The Allan Holdsworth Overdrive/Boost is a signature overdrive/boost pedal from J. Rockett Audio Designs, designed in conjunction with the legendary jazz-fusion guitarist Allan Holdsworth as part of the maker's Signature series1. It is built as two pedals in one enclosure: a Drive side with full EQ and a Boost side with selectable voicings, each of which can work on its own or be cascaded into the other21.
What it is and who it is for
Holdsworth needs little introduction among fusion players, and this signature pedal was designed with his input as part of a J. Rockett Signature series that also includes overdrives developed with session players Tim Pierce and Guthrie Govan1. For a player, the appeal is flexibility: one footswitch box that covers a low-to-mid gain drive, a selectable boost, or both stacked.
Guitar.com's Chris Vinnicombe set expectations plainly in his 2015 review:
"There's a smoothness that suits modern fusion when a suitable amp sound or drive pedals are used as the foundation..."
The controls
The two sides carry separate control sets, so each can be dialed in on its own terms21.
| Side | Control | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Drive | Gain | Sets the drive amount2 |
| Drive | Volume | Sets the Drive side's output level2 |
| Drive | Bass | Low EQ for the Drive side2 |
| Drive | Treble | High EQ for the Drive side2 |
| Boost | Boost level | Sets the boost volume1 |
| Boost | Hi/Lo (L/H) toggle | Each mode emphasizes either the high end or low end21 |
| Boost | F/C/T toggle | Selects Fat, Clean or Treble boost modes21 |
The Boost side's second toggle offers three voicings: Fat, Clean and Treble, each providing its own signature sound2. Combined with the Hi/Lo switch, which emphasizes either the high end or the low end in each mode, the Boost side can be shaped to sit behind a lead line or lift a solo without changing the underlying drive tone2.
Using the two sides
The Drive and Boost sides can function independently, so you can run either one alone2. Guitar.com notes it can be used as two discrete units or cascaded for more fluid tones, which is the intended way to stack them1. Pedal of the Day's Mike B found the combination the most rewarding:
"When you click both of these sides on together, that's where this pedal really opens up and comes alive... I loved the s"
As a drive on its own, the reviewer described the Drive side as not a scorching overdrive, by any means, just an excellent tone enhancer and low-mid gain drive2. Players looking for a standalone clean lift in the same maker's range may also consider the Hightop Boost/EQ or the Lenny Color Boost, while the Revolver and Dude cover other drive territory1.
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Questions
Can the Drive and Boost sides be used independently?
Yes. Pedal of the Day's reviewer describes the pedal as two sides, Drive and Boost, which can function independently. Guitar.com's Chris Vinnicombe likewise notes it can be used as two discrete units or cascaded for more fluid tones. Both reviewers found the pedal at its best with both sides engaged together, where they said it really opens up and comes alive.
What do the Fat, Clean and Treble boost modes do?
The Boost side has a toggle switch that selects between three boost modes: Fat, Clean and Treble. Pedal of the Day describes these as three different aspects of your tone, each providing its own signature sound. Fat emphasizes the low end, Clean is a straightforward volume lift, and Treble emphasizes the high end, selected alongside the Hi/Lo toggle.
What does the Hi/Lo switch do on the Allan Holdsworth pedal?
The Hi/Lo switch is a toggle on the Boost side with two modes, each emphasizing either the high end or the low end of your tone. Guitar.com lists it as the L/H toggle alongside the boost level control and the F/C/T toggle that selects the Fat, Clean and Treble modes.
Is the Allan Holdsworth Overdrive/Boost a high-gain pedal?
No. Pedal of the Day's reviewer describes the Drive side as not a scorching overdrive by any means, but an excellent tone enhancer and low-mid gain drive. Guitar.com adds that there is a smoothness that suits modern fusion, and cautions players not to expect Allan Holdsworth in a box overall.
Sources (2)
- J Rockett Audio Designs Pedal Reviews, guitar.com, 2015-07-14
- J.Rockett Audio Designs Allan Holdsworth Overdrive/Boost, Pedal of the Day, 2015-06-25
