The pedal's name and concept come from a real place: Pedal of the Day reports it was built as a tip-of-the-hat to a small, semi-rough music venue in Bakersfield, CA, that opened in 1951, aptly named The Blackboard1.
Controls and sound
The pedal has five knobs: Level, Blend, Drive, Treble, and Bass2. The Blend control is the notable one for players comparing overdrives. Gearnews explains that "having the clean blend allows players to dial in more of the guitar signal unaffected by drive"2. That means you can keep your dry guitar sound, including its low end and attack, in the mix alongside the driven signal, which is especially useful at higher Drive settings where a straight overdrive can thin out.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Level | Sets the output volume |
| Drive | Sets the amount of overdrive |
| Blend | Mixes in more of the clean, undriven guitar signal2 |
| Treble | Adjusts high frequencies |
| Bass | Adjusts low frequencies |
The circuit uses soft clipping, the smoother clipping style associated with many classic overdrives rather than the harder edge of a distortion or fuzz. Gearnews says the soft-clipping circuit gives it "a great feel that responds to your playing"2.
On its character, Pedal of the Day's reviewer wrote:
"This pedal mimics that of a Tele that stays clear and articulate, but picks up some dirt and push when you dig in."1
Power and connections
The Blackboard Outlaw runs from an external power supply only; Gearnews states it "will only run from an external power supply," so there is no battery option2. It is a true bypass design, meaning the signal passes through untouched when the pedal is off2.
No battery option: you will need a pedalboard power supply with a free output for this one2.
What reviewers said
Pedal of the Day reviewed the pedal on its release and summed it up as1:
"a gritty but smooth beast with a great backstory and killer tones throughout"1
The same reviewer noted its deliberately simple layout, describing it among "pedals with a simple control layout and no switches or extras of any kind"1. For players who want an overdrive without mode switches, toggles or extra footswitches, that simplicity is the point: five knobs, one sound, and a clean blend to shape it.
Videos
David Jones Music
Pedal of the Day
Questions
Is the Jade Electric Pedals Blackboard Outlaw Overdrive true bypass?
Yes. Gearnews reports that the Blackboard Outlaw Overdrive is a true bypass design, so when it is switched off the guitar signal passes through without the pedal's circuitry in the path.
Does the Blackboard Outlaw Overdrive take a battery?
No. According to Gearnews, the pedal will only run from an external power supply, so there is no battery option. Players building a pedalboard should plan for a power supply with a free output for it.
What does the Blend knob do on the Blackboard Outlaw?
The Blend control is a clean blend. Gearnews explains that it lets players dial in more of the guitar signal unaffected by drive, mixing your untouched clean sound with the overdriven signal. This keeps low end and clarity intact at higher drive settings.
How much does the Blackboard Outlaw Overdrive cost?
The Blackboard Outlaw Overdrive costs $175.00, as reported by Gearnews on 20 October 2026, and is available directly from Jade Electric Pedals' site.
Is the Blackboard Outlaw a soft-clipping overdrive?
Yes. Gearnews describes it as having a soft-clipping circuit, which they say gives it a great feel that responds to your playing. Soft clipping is the smoother, more gradual clipping style associated with many classic overdrive pedals.
Sources (2)
- Jade Electric Pedals The BlackBoard Outlaw Overdrive, Pedal of the Day, 2026-10-09
- Guitar Journal: Overdrive 11, OCD'Lux & Blackboard Outlaw Overdrives, gearnews.com, 2026-10-20