The KHDK Electronics JSL is a signature stompbox for Scott Ian of Anthrax that puts two effects in one enclosure: a boost section and an amp-style preamp section. Announced in January 2022, it was a redesigned take on Ian's earlier KHDK SGT D signature pedal, built for players chasing his rhythm tone. It shipped as a limited edition of 333 units and is now sold out on KHDK's own product page, which lists it as the "Scott Ian JSL [SOLD OUT] Amp-and-Boost in ZERO G package"12.
A boost and an amp section in one pedal
The JSL contains both a boost section and an amp section, each with its own set of controls3. MusicRadar described it as "a two-in-one pedal with Boost and Amp sections"2. Each section has channel-specific controls, and KHDK calls the pedal's right-hand switch "game-changing"3.
The two halves are laid out like this:
The amp section works as a preamp in a pedal, so a player can run it into a power amp, a clean channel, or a flat-sounding rig to get Ian's amp voicing without carrying an amp head. The boost section has a specific lineage: it is modeled after a booster pedal Ian used during his early Anthrax and S.O.D. days, and it operates as a pre-distortion EQ control, shaping the signal before it hits distortion. MusicRadar identified that circuit as the TC Electronic Booster Distortion, calling it an "iconic booster pedal" Scott used in the early days of Anthrax and S.O.D2.
The boost side is not just a sub-function of the amp section. It sits on its own separate circuit board, so it can be used as a standalone effect on its own3. That gives a player three practical arrangements: boost alone, amp alone, or both stacked.
Scott Ian and the limited run
The JSL is the latest KHDK Electronics signature pedal for Anthrax's Scott Ian3. It was inspired by the now long sold-out Sgt D pedal from 2020, but revamped, redesigned and made more metal3. KHDK's own words on the redesign:
"We went back to the drawing board and redesigned the circuit to give you even more clarity and metal."
The SGT D, released in December 2020, was itself a limited-run boost/preamp pedal co-designed with Ian. Guitar World reported that after a few prototypes and reworks, the SGT D saw the light of day, and that Scott Ian was closely involved throughout the development process4. MusicRadar later described it as one of KHDK's limited edition stompboxes for Anthrax's Scott Ian5.
The JSL carried that limited-edition approach forward. It was limited to just 333 units worldwide, each with a certificate signed by Scott Ian3. MusicRadar noted the "Zero G package" as another limited edition, with just 333 made2. Units shipped from January 2022 and could be ordered directly from the KHDK site3.
The JSL is sold out, per KHDK's product page1. The earlier Sgt D also sold out, so both of Ian's KHDK signature pedals are no longer in production.
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Questions
How many KHDK JSL pedals were made?
The JSL was a limited edition in KHDK's Zero G package, limited to 333 units worldwide. Each pedal came with a certificate signed by Scott Ian. The pedal is now listed as sold out on KHDK's own product page.
How much did the KHDK JSL cost?
The JSL carried a list price of USD 249.99 when it was announced in January 2022, a figure reported by both gearnews.com and MusicRadar. It was sold directly from the KHDK Electronics site, with units shipping from January 2022.
Can the JSL boost section be used on its own?
Yes. According to gearnews.com, the boost side of the JSL works as a standalone effect because it sits on its own separate circuit board. That means a player can run the boost alone, the amp section alone, or both together.
How is the JSL different from the Sgt D?
The JSL is a redesigned take on the Sgt D, Ian's earlier KHDK signature pedal from 2020. KHDK said it went back to the drawing board and redesigned the circuit to give the JSL even more clarity and metal. The Sgt D was a limited run of 250 units that sold out at launch.
Who is the KHDK JSL designed for?
It is a signature pedal built around the sound and rig of Scott Ian, guitarist for Anthrax and S.O.D. The boost section is modelled after a booster pedal Ian used in his early days with those bands, operating as a pre-distortion EQ, and the amp section carries his amp-style voicing.
Sources (5)
- In Waves Trivium limited clean boost pedal by KHDK, KHDK Electronics
- The new effects pedals you need to be stomping in 2022, MusicRadar, 2022-01-29
- KHDK Electronics and Scott Ian team up for new JSL pedal: more metal and clarity, gearnews.com, 2022-01-04
- KHDK Electronics partners with Scott Ian for SGT D boost/preamp pedal, Guitar World, 2020-12-07
- KHDK teams up with Brian Posehn and Fall Out Boy's Joe Trohman for an NSFW “Dickstortion“ pedal, My Big Fatt Rawk, MusicRadar, 2021-04-13
