component | Selenium rectifier, a technology first introduced in the early 1930s1 |
| Component cost | Described by RockBoard's PedalPedia as very expensive1 |
Cusack Music's own account of the pedal's origins centers on the part it is built around: selenium rectifiers, which RockBoard's PedalPedia describes as an old technology from pre-germanium times, first introduced in the early 1930s1.
RockBoard's PedalPedia describes the selenium rectifier at the core of this pedal as a very expensive component1. If you are comparing it with other Cusack drives such as the Cusack Music Scream or Cusack Music Orthrus, the component choice is the main difference between them.
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Questions
What is a selenium rectifier in a guitar pedal?
A selenium rectifier is an electronic component from pre-germanium times, first introduced in the early 1930s. In the guitar world they were last used as rectifiers in older amps such as the 1950s tweeds, and were phased out in the 1960s as the industry turned to silicon and tube rectifiers. Cusack Music puts one at the heart of the Project 34 Pre/Drive, and says the components have a sound of their own.
Who designed the Cusack Project 34 Pre/Drive?
The Project 34 Pre/Drive was designed by Jon Cusack, founder of Cusack Music. He is described as taking a true engineer's approach to guitar pedal design, grounded in physics and electrical principles rather than hype, and he is also known for the silent relay-based switching system used on his effects and others.
Is the Project 34 Pre/Drive analog?
Yes. The Project 34 Pre/Drive is an analog circuit, built around a selenium rectifier. It can be used as a boost, a pre-amp, a bit of a compression, or a light overdrive.
What power supply does the Project 34 Pre/Drive need?
The Project 34 Pre/Drive runs on 9V DC, center negative. Use a standard center-negative supply or a dedicated output from an isolated pedalboard power supply.
How is the Project 34 related to the Screamer Fuzz Selenium?
The Project 34 follows the Screamer Fuzz Selenium, a very small run of 20 pedals that sold out immediately. Cusack Music was able to make another pedal after Jon Cusack spent over a year searching and finally located the supply of rectifiers needed.
Sources (6)
- Project 34, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- Project 34 Selenium Preamp and Drive Pedal, Cusack Music
- Project 34 Pre/Drive, B-Stock Discount | Cusack Music, Cusack Music
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2024-04-10
- Screamer V3 Tube Style Overdrive Pedal, Cusack Music
- What we're changing about Kilobyte, and why., Caroline Guitar Company, 2014-04-19
