The Free The Tone Black Vehicle BV-1V is a bass overdrive pedal, part of the maker's Integrated Series. Free The Tone describes it as covering everything from a natural overdrive sound, like a driven vacuum tube, through to intense distortion, all in one unit1. Guitar.com framed its purpose the same way: it is aimed at helping bassists achieve vintage tube amp tones without the low end loss, going from purring driven tones to nasty levels of distortion2.
At the heart of the pedal is a newly developed HTS circuit designed specifically for bass, according to Free The Tone's product page1. The pedal sits among bass overdrive pedals on a board, and its full product listing is at Free The Tone BLACK VEHICLE BV-1V.
The maker's Japanese product page lists the DC9V AC adapter as sold separately, but Premier Guitar's review notes that Free The Tone includes a 9V adapter with the pedal in the US14. The pedal has no battery option in the maker's specification, so plan a dedicated adapter or isolated supply output for it.
Controls and footswitches
The Black Vehicle carries seven controls on its top panel1:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| LEVEL | Overall output level |
| MIX | Blend of dry and effected signal |
| BASS | Manages the low end2 |
| TREBLE | Manages the high end2 |
| GAIN | Amount of overdrive |
| PRE BOOST | Boost stage before the overdrive circuit |
| POST BOOST | Boost stage after the overdrive circuit |
The two boost stages are not just extra knobs. Guitar.com reported that there are also footswitchable pre- or post-boost stages, meaning a player can kick the boost in or out on the fly without bending down2. That makes the pedal work as three tools at once: an overdrive, a pre-gain push, and a post-drive level lift.
Build and what is in the box
Premier Guitar's reviewer came away impressed by the hardware. "The switches are solid and the 9V input is a completely plastic-free affair. Even the knobs are custom made from brass," the review noted4.
The maker lists the included items as3:
- Warranty card
- Web access card
- Safety notices
- Four rubber feet
The Integrated Series
The Black Vehicle is the second release in Free The Tone's Integrated Series, which began as the company's 15th anniversary project1. Guitar.com described the stompbox as the latest in that anniversary project2. According to the maker, the series draws on the knowledge, experience, technical skill and sense the company has built up, selecting and integrating every element that makes up an effects pedal under the concept of shaping ideal sound1.
What reviewers said
Premier Guitar's 2021 review is the main published verdict on the pedal. Beyond the build quality quoted above, the review's listing of a $370 street price four years after release gives a sense of where the pedal sat in the market4. Guitar.com's announcement coverage emphasised the vintage tube amp character and the low-end retention the pedal was designed for2.
Videos
Distortion LTD
Questions
How much does the Free the Tone Black Vehicle cost?
Guitar.com reported a retail price of $370 when the pedal was announced in August 2018, and Premier Guitar's 2021 review listed a US street price of $370. Free The Tone's own product page gives a list price of 44,000 yen including tax in Japan. Prices may have changed since those dates.
When was the Free the Tone Black Vehicle released?
Free The Tone announced the Black Vehicle in August 2018 as part of its 15th anniversary Integrated Series. Premier Guitar's press release said it could be purchased after September 10, 2018, and Guitar.com likewise reported it would be available from September 10.
What does the Bass knob on the Black Vehicle do?
The Bass knob manages the low end of the overdriven tone. It sits alongside a Treble knob that manages the high end, so a bassist can shape the EQ of the drive either side of the mids. Guitar.com described the pair as individual Bass and Treble knobs to manage low and high end respectively.
Can the Black Vehicle boost the signal before or after the overdrive?
Yes. The pedal has both a Pre Boost and a Post Boost control, and Guitar.com reported that these boost stages are footswitchable, so a player can place the boost before the overdrive circuit to push it, or after it for a clean level lift.
What is the Free the Tone Integrated Series?
The Integrated Series is Free The Tone's 15th anniversary project. According to the maker, it selects and integrates every element that makes up an effects pedal, drawing on the company's accumulated knowledge and technical skill, with the concept of shaping ideal sound. The Black Vehicle is the second release in the series.
Sources (4)
- BLACK VEHICLE / BV-1V｜Products 商品紹介｜Free The Tone, Free The Tone
- Free the Tone unveils the Black Vehicle bass overdrive, Guitar.com, 2018-08-16
- BLACK VEHICLE / BV-1V｜Products 商品紹介｜Free The Tone, Free The Tone
- Free the Tone Black Vehicle BV-1V Review, Premier Guitar, 2019-01-11
