The Jeds Peds Dowager is a DIY guitar effects pedal kit, an "Amp in a Box" overdrive that Jeds Peds says "emulates the same great tones as the Victory V40 Duchess"1. In other words, it is built to put the character of that British amp in front of your own amp, in pedal form. Jeds Peds describes its sound as warm and dynamic, suited to blues and rock1. If you would rather buy than build, the maker also sells a pre-built version.
What the Dowager is
The Dowager belongs to the "Amp in a Box" family of overdrives: pedals designed to reproduce the response and tonality of a specific amplifier rather than simply add gain. Here the reference is the Victory V40 Duchess. As an overdrive, it sits among the overdrive pedals that push an amp or add grit of their own, and its three-band EQ gives it more tone shaping than the usual single tone knob1.
Jeds Peds sums up the intent behind the pedal in its own words:
"With its warm and dynamic sound, the Dowager overdrive kit is sure to become a go-to part of your rig."
Kit versions and what you get
The Dowager is sold in four versions, so you can choose how much of the build work you take on1:
- PCB Only: just the plain PCB
- PCB & Components: the board plus the parts to populate it
- Full Kit: everything needed to build the pedal
- Full Kit & Drilling: the full kit with the 125B enclosure drilled
The board is spaced for PCB mounted pots, which simplifies wiring the controls during the build1. The pedal is housed in a 125B enclosure, and drilled kits come with side jacks1.
Jeds Peds does not accept returns on pre-built items, and asks buyers to consider that before ordering. Pre-built items do carry a 12 month warranty, so if one develops a fault the maker asks you to get in touch1.
Questions
What enclosure does the Jeds Peds Dowager use?
The Dowager is housed in a 125B enclosure. Jeds Peds notes that drilled kits have side jacks, so the enclosure is prepared with the input and output sockets on the sides rather than the top. If you buy the PCB only or a version without drilling, you would source and drill your own enclosure.
Can you buy the Jeds Peds Dowager pre-built?
Yes. Alongside the kit versions, Jeds Peds offers a pre-built option at £60.00. Pre-built items carry a 12 month warranty, but Jeds Peds does not accept returns on them, which the maker asks buyers to consider before ordering.
Does the Dowager have an EQ?
Yes. The Dowager includes a three-band EQ, which Jeds Peds says allows you to shape your sound with ease. That is more tonal control than many overdrive pedals offer, fitting its role as an 'Amp in a Box' design based on the Victory V40 Duchess.
Sources (1)
- Dowager | DIY Guitar Effects Pedal Kits, Jeds Peds (jedspeds.co.uk)