The Jeds Peds Harolds is an overdrive pedal built around JFET transistors, sold by the UK maker as a DIY kit or as a pre-built unit. Jeds Peds describes it as "a unique Jfet laden overdrive with a Sag control", and at full voltage the maker calls it "an awesome in your face high gain tone machine". The versatility, in the maker's words, comes from adjusting the Sag, Gain and Volume controls together1.
How the Sag control works
The Sag control is the pedal's defining feature. "Adjusting the sag starves the Jfets of the voltage they need to run therefore affecting the drive and overall output", according to Jeds Peds. In practice the control runs from full volts down to a starved setting, so the same circuit covers everything from the maker's high gain voice at full voltage to progressively starved, lower output sounds1.
The other two controls are Volume and Gain, which work alongside Sag: the maker points to adjusting all three together as where the pedal's range comes from1.
Circuit and enclosure
The circuit calls for JFETs, and because through-hole JFETs have become hard to source, the PCB also includes pads for surface mount components. The maker's note on this is blunt: "the world is casually running out of thru hole fets"1.
The kit fits a JP1590b enclosure, the standard compact box format. Jeds Peds rates it as suitable to an intermediate level builder, so it is not pitched at a complete first-timer1.
The maker describes the Harolds as a kit that "compares to Fairfield Barbershop". This is a comparison only, with no endorsement implied1.
Kit versions and buying
Jeds Peds sells the Harolds in six versions, from a bare board to a fully built pedal1:
- PCB Only: just the plain PCB
- PCB & Components
- PCB & Components and off board parts
- Full Kit
- Full Kit & Drilling
- Pre Built Kit
The pre-built version is listed at £38.00 GBP. Pre-built kits have a 1 to 4 week build time, returns are not accepted, and they carry a 12 month repair warranty1.
If you are weighing the Harolds against ready-made drives, the overdrive pedal type page covers the wider field, and the Boss SD-1 vs Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer comparison looks at two common reference points. Other Jeds Peds builds covered on this site include the Weighty, Nepotist and Plexi.
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Questions
What does the Sag control do on the Harolds?
Adjusting the Sag starves the JFETs of the voltage they need to run, which affects the drive and the overall output. The control runs from full volts down to a starved setting, so the pedal can go from a high gain voice at full voltage to progressively more compressed and lower output sounds as the voltage is reduced.
Is the Harolds based on the Fairfield Barbershop?
Jeds Peds describes the Harolds as a kit that compares to the Fairfield Barbershop. The maker presents this as a comparison only, not an endorsement, so it is best read as a point of reference for the circuit's character rather than a claim of official affiliation.
What enclosure does the Harolds fit?
The kit fits a JP1590b enclosure, which is Jeds Peds' version of the standard 1590B format used for many compact effects pedals.
Is the Harolds suitable for a first-time builder?
Jeds Peds rates the Harolds as suitable for an intermediate level builder, so a complete beginner may want to build experience with simpler kits first.
What is the warranty on a pre-built Harolds?
Pre-built kits carry a 12 month repair warranty. Returns are not accepted, and a pre-built unit has a 1 to 4 week build time before it ships.
What kit versions of the Harolds are offered?
Jeds Peds offers the Harolds as a PCB only, PCB and components, PCB and components with off board parts, a full kit, a full kit with drilling, and a pre-built kit.
Sources (1)
- Harolds | DIY Guitar Effects Pedal Kits, Jeds Peds
