The Jeds Peds Nepotist is a DIY guitar effects pedal kit for an overdrive, and the maker is upfront about its lineage: "At its heart, its a tubescreamer, sorry!"1 Jeds Peds describes it as "a nice tube like overdrive"1, and adds its own twists on the familiar circuit: "charge pumped with clipping options and a modified tone control which claims 3D Clarity!"1 For players who know the Tube Screamer family, that puts the Nepotist alongside pedals like the DemonFx Tube Screamer, an overdrive and booster pedal in the same tradition1. If you want to hear how Tube Screamer-style circuits differ from each other, the Boss SD-1 vs Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer comparison covers the two best-known originals, and the Overdrive Pedals page sets the type in context.
What the Nepotist does
Jeds Peds positions the Nepotist as a Tube Screamer-style overdrive with modifications. The charge pumped circuit and selectable clipping options give a builder choices over how the pedal clips the signal, and the modified tone control is what the maker says "claims 3D Clarity!"1 The maker also says the kit "compares to the EQD Plumes OD"1, another take on the same circuit family. Jeds Peds is careful to add that "There is no endorsement or approval from any manufacturer and this information is for comparison only."1
Kit options
The Nepotist is sold in four stages, so a builder can take on as much or as little of the work as they like1:
| Option | What you get |
|---|---|
| PCB Only | Just the plain PCB |
| PCB & Components | PCB, onboard components and any pots and toggle switches |
| PCB & Components and off board parts | As above with off board components (foot switch, Jacks, 9v socket, LED) |
| Full Kit & Drilling | Full kit with drilled enclosure |
Drilling is also available as an optional extra with a small surcharge, and "Drilling includes all the holes for a complete pedal."1
Knobs are not included in any option. Jeds Peds says "You will need 3 knobs for this kit. I suggest you get medum sized."1 The Pre Built Option is also supplied without knobs: "This gets you a pre built kit, with no knobs."1
Building it, or buying it built
On difficulty, the maker says: "The kit isnt very tricky to put together and is a below medium above easy in difficulty."1 That places it as a moderate first-or-second build rather than a demanding one. The finished board "fits inside the JP125B enclosure" and, in the maker's words, "it gives you a nice neat finish in the JP125B enclosure it fits inside"1.
If you would rather not solder it yourself, the Pre Built Option gets you an assembled pedal, with a 1 to 4 week build time1. Two things to know before ordering one:
- Jeds Peds offers a 12 month warranty on pre built items: "We do offer a 12 month warranty though so if it develops a fault then please get in touch."1
- Returns are not accepted on pre built items: "I do not accept returns on pre built items so please consider that before you order."1
Where the Nepotist sits in the Jeds Peds range
The Nepotist is one of several kits from the maker, including the Jeds Peds Weighty, Jeds Peds Symbolisation, Jeds Peds Dowager, Jeds Peds Zendaya kit and Jeds Peds Plexi. Its Tube Screamer basis puts it in the overdrive lane, distinct from Distortion Pedals and Fuzz Pedals, which clip the signal harder in different ways1.
Questions
What pedal is the Jeds Peds Nepotist based on?
Jeds Peds says the Nepotist is a Tube Screamer-based overdrive. The maker's own product page puts it plainly: "At its heart, its a tubescreamer". It adds its own touches, including a charge pumped circuit with clipping options and a modified tone control that Jeds Peds says claims 3D Clarity. The maker notes there is no endorsement or approval from any manufacturer and the comparison information is for reference only.
How hard is the Nepotist kit to build?
Jeds Peds describes the Nepotist as "a below medium above easy in difficulty", so it is not a difficult build. If soldering a kit is more than you want to take on, the maker also sells a Pre Built Option, which arrives assembled but without knobs, and carries a 1 to 4 week build time.
Does the Nepotist kit come with knobs?
No. Jeds Peds says you will need 3 knobs for the kit and suggests medium sized ones. The Pre Built Option is also supplied with no knobs, so whichever way you buy it, knobs are a separate purchase.
What enclosure does the Nepotist fit in?
Jeds Peds says the Nepotist fits inside the JP125B enclosure, which the maker says gives a nice neat finish. If you buy the Full Kit & Drilling option, drilling includes all the holes for a complete pedal, and it is available as an optional extra with a small surcharge.
Is there a warranty on pre-built Jeds Peds pedals?
Yes. Jeds Peds offers a 12 month warranty on pre built items, so if the pedal develops a fault the maker asks you to get in touch. Note that the maker does not accept returns on pre built items, something Jeds Peds asks buyers to consider before ordering.
Sources (1)
- Nepotist, Jeds Peds
