The Glou Glou Overdrive is a 4558-based boost-overdrive pedal from GUP Tech, a builder whose pedals are all made in Saguenay, Québec, Canada. It follows the classic VOL-GAIN-TONE control layout, then adds two things most simple overdrives leave out: a FAT knob that adds or cuts bass, and a HOT toggle that pushes the gain well past what the basic circuit would do. The maker describes it as a boost-overdrive, so it can work as a clean lift or as a full overdrive voice depending on the gain setting1.
Controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| VOLUME | Overall output level |
| GAIN | Amount of overdrive |
| TONE | Acts like a high-cut; start at 0 and turn clockwise to remove treble |
| FAT | Adds a lot of bass to the tone as you turn it up, or cuts bass turned down |
| HOT toggle | Adds a huge amount of gain in its low position, for a Marshall-in-a-box character |
All control descriptions come from GUP Tech's product page1.
Starting settings
GUP Tech gives a starting point for players dialing the pedal in1:
- Set VOLUME at max.
- Set GAIN at noon.
- Leave TONE at 0 at first, then turn clockwise to remove as much treble as you want. The maker puts the sweet spot at 2 to 3.
- Use the FAT knob to add bass to the tone as needed.
The pedal runs on 9 to 18V DC center negative and draws 4mA, so it sits lightly on any standard pedalboard power supply1.
The name and the maker
GUP Tech includes a design note on the page: "Glou Glou is the classic French way to imitate the Turkey sound, that's where the inspiration comes from"1. The pedal is offered in Orange Cream and Orange color options1.
The Glou Glou Overdrive sits in a wider GUP Tech range of drive and boost pedals, including the Donut Douche Edition boost-overdrive, the TATouh! Texas Treble Boost, the GrindR EQ-boost, and the Baby Honker dual overdrive and boost. For more on the category, see the site's pages on boost pedals and overdrive pedals.
Videos
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Questions
What does Glou Glou mean in the name?
GUP Tech explains the name as a design note on the product page: Glou Glou is the classic French way to imitate the turkey sound, and that is where the inspiration for the pedal's name comes from. The maker builds its pedals in Saguenay, Québec, Canada, so a French-language joke in the name fits the company's home.
What does the HOT toggle do on the Glou Glou Overdrive?
According to GUP Tech, the HOT toggle adds quite a huge amount of gain to your tone in its low position, enough to turn the pedal into what the maker calls a Marshall-in-a-box. It sits alongside the FAT knob, which adds a lot of bass to the tone as you turn it up.
Where is the GUP Tech Glou Glou Overdrive made?
GUP Tech states that all of its pedals are made by the company in Saguenay, Québec, Canada. The Glou Glou Overdrive is part of that range and is listed as re-stocking soon on the maker's product page.
What settings should I start with on the Glou Glou Overdrive?
GUP Tech suggests starting with VOLUME at max and GAIN at noon. For the TONE knob, which acts like a high-cut, the maker recommends putting it at 0 at first and removing as much treble as you want while turning clockwise, with the sweet spot at 2 to 3.
Sources (1)
- Glou Glou Overdrive, GUP Tech
