The Korg NuTekt OD-S Overdrive Kit is a self-assembly overdrive pedal, sold as a kit you build yourself. It is part of Korg's Nu:Tekt range of build-it-yourself pedals. The kit carries a list price of $249.99 USD1, and the finished pedal provides an input and an output socket1.
Building it: no soldering required
The Nu:Tekt concept is that you build the pedal yourself, and the kit is priced accordingly at $249.99 USD1. Once assembled, the pedal offers an input and an output socket1, the standard connections for placing it in your signal chain.
Controls and the internal Wide switch
The front panel carries Volume, Tone, Tube Gain and Gain, and inside the pedal there is a Wide switch1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Volume | Output level1 |
| Tone | Tone shaping1 |
| Tube Gain | Sets the amount of Nutube warmth and breakup1 |
| Gain | Overdrive gain1 |
| Wide Switch (internal) | Turn it off for a more cutting character1 |
The Tube Gain control was what Guitar World's reviewer found most intriguing in an otherwise straightforward set of controls: dialled low it adds subtle warmth for rhythm playing, and pushed further it produces breakup for leads that sounds valve-like1. The internal Wide switch, off by default in character, tightens things up: turning it off gives a more cutting sound1.
The Nutube 6P1
The OD-S is Korg's kit-form overdrive, sold for self-assembly at a list price of $249.99 USD1. Its connections are an input and an output socket1, and it takes its place in Korg's Nu:Tekt family of build-it-yourself pedals.
What reviewers said
Guitar World's verdict on the finished pedal was positive on sound, with a caveat on price: "It's expensive, but this Nutube-equipped overdrive sounds uncannily like a good, gained-up amp channel."1 The reviewer found clarity and articulation with an easy-to-dial, versatile character1.
Related Korg pedals
Korg's Nu:Tekt line centers on build-it-yourself pedals like this kit, the Korg Nu:Tekt OD-S Overdrive Kit, listed at $249.99 USD1. For a wider look at the effect type, see the site's guide to overdrive pedals.
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Questions
Do you need to solder to build the Korg Nu:Tekt OD-S?
No. Guitar World's reviewer described the kit as easy to assemble with no soldering required, and satisfying to build. The Nu:Tekt range was designed so anyone can put together their own overdrive pedal without soldering tools or experience, which is what set it apart from traditional DIY pedal kits.
What tube does the Nu:Tekt OD-S use?
The OD-S uses Korg's Nutube 6P1, an analogue triode vacuum tube in a miniature format. Guitar World's reviewer credited the Nutube for the pedal's harmonic detail, and found the finished overdrive sounded uncannily like a good, gained-up amp channel.
Is the Nu:Tekt OD-S true bypass?
Yes. Guitar World's review lists the pedal as true bypass, so when it is switched off your guitar's signal passes through without the circuit loading it.
What power supply does the Korg OD-S need?
The OD-S runs on a 9V DC supply, as listed in Guitar World's review. As with most compact pedals, a standard centre-negative 9V DC adapter is the usual option, and the pedal has no battery compartment mentioned in the review.
Sources (1)
- Korg Nu-Tekt OD-S Overdrive Kit review, Guitar World, 2020-06-12
