The JHS Kilt 10 is an overdrive/distortion pedal built to mark ten years of the JHS Kilt, the Expandora-inspired dirt pedal JHS launched in 2015 with guitarist Stu G. Released in 2025 as a 10 Year Anniversary Special Edition, it keeps the Kilt's core idea, a drive pedal whose clipping character is switched by two small toggles, while updating the clipping circuit for more headroom, a smoother attack, and what JHS calls "a richer, more dynamically useful drive range than ever before"1.
The Kilt line grew out of the Expandora, the pedalboard cult classic that inspired it, and the Kilt's contribution was to bring all of the Expandora's internal switches to the surface as player-facing toggles2,3. Delicious Audio describes the Kilt 10 as covering territory from transparent overdrive to saturated distortion and sputtering fuzz4.
What the Kilt 10 does
The Kilt 10 is a multi-gain dirt pedal: depending on the toggle settings it moves from low-gain crunch through overdrive and distortion to a gated, saturated fuzz. JHS says the updated clipping section delivers more headroom and a smoother attack than the previous version1. Gearnews reported that the new clipping circuit gives a more touch-sensitive feel, greater nuance, and a smoother attack, with slightly more compression and distortion and a bigger sound than the Kilt V25.
The enclosure returns to polished aluminum as a tribute to the original Kilt V1, now paired with classic Expandora-style knobs and an updated Scottish flag-inspired icon1. Guitar World called the result a retooled special edition, and noted a preorder price of $186.75 at Sweetwater as a Black Friday discount6.
The controls
The Kilt 10 has the same basic layout as the Kilt V2 and functions exactly like it7. Guitar Pedal X lists the control set as Volume, Gain, Tone, Bass-Cut/Flat, and the G1 and G2 clipping switches8.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Volume | Output volume; left is less, right is more1 |
| Gain | Drive level; the new knob offers a much more usable range (0-25%) with articulate low-gain textures and no previous "dead zones"5 |
| Tone | Shapes the high end8 |
| Low-Cut toggle | Down is flat EQ; up is the "cut" mode with less bass1 |
| G1 / G2 toggles | Select the clipping character; up to four resistance clipping options1 |
The Low-Cut toggle is the other notable change. JHS says it is now far more amp-friendly, working well across a wider range of amplifiers, including amp modeler pedals and software1. Delicious Audio called it a more pronounced and amp-friendly EQ shift4.
Clipping modes from the G1 and G2 toggles
The two mini toggles work together to give up to four different resistance clipping options by switching resistance values in and out of the circuit's clipping section, the same approach the Kilt V2 uses1,9. JHS describes the four settings:
| G1 | G2 | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Down | Down | Lowest gain setting; MusicRadar calls it "planet low gain... sparkle for your amp"1,2 |
| Up | Down | More overdrive1 |
| Down | Up | More fuzz; acts like a higher gain stage boost, for pushing an amp's front end or stacking with fuzz1 |
| Up | Up | The heaviest gated fuzz the Kilt offers; JHS calls it "that massive wall of saturated British overdrive that made the original famous"1 |
Gearnews adds that the reworked toggles provide a more touch-sensitive playing feel, increased compression, more intense distortion, and a softer attack5. Guitar Pedal X labels the four stages Crunch, Overdrive, Distortion, and Forbidden Fuzz9.
The G2 toggle can also be engaged by a JHS Red Remote1. Guitar Pedal X notes a Red Remote, using a plain TS cable, switches G2 between its Blue and Red settings8. The Red Remote jack is the upper jack on the right side of the pedal, marked with a red washer1.
Power
The Kilt 10 runs on 9V DC and consumes 64mA. JHS's warning is blunt: do not use more than 9VDC, as damage may occur and the warranty will be voided1.
What reviewers said
Guitar Pedal X's Stefan Karlsson reviewed the anniversary edition and found its character had shifted toward JHS's Morning Glory8:
"It's much more in line with the warm and expansive nature of JHS's Morning Glory."8
In Guitar Pedal X's 2025 best-of roundup, the Kilt 10 took a Silver runner-up spot among boost and overdrive pedals. Karlsson called the new version improved in every way over the former V2 model, a really great take on the Expandora and a fantastic upgrade, though he judged it not quite as good as the Decibelics Reverend overall9.
FAQ answers in brief
The Kilt 10 versus the Kilt V2: same layout and function, new clipping circuit with more touch sensitivity, a more usable low-gain range, and the polished aluminum finish5,7. It is a 2025 special edition rather than a standard catalog model1,5. It is Expandora-derived, with the Expandora's internal switches brought to the surface2,3, and its Low-Cut toggle is designed to work with amp modelers as well as real amps1.
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Questions
What is the difference between the Kilt 10 and the Kilt V2?
The Kilt 10 functions like the Kilt V2 and shares its basic layout, but its new clipping circuit is more touch-sensitive with greater nuance, a smoother attack, slightly more compression and distortion, and a bigger sound. The gain knob also has a more usable low range, and the enclosure returns to polished aluminum with Expandora-style knobs.
Can the Red Remote switch the Kilt 10's gain?
Yes. The G2 clipping toggle can be engaged remotely with a JHS Red Remote connected by a plain TS cable, switching G2 between its Blue and Red settings. The Red Remote jack is the upper jack on the right side of the pedal, marked with a red washer.
Is the JHS Kilt 10 a limited edition?
It is a 10 Year Anniversary Special Edition released in 2025, marking ten years since the original Kilt launched in 2015. JHS describes it as a special edition rather than a one-off run, and it was available to order at launch for $249.
Does the Kilt 10 work with amp modelers?
Yes. JHS says the Low-Cut toggle is now far more amp-friendly and works well across a wider range of amplifiers, including amp modeler pedals and software. Gearnews likewise reported the toggle as more compatible with a broader range of amplifiers, including modelers.
Is the Kilt 10 based on the Expandora?
Yes. The Kilt line takes its inspiration from the Expandora, the cult classic pedal, and the Kilt brought the Expandora's internal switches to the surface as toggles. Guitar Pedal X described the Kilt 10 as a much-improved Expandora take over the original compact Kilt.
Sources (9)
- KILT 10 - JHS Pedals, JHS Pedals
- In 2015, JHS Pedals released what it called the “ultimate dirt pedal”, MusicRadar, 2025-11-26
- KILT V2 - JHS Pedals, JHS Pedals
- New Pedal: JHS Kilt 10 Overdrive, Delicious Audio, 2025-11-26
- JHS Pedals Kilt 10: Expanding The Expandora, gearnews.com, 2025-11-26
- JHS Pedals retools the underrated Kilt distortion, Guitar World, 2025-11-26
- JHS Pedals The Kilt 10 Overdrive Distortion, Pedal of the Day, 2025-11-25
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2025-11-28
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2025-12-04
