The Epigaze Audio Civic Crown is a handwired overdrive pedal built around a three-band EQ, drive and level controls, and two internal DIP switches for headroom and bass boost1. Epigaze announced it in 2017 as an original circuit, not a Tube Screamer or Bluesbreaker derivative, though it enters the same field as those pedals2. Premier Guitar called it "Epigaze's entry into the Screamer/Bluesbreaker field" and found that it "cops more than enough of the most sought-after" traits of that style1.
Controls and features
The top panel carries a 3-band EQ along with drive and level controls1. Inside the pedal are two DIP switches, one for headroom and one for bass boost, which Guitar Interactive Magazine said allow users a wide range of shaping options together with the 3 band EQ2.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Drive | Sets the amount of overdrive1 |
| Level | Sets the output volume1 |
| 3-band EQ | Cuts and boosts across three frequency bands1 |
| Internal DIP switch: headroom | Adjusts the pedal's headroom2 |
| Internal DIP switch: bass boost | Adds bass boost2 |
A distinctive touch: the gain and level knobs light up as you play, getting brighter as you dig into the guitar2.
The headroom and bass boost switches sit inside the pedal, so changing them means taking off the back panel rather than turning a knob on top2.
Release and price
The Civic Crown became available on May 31, 20172. At launch it was sold through:
Premier Guitar's 2021 review listed a street price of $199 and put the pedal at $200, saying it "hits the upper end of the TS market"1.
What reviewers said
Premier Guitar's reviewer highlighted the pedal's powerful EQ section and concluded:
"for a versatile handwired pedal, it definitely hits the mark for low-to-mid-gain stomps"
Guitar Interactive Magazine described it as an overdrive pedal that will sound good in any rig2.
On the question of whether it is a clone: Epigaze states the Civic Crown is an original circuit representing the company's venture into this space2. Published reviewers have focused on what the pedal does rather than its lineage. The reviewer behind S1 called it "for a versatile handwired pedal, it definitely hits the mark for low-to-mid-gain stomps," and singled out its "Powerful EQ section."1 Epigaze's own description frames it as "a overdrive pedal that will sound good in any rig"2. Epigaze also makes the Epigaze Audio Earthrise VIII, an earlier overdrive from the same maker.
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Questions
Is the Epigaze Audio Civic Crown a Tube Screamer clone?
No. Epigaze Audio describes the Civic Crown as an original circuit, not a Tube Screamer or Bluesbreaker derivative, though it enters the same field as those pedals. Premier Guitar called it Epigaze's entry into the Screamer/Bluesbreaker field, saying it cops more than enough of the most sought-after traits. A 2025 gearnews.com comparison of 22 Tube Screamer originals and clones found the sonic differences between them surprisingly small, with the basic character remaining similar across models.
Is the Civic Crown handwired?
Yes. Premier Guitar's review describes the Civic Crown as a versatile handwired pedal, and the reviewer found it hits the mark for low-to-mid-gain stomps. Handwired construction means the circuit is assembled point to point by hand rather than on a mass-produced circuit board.
What do the internal switches on the Civic Crown do?
The pedal has two internal DIP switches, one for headroom and one for bass boost, alongside the three-band EQ. Guitar Interactive Magazine reported that these switches, together with the 3 band EQ, allow users a wide range of shaping options inside the pedal beyond what the top-panel knobs offer.
Why do the knobs light up on the Civic Crown?
The gain and level knobs light up as you play, getting brighter as you dig into the guitar. Epigaze Audio announced this as a feature of the pedal when it launched in 2017, giving a visual read of how hard the circuit is being pushed.
How much does the Epigaze Audio Civic Crown cost?
Premier Guitar's 2021 review listed the Civic Crown at a street price of $199, and the same review put it at $200, saying it hits the upper end of the TS market. It was available through Epigaze Audio dealers, Reverb and the maker's own website when it launched on May 31, 2017.
Sources (2)
- Quick Hit: Epigaze Audio Civic Crown Review, Premier Guitar, 2017-12-21
- Epigaze Audio Announce The Civic Crown Overdrive, Guitar Interactive Magazine, 2017-06-02
