The Fulltone OCD v2 CME Exclusive Limited Edition Black is a limited version of the Fulltone OCD V2 overdrive pedal, commissioned by Chicago Music Exchange and distributed only through its own shop1. It appeared in mid-2018, a year after the OCD V2 replaced the original OCD in 201712. The pedal is a cosmetic edition: everything inside matches the regular V2, and only the outside case is painted differently1.
An edition made for Chicago Music Exchange
Chicago Music Exchange commissioned this special version of the OCD V2 and distributed it only in its own shop1. Guitar World and MusicRadar both reported it as available exclusively through Chicago Music Exchange when it launched in late July 201834.
The finish is the whole point of the edition. MusicRadar described it as reversing the original's white-and-black look for "an altogether stealthier appearance"3:
"the noir OCD reverses the original's white-and-black look for an altogether stealthier appearance"
Gearnews noted that the all-black color scheme looks like a reverse of the regular OCD edition, with pots, switches, screws and connectors all in the same position as before1.
Sound and circuit: identical to the regular OCD V2
Inside, there are no changes. Only the outside case is painted differently1. MusicRadar confirmed the same, describing the pedal as spec'd as per the V2 OCD Fulltone had rolled out the previous summer3. Whatever a player thinks of the regular Fulltone OCD V2 applies here too: Gearnews characterized the pedal, like the OCD generally, as especially suited to milder drive tones1.
The V2 features it carries, as reported at launch:
| Feature | What it is |
|---|---|
| New output buffer | Part of the V2 update3 |
| Class A input section | For increased dynamics3 |
| Enhanced Bypass | Fulltone's own bypass design4 |
The regular OCD V2 also includes an internal switch to change between Enhanced Bypass and true bypass5.
Price and availability
The CME Exclusive Limited Edition was available now for $159 at launch in July 2018, per Guitar World and MusicRadar34. For comparison, the regular OCD V2 launched at £144/$139 in August 201725, so the black edition carried a $20 premium over the standard version's launch price.
Buyers outside the US paid shipping, taxes and duties on top of the $159 list price. Gearnews reported that CME quoted a buyer in Germany around EUR 163.97 including shipping, before local import taxes and customs duties1.
What reviewers said
Gearnews' writer was blunt about the value proposition, noting that sonically there is no difference to the regular model1:
"Sonically, there is no difference anyway, so I'd have to pass on this one."
For a player deciding between this and the standard V2, that is the practical takeaway from the coverage: the same pedal, in a finish some will want for its looks alone and others will skip1.
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Questions
Does the black CME OCD sound different from a regular OCD V2?
No. Gearnews reported that inside the CME black edition there are no changes, only the outside case is painted differently. MusicRadar likewise described it as spec'd as per the V2 OCD. Sonically it is the same pedal as the regular Fulltone OCD V2, just in a black finish.
How much did the CME black OCD cost?
It was listed at $159 when it launched in July 2018, sold exclusively through Chicago Music Exchange. Buyers outside the US paid shipping, taxes and duties on top; Gearnews noted CME quoted a German buyer around EUR 163.97 including shipping, before local import taxes and customs duties.
Does the CME OCD have Enhanced Bypass?
Yes. Guitar World and MusicRadar both listed Fulltone's Enhanced Bypass among its features, along with a new output buffer and a Class A input section for increased dynamics. The regular OCD V2 also carries Enhanced Bypass, with an internal switch to change between Enhanced Bypass and true bypass.
Sources (5)
- Fulltone OCD v2 CME Limited Edition Black: Paying more for a new paint job?, gearnews.com, 2018-08-01
- Titan Dynamic Drive / Fulltone® OCD™ Overdrive, Aion FX, 2023-03-24
- Fulltone's iconic OCD is back in black, MusicRadar, 2018-07-30
- Fulltone Unveils New OCD V2 CME Exclusive Limited Edition Pedal, Guitar World, 2018-07-30
- Fulltone releases OCD V2 overdrive pedal, MusicRadar, 2017-08-22
