The Sunn Model T Overdrive from Kenny B Pedals in Winnipeg, Canada, is an overdrive pedal based on the legendary Sunn Model T amp of the same name1. The Model T is a vintage amp that Pedal of the Day describes as a classic in the heavy/stoner genre, known for being loud, having thick, killer overdrive, taking pedals well and producing warm, natural and organic bass tones2. The pedal aims to put that amp's gain character on a board, and Pedal of the Day's reviewer was thankful to be able to get close to that sound for around 100 bucks USD as of the May 2019 review1.
The controls: two channels, three-band EQ and master
The pedal carries the Model T's channel layout into pedal format. There are two separate channels to choose from, Normal and Brite, and each channel has its own gain control, using JFETs instead of tubes1. A three-band EQ section follows, with controls for Treble, Mids and Bass, and a Master volume control sets the overall output1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Normal gain | Gain control for the Normal channel, JFET-based1 |
| Brite gain | Gain control for the Brite channel, JFET-based1 |
| Treble | Three-band EQ treble control1 |
| Mids | Three-band EQ mid control1 |
| Bass | Three-band EQ bass control1 |
| Master | Sets the overall output1 |
| Channel toggle | Selects Normal, Brite, or both at the same time1 |
The channel toggle is where much of the pedal's range sits. As Pedal of the Day put it1:
"This opens up the overdriven possibilities immensely, with different tones coming from each setting and the placement of the parameter knobs."
How it sounds at high gain
The pedal's character changes with the gain knobs. Pedal of the Day found that it roars into action once the gains are cranked past about 2 o'clock, with fuzzy elements coming alive around 3:00. The reviewer added that "the fuzzy elements that come alive around 3:00 are what really make this thing sparkle, as the original amps are also known to do"1. That places the pedal's top end of its gain range closer to fuzz territory than a clean boost, which is consistent with how the Model T amp itself is described12.
Videos
Pedal of the Day
Jay's World Of Magic & Mystery
Mark London
Questions
Does the Sunn Model T Overdrive use tubes?
No. Each channel's gain control uses JFETs instead of tubes, according to Pedal of the Day's review. JFETs are transistors that can be arranged to behave in a tube-like way, which is how the pedal gets its amp-style overdrive in a compact pedal format without any tube warm-up, tube replacement or high plate voltages.
Can both channels be used at the same time?
Yes. A toggle switch lets you select the Normal channel, the Brite channel, or both at the same time. Pedal of the Day noted that this opens up the overdriven possibilities immensely, with different tones coming from each setting and the placement of the parameter knobs.
What amp is the Kenny B Sunn Model T Overdrive based on?
It is based on the Sunn Model T, the vintage amp of the same name. Pedal of the Day describes the Model T as a classic in the heavy and stoner genre, known for being loud with thick overdrive, taking pedals well and producing warm, natural and organic bass tones.
How much does the Kenny B Sunn Model T Overdrive cost?
Pedal of the Day's 2019 review put the price at around 100 bucks USD, in the context of getting close to the Model T amp's sound for that money. Prices can change over time, so the current figure may differ.
Where does the fuzzy character come in on the gain knobs?
Pedal of the Day found that the pedal roars into action once the gains are cranked past about 2 o'clock, with fuzzy elements coming alive around 3:00 on the knobs. The reviewer noted that the original Model T amps are also known to do this, so the fuzz at the top of the gain range is part of the amp's character.
Sources (2)
- Kenny B Pedals Sunn Model T Overdrive, Pedal of the Day, 2019-05-25
- Electronic Audio Experiments Model feT Preamp, Pedal of the Day, 2020-02-06
