The Jeds Peds Lead Channel is a boost pedal kit with a twist: a master volume placed after the boost stage. The maker describes the point of that arrangement plainly: "This version has a master volume after the boost so you can saturate the boost and turn it down as well." In practice that means you can push the boost into its own saturation and then use the master volume to set the level going to the rest of your chain, rather than the boost simply making everything louder. It sits in the wider family of boost pedals, and Jeds Peds also makes other kit-based pedals such as the Jeds Peds D2O and the Jeds Peds Treble Boost kit1.
Versions and what you get
The Lead Channel is sold in four versions, so you can buy as much or as little of the build as you want1:
| Version | What it includes |
|---|---|
| PCB Only | Just the plain PCB |
| PCB & Components | The PCB with its components |
| Full Kit | As above, with an undrilled JP1590B enclosure and off board components (foot switch, jacks, 9V, LED) |
| Full Kit & Drilling | The full kit with a drilled enclosure |
Drilling is an optional extra for the Full Kit rather than a separate product: there is a small surcharge for it, and it includes all the holes needed for a complete pedal1. If you would rather not pick up a drill at all, the Full Kit & Drilling version arrives with the enclosure already drilled1.
Pre built kits have a 1 to 4 week build time, so order with that lead time in mind if you need the pedal by a particular date1.
Controls and the crackle
The circuit's defining control is the master volume that sits after the boost, which lets you saturate the boost and then turn the overall level down1. One thing to expect when using it: the maker notes that "There is a mildly audible crackle when you turn the potentiometer. This is normal." So if you hear a light crackle as you sweep the pot, that is the circuit behaving as designed, not a sign of a dirty or failing control1.
Where the circuit comes from
Jeds Peds positions the Lead Channel against a known reference: "This kit compares to the Channel Two by Zvex." The maker presents this as a comparison only, with no endorsement, so it is a useful pointer for players who know the Zvex Channel Two and want a sense of the territory this circuit covers, rather than a claim of any official relationship between the two makers1.
Questions
Is the Jeds Peds Lead Channel a kit?
Yes. Jeds Peds sells the Lead Channel in kit form, with four versions: PCB Only, PCB & Components, Full Kit, and Full Kit & Drilling. The Full Kit adds an undrilled enclosure and the off board components, including the foot switch, jacks, 9V connection and LED. Pre built kits have a 1 to 4 week build time.
How much is the Jeds Peds Lead Channel?
The maker's product page lists the Lead Channel at £26.00 GBP as of 26 October 2026. Drilling is an optional extra for the Full Kit and carries a small surcharge on top of the kit price.
What does the Full Kit include?
The Full Kit includes everything in the lower versions plus an undrilled JP1590B enclosure and the off board components: the foot switch, jacks, 9V connection and LED. If you want the enclosure drilled, the Full Kit & Drilling version is the full kit with a drilled enclosure.
Is the Lead Channel similar to the Zvex Channel Two?
Jeds Peds says the kit compares to the Channel Two by Zvex. The maker presents this as a comparison only, not an endorsement, so it is a point of reference for the circuit rather than a claim of any official connection.
Is a crackle when turning the pot normal?
Yes. The maker states that there is a mildly audible crackle when you turn the potentiometer, and that this is normal for the circuit. It is not a fault.
Can the enclosure come drilled?
Yes. Drilling is an optional extra for the Full Kit, with a small surcharge, and it includes all the holes needed for a complete pedal. The Full Kit & Drilling version is the full kit with the enclosure already drilled.
Sources (1)
- Lead Channel, Jeds Peds (jedspeds.co.uk)
